Michael Fischer Photography
The Story of Light

It's a kind of Magic
Welcome to my world of photography.
I am an internationally renowned portrait and commercial advertising photographer, based in Essen, Germany, but with a global reach.
Here, you'll find a selection of both commissioned work and personal projects, offering a glimpse into my diverse creative journey. While portrait photography is my foundation, I’m deeply fascinated by the mental exploration of landscape photography, always seeking to discover new perspectives and capture the essence of each scene.
For me, photography is an intricate dance between craftsmanship and artistry. It's that delicate balance, when both elements merge into a perfect harmony, that creates the magic of a truly great photograph. The thrill of capturing that moment is what fuels my passion—yes, I might just call myself a photo addict!
Please, feel free to browse through my work and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Enjoy the journey!
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My NEW EXHIBITION "Local Heroes - Stories of the Neighbourhood" will be in August 2025 at Kunstraum Essen, Frohnhauser Str. 338.
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All you need is Love and Passion
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I’ve been fascinated by photography since I was thirteen years old. Back then, I worked summers to save up for my first camera – a Minolta 35mm. Just a few weeks later, I discovered a professional darkroom setup hidden away in my grandmother's attic, complete with Rodenstock and Zeiss lenses for 35mm and medium format. This incredible find led me to build my own darkroom, where I honed my printing skills and created fine art prints for local photographers. My first exhibition at the local history museum was the beginning of a journey that would take me to many more exhibitions.
As I continued to develop my craft, I upgraded from the Minolta to a Leica R System, enjoying the superior lenses for black-and-white work, especially in the dark tones and contrasts. I also added a Mamiya RB67 to my gear. During this time, I worked as an assistant for advertising photographers in the Stuttgart region, mainly in car advertising and fashion. I had the privilege of working with Hasselblads, large-format Sinars, and learning about professional lighting techniques. I also carried my portfolio everywhere, seeking feedback from accomplished photographers like Arno Fischer, whose criticism elevated my work.
Despite the ups and downs of the photography business, I eventually decided to pursue teaching at University. However, I kept my passion for photography alive by starting a wedding photography business, capturing hundreds of weddings and financing my studies through my work. This was still during the film era, and my darkroom skills laid a strong foundation for my transition to digital photography.
Today, I embrace the digital world, and I’m thrilled by how much easier it has made many aspects of photography. My darkroom experience continues to influence my work, especially in Photoshop and other editing tools. I’m now both a teacher and a photographer, which gives me the freedom to choose the projects I take on. If your idea is unique, exciting, or just plain fun, I’m all in.
My approach to photography is simple: I strive for the perfect picture. I shoot with mobile, APS-format, 35mm full-frame, and medium format cameras, and I only use prime lenses. Autofocus isn’t essential for me – I rely on my light meter, and I don’t need programs to get the shot I want.
I might take my time to get it right, but once I do, I’m always one of the first to leave the hotspot with the perfect image in hand.
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Let’s create something amazing together.
Please get in touch and just contact!
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