From film to photo or from photo to film

“A film that nobody watches is nothing but a pile of celluloid.” I would like to add to this: “Photos that only exist in the computer as a file are just digital clutter; only once they are transformed into a real photo product that you can touch do they gain meaning, and only with the delivery of the finished photo product is the photographer’s mission fulfilled.”

It is with these words that our long-standing customer Walter introduces his text for the video he surprised us with. By his own account, he wanted to try out the concept of a product video without the technical bells and whistles. As Walter and his wife have been ordering photo greeting cards and photo calendars from ifolor for over ten years, he spontaneously had the idea of using the photo greeting cards he had received as a frame for the film. “The shoot was spontaneous and without a script, just off the cuff.”

The process of producing the photos in the video shows how much thought goes into it: Which environment, which lens, which motif, which perspective, which angle, which composition? In today’s volatile, fast-moving world, in which the shutter release is pressed so quickly and easily, this creative process behind photography is evolving. This video makes us pause and shows the value of creating a photo. It illustrates that photos are characterised by the personal signature and artistic vision of the photographer and are therefore unique. It also shows that you don’t always have to travel far to create impressive photos. According to Walter, local “micro-adventures” are also sufficient.

Photography and film share many common elements, but they also offer a wide range of creative possibilities. Walter and Antje show how closely these two art forms are linked and how they can complement one another. Their video documents and illustrates the process of photography – from the initial idea to realisation and all the way through to the finished photo product. This is how creative visions are realised and emotions transported. Their video “Die Fotografin” (The Photographer) reminds us that true craftsmanship requires time, dedication, and attention to detail, and that creativity lies in the combination of traditional photography and modern media.

Walter touched us with his video “The Photographer”: The simplicity of the video, with its minimal stylistic elements and the beautifully abstract photos of his wife Antje depicted in it, evoke emotions in its audience. The passion for photography is palpable in the video, and the fact that these very photos end up appearing as an ifolor product makes us proud. We are delighted that Walter has successfully explored the genre of product films with our photo greeting cards.

Picture credits: All photos were provided by Walter and Antje.