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Juergen Roth – Interview With The Photographer
www.juergenrothphotography.com
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When did you first become interested in art, in general?
In 7th or 8th grade I started enjoying the art classes in school. Once I did a pencil drawing that I was very pleased with and had high hopes for. The teacher didn’t feel the same and graded me quite badly. That kind of put a damper on things and I preferred to play soccer for the rest of my childhood and young adulthood.
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When did you first become interested in photography, specifically?
At around 19 or 20 I kind of “stole” my Dad’s camera. He wasn’t using it regulary and it was just sitting there. I started taking it more and more until finally I was able to call it my own. It was a pretty fancy Pentax and did a fine job taking photographs. A couple years later I moved from a small town near Cologne to West Berlin. Berlin was hip and wild. The art scene was and still is very remarkable and I very much enjoyed it for my 10 year stay in Berlin.
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In what other forms of art do you also work, if any?
I am sometimes drawn to painting but with little to no talent I have a hard time really pursuing it. Photography comes somewhat easier.
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On which style(s) of photography do you specialize?
I consider myself a nature photographer and in particular like flowers and landscapes. I could see myself getting into wildlife photography as well. In my New York City gallery on my website at www.juergenrothphotography.com I have selection of interesting New York City photographs that I took in 2000 … 900 photographs in 3 days. I hope I snap back into that mood at one of my NYC visits … It was a riot!
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Has your style changed from when you first began? If so, why?
Over the years my style changed dramatically. I taught myself basic photography skills and developed my techniques, compositions, use of colors and light further so I can most effectively strive for the best photograph possible at the time.
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What kind of equipment do you use (film, digital, cameras, lenses, PC, etc.)?
Three years ago I gave up on my Canon film camera and joined the digital armada. I still use canon equipment solely and my film prints are now digitalized.
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What made you choose that equipment?
It fit my wallet at the time and just felt right in my hands. When asked for advice I always recommend picking up a camera in a store and take some test shots. Also try the camera with different lenses. Then choose the camera that feels right for you … almost like buying running shoes … but that’s a different topic!
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How do you choose what you’re going to photograph?
When you look at my photographs you immediately see that vibrant colors attract me the most. Flowers come in quite handy for that. I also like to photograph landscapes which I combine with hiking. Living in New England provides me with great fall foliage and color later in the year. Fantastic nature is at my doorstep year round.
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What kind of editing do you perform on your photographs, if any?
Using my gear to the fullest I aim to take photos right the first time with my gear and not sit long hours in front of the computer. I have to admit though that I am not very proficient in photoshop. Usually I perform basic editing for post processing … always little color saturation and sharpening, sometimes minor contrast and level adjustments. Cropping is only performed on customer’s request … 5 minutes per photograph the most.
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How much time (on average) does it take to complete a work?
This is hard to tell because sometimes you drive out to the mountains, hike for hours, set up and compose a shot, wait for the right light and finely pull the trigger to capture the scene or fold and try to do it all over again the next day. On the other extreme I like to explore local wildlife sanctuaries, parks and gardens. These are usually close to my house and I basically fall out of bed, drive over and start photographing.
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How do you know when a piece is finished? Is it easy to walk away?
I always aim to capture the best photograph in the field using filters and other aids. That leaves me with as little post processing as possible. In today’s digital world it is much easier to know if you captured a pleasing and beautiful photograph or not. Simply check the image and histogram on the camera screen … re-take the image if required or off you are for your next location.
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What do you do to overcome a ‘block’?
Taking a break for while is one option. Sometimes I force myself back into it and get going this way. Changing the scene or setting always helps and inspires … gives your photography new life. I once created a project to go to a local wildlife sanctuary for an entire year to capture its often overlooked beauty and overcame low motivation that way.
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How well do you take criticism and how do you make use of it?
Usually people like my photographs and respond positively to them.
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Who is your favorite photographer?
I admire the great works of Ansel Adams and Clyde Butcher in B&W and Art Wolfe for his incredible color landscapes, wildlife and travel photography. Tony Sweet is a great flower photographer.
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Which one of your photographs is your favorite?
Usually the latest becomes the greatest and immediately turns into one of my favorite. All time favorites are “Sudbury River” and the misty birch trees in the Boston Arnold Arboretum. I am very happy and proud of my rose and tulip photographs.
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Have you exhibited any of your work in galleries?
I exhibited in art galleries in Berlin, Germany and nowadays in the Boston area. Most recently three of my rose photographs were shown in a juried art contest at the Brookline Arts Center.
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Will your work be included at any upcoming contests or galleries? If so, where and when?
I am always on the hunt to showcase my photographs. In the end of the year I will display 10-15 pieces in Brookline. I entered the best of photography contest for the third time. Twice I made it as a finalist from up to 15, 000 entries. The finalists are published in the best of photography book each year … I hope to make it again. Let me know if you hear about anything suitable to my photography.
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What are your plans for the future?
Sign up for my Newsletter at www.juergenrothphotography.com to keep track of me and meet me at one of my art events. Photography wise I will keep exploring the beauty of New England. This year I will capture parts of Cape Cod. I also have plans to go back to the White Mountains year round … lots of hiking and photography on the way. In addition I am looking into Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park for fall photography. Florida everglades may become an option in the winter. Next year I am planning a trip to Europe … probably Italy, France or Spain … checking in with my family near Cologne is a must! I am thinking about a blog and publishing a book.
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What advice do you have for budding photographers?
Keep chasing the light and strive for your best photographs to capture these marvelous moments.
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Have you done any courses to help you?
No. I am a self taught photographer. Recently I found these great reads by Tim Fitzharris. I highly recommend them if you are interested in nature and landscape photography.
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What do you do to market your work?
FineArtAmerica
Besides Fine Art America I am attending art fairs and local events, exhibit in galleries.
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Do you use social networking in your day to day life?
Currently I am only present at Fine Art America and on facebook at Juergen Roth Photography
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Are you available for work (commissions)?
Yes.
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Have you got hobbies?
I like to run and run long. This year I devoted myself to the Boston marathon and in November I was accepted into the New York marathon. To make it round I will have to finish the other masters as well … five altogether: London, Chicago and Berlin are on my list after NYC.
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Where are you based?
I am located in Brookline near Boston, Massachusetts
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If you do the london Marathon I will have to try and get down there to meet you! Thank you so much for the great interview 
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