MPAP: Hello Vincent. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for Metal Pulp And Paper’s feature called Behind The Lens. We appreciate it.
Before we go any further, let’s first tell everyone what Behind The Lens is all about. This feature is about the person that’s behind the camera lens. All about that individual that captures that perfect fiery orange of the setting sun, finds a child jumping in a mud puddle in the pouring rain, or catches the moons glow in the water next to some snowcapped mountains. Or captures the rock guitarist jumping in the air during mid solo. It’s about finding that beauty in something that some might not take notice of in their everyday busy lifestyles. Behind The Lens will be a way to get to know a little more about the photographer and the work that they bring to everyone. A full 360 degrees around the camera.
So, let’s take off the lens cap, and go behind the click of the shutter and get to know more about you and your photography, shall we?
VINCENT GRUNDKE: First of all, I really admire this idea and your passion to step behind the camera wanting to highlight every aspect of photography. Thanks for choosing me!!!!
MPAP: How long have you been a photographer and taking pictures?
VINCENT: One and a half years ago I said to myself: Let's start this, with everything you got. I wanted to do this as a living. So, I spent nearly every minute shooting and editing stuff. I stepped back from social life, from everything distracting, slept as less as I could and tried to shoot billions of concerts. This being said: I am a freelancing journalist for five years in mostly Metal and Rock and had a cheap camera with me here and there. But I didn't care about anything and didn't even know how to edit back then.
MPAP: What first drew you to it? Was there an inspiration for picking up the camera and beginning that journey into the art of photography?
VINCENT: I had decent clients as a journalist and still got, like 12 different or so. But as the fees for writers were turned down more and more I couldn't live from it anymore. Newspaper are dying out. I wanted to blame them for not stepping into the future of digital content. But after thinking and talking a lot about this topic I realized that it's not the fault of the magazines. People's attention decreases, they are not interested in reading long stories anymore. Photographs are the key to our time. And videos of course. Becoming aware of this thought - that was the turning point.
MPAP: Now that you’ve been doing it for a while, what interests you the most about it? Is there a passion behind it for you at all?
VINCENT: People, passion, actions and emotions. The moment, somebody is as natural as he can be. I am always on search for the purest moment. This can be a singer hitting his head with the microphone, a portrait after a long talk about depression, kids playing with soap bubbles or a smile to someone freaking out about nothing. Finding these raw moments, that's my passion.
MPAP: Can you describe that moment, the experience, or even the emotion you felt when you knew that photography was something you just had to do?
VINCENT: I was really afraid of stepping into this field because there are already tons of insane photographers and I knew nothing about editing photos. But after shooting some club shows in the worst light you can imagine I enjoyed a sick light show at one of my favorite bands called Steak Number Eight. I looked at the photos and wondered if I was the guy shooting them. For the first time I thought: Hey, maybe I can do this! That evening gave me self-confidence. I travelled to photograph my beloved Agent Fresco in Hamburg then and the band reposted some of my pics. Seeing bands sharing your art with their fans is for me the greatest praise you can imagine. That keeps me going.
MPAP: What do you like to photograph the most of? Do you have a favorite setting, scene, landscape, or any items that you like to capture? Or do you like to just take pictures of people, or perhaps a live music concerts now and then?
VINCENT: People in candid situations. I am aware of the fact that concerts are often posed. But even there I try to find the tiny moments that are not staged. I love energy and passion, so concert photography is a no-brainer for me. But people expressing something touching or strange in front of nice structures is also extreme exciting for me.
MPAP: Is there anything out there that you try to avoid taking pictures of?
VINCENT: Something that is shot over and over again. I try to find different angles. I often photograph moments that look perfect, great framing and all. But I dislike it at the first glance haha. It's too standard for me then, I won't publish it. There must be something special, not only a great photograph in theory. I also get really bored of shooting landscapes, cities or things. Nature is incredible, no question. But the rest are just material things with no soul.
MPAP: When picking up the camera, it obviously took some time, along with some practice, to get the feel and hang of it of what you wanted to do or go with it. Maybe even a class or two was taken to learn more about it. Tell us what were some of the challenges you’ve encountered with taking pictures? What have been some of the difficulties you’ve experienced since first began, and maybe still happens to this day?
VINCENT: I never visited a class, didn't even watch YouTube tutorials - I just asked some of my friends who photograph for some quick advices. And to this day I shot only two times in a real photographic studio. So, I always play with the light that exists in the given environment. Obviously light is always the challenge, especially at concerts in shitholes. After that: editing. It can be a nightmare to find a decent look and it's really rare that you are confident with the result, especially with colors. Mostly it's just finishing the pic eventually as compromise to not spending too much time on it.
MPAP: On the other side of it having some difficulties, what are some of your favorite things about being a photographer you can tell us about? What have been some of your camera highlights so far that you can share with us also?
VINCENT: Being on the road with musicians. I already had the chance to experience it quite a few times and it's nothing but excellent. Sneaking into the life, reality, working routine and interhuman relations with a bunch of sworn in creative folks is just incredible.
