Contact

Bert Meyer - Studio
+49 (0) 163 6300 914
studio@bertmeyer.photography
Patrizia Russo - Contact
+49 (0) 170 799 1735

English I Français I Deutsch​​​​​​​

Documentary Photography as a Craft of Reality - Why images grounded in truth are gaining importance

For me, documentary photography is a form of reliable observation – one that shows people and situations as they truly are. In a world shaped by quick images, filters, and artificial staging, it offers a way to look more closely. I work with the conviction that real images have impact – not because they are loud, but because they are honest. This kind of photography is based on encounters, attention, and respect for the people at its center.

Especially in public communication, documentary photography is becoming increasingly relevant. It conveys meaning where words alone are not enough and helps organizations (1) make their work comprehensible. Those who want to make projects, responsibility, or cohesion visible need images that go beyond mere symbolism. My aim is to make real lives visible – clearly, respectfully, and without clichés or dramatization.

Again and again, I witness how authentic visual documentation builds trust – in social, cultural, or civic contexts. It opens conversations, makes developments understandable, and reveals what is often overlooked. This is not about activism, but about perception. I work with a focus on reality, a clear structure, and a sense of proportion. My goal is to document context and make it visually accessible – in reports, projects, or exhibitions.

Reliability, legal care, and the protection of those depicted are self-evident to me. I clarify image usage rights transparently and obtain consent wherever necessary. This ensures that the images I create not only resonate but endure. For me, documentary photography is a contribution to a factual, open public discourse – without exaggeration, but with the intention to see clearly.

My photo project "Raum für Begegnung" (Room for Encounter) has not only developed over time – it has unfolded, evolving from a simple idea into a layered narrative. It grew out of a desire to make genuine connection visible: between people, between lived experiences, and between public space and personal expression. This project exemplifies how I work – openly, curiously, and closely connected to the people I photograph. Perhaps your story, too, begins with an encounter.

I’m glad you’re here! If you’re interested in developing a photographic project and would like to explore ideas together – feel free to get in touch. I personally respond to every message in a timely manner. Whether you're working on a corporate initiative, development project, cultural program, or social cause – I’d love to hear about it. Together, we’ll develop a visual language that conveys your message in an authentic and sustainable way.

To help me understand your inquiry as clearly as possible, I invite you to consider a few questions before filling out the contact form: What is the goal of your project, and what do you want the images to achieve? Why is the topic important to you, what story or message do you want to tell, and who is your target audience? Think also about whom you want to reach with the visuals and how they will be used – for example, on a website, in a report, or as part of an exhibition. Do you already have a timeframe or a budget? And what seems realistic and achievable under the given circumstances? The clearer your vision, the better I can assess whether – and how – I can support you: with photographic documentation, strategic consultation, or a custom-made concept.