MPAP: When someone sees the picture you’ve taken for the first time, whether it’s the new bride and groom, or a family member that just had a baby, what do you want someone to get out of it? Is there ever anything you’re trying to say within your pictures, a message deep in the pixels that makes it up?
VINCENT: I just want that the person on the photo sees himself/herself in it. And that he sees the most beautiful version of himself/herself haha. Sometimes I think I got such a stunning shot but then the model hates her facial play or whatever. Then I got really disappointed of the pic and it won't be revealed. If it comes to the deep message: I just want people to discover something new and exciting, something they didn't witness even when they were part of the concert. Some brief moment in time you wouldn't have seen without a camera.
MPAP: Is there an artist or another photographer out there that you admire and might have influenced you at all? What about their work do you love the most?
VINCENT: There are tons! Social media is such a treasure chest for incredible talents and inspiration. With the help of good friends, I became who I am now in photography: Fradellafra, Benjamin Donath, Sarah Fleischer, Chris Simmerl, Fabian Willi Simon, Maze Of Photography to name a few. In photography general I get stunned by Steve McCurry and Paul Nicklen, for me they are masters of this art. For concert photography I choose Ross Halfin, Ashley Osborn, Steve O Shoots, Edward Mason, Ray Duker, Steve Thrasher and of course Dave Le Page aka SoyBasedGoth! These are brilliant artists capturing the live performances of some of real passionate bands, from Metallica to Bring Me The Horizon to Architects, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Parkway Drive.
MPAP: Before we move on to talking about the pictures that you shared with us, are there any tips or advice that you would want to give yourself if you had to pick up the camera and start photography all over again?
VINCENT: Not really haha. I really liked how I stepped into it without any experience. I am glad I haven't absorbed tricks and styles of others, so I was free to choose my own path.
MPAP: Now on to the pictures that you took and have shared with us here? Take us into each one of the pictures and tell us what they are about, and which one is your most favorite and why?
VINCENT: So my favorite is the sandy one of Lona opening her leather jacket. After some hours of shooting she was really tired and we nearly wanted to go and then she gave me this stunning look.
I also love the photo of Reba Meyers from the ultra-brutal band called Code Orange. They played as support for mighty System OfA Down and I was like the only guy interested in photographing the support - the promoters really wondered! In the end I got this sick pic of her driving crazy. The band really liked my photos and reposted some. Above all System Of A Down (!!!) asked me directly to post some of my pics of this concert! That was an accolade. Two bands I adore for their art gave me credits, so this pic of Reba will always be my reminder for this special night.
Then we got a portrait of Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda I did when I interviewed them for their last record One More Light. I just did two or three shots in front of this crazy pic of soil structures.
Of course, I have to choose Ben Weinman of mind-blowing The Dillinger Escape Plan. On their farewell tour he stepped over the crowd and lucky me was at the right point. It was like the sickest show to photograph ever cause Ben threw his guitar like a wild whirlwind into the photo pit. It was packed. We just got 50 centimeters or so to move and he constantly stepped into us, millimeters close to our cameras. And on top strobe lights made every second pic worthless haha.
There is one photo of kids playing with soap bubbles I really like. It was my first and I think only attempt of street photography of a street festival called "Bunte Republik Neustadt" in Saxony's capital Dresden. It's so innocent and pure.
Last one is shiny Hanno Klänhardt of the Doom Metal band Mantar. I still know exactly how I stood there and got a few seconds to get the right framing and all. So, no accident, this is one of my rare volitional pics haha.
MPAP: Everyone has a different style or taste, whether it’s street photography, modeling, black & white, or nature, from your point of view what do you think makes a good picture?
VINCENT: I always thought it would be the framing and cleanness of a picture. The right sharpness and composition. But nowadays I tend to believe it's all about the expression shown. If a guy gives his million-dollar smile out of nothing, it doesn't even matter if the focus is right. So: being in time, that's the magic.
MPAP: After the camera is put down for the moment, for the day, or for the night, whether it’s for a day or a week at a time, what else do you like to do in your free time?
VINCENT: I am constantly creating something. Whether it's music with my band VERDERVER or writing interviews and reviews. But there are still so many aspects of photography I haven't entered that much like nude photography. Definitely wanting to step more into this. However, my newest interest is video art. Just began with some concert after movies and right now I am editing my first filmed music video.
MPAP: Before we bring Behind The Lens to a close, just one last question and we’ll wrap things up and put the lens cap back on. What would you want to say to someone that’s interested in taking pictures for the very first time?
VINCENT: Just. Do. It! Please don't be afraid about anything. Don't care too much about all the theory, equipment and what other people say. Just get a quick knowledge about how your camera works and then just try. Magic happens when you find yourself and your own style next to all the concepts and guides that already exist. Go to the shittiest concerts or locations to shoot in the worst conditions. You'll learn more than ever.
MPAP: On behalf of myself and Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Vincent, for being a part of this Behind The Lens feature. It was great getting to know you and your photos. We look forward to seeing what you will capture in the future and beyond. Please tell us where we can find your work or your photo galleries on the internet, and any social media that the readers can follow you on?