Dierk-Bent Piening

My name is Dierk,

I live in Germany in a small village near the North Sea coast.

Photography is my way of expressing myself, I see the world in black and white.

As a passionate supporter of the analogue art form, I devote myself exclusively to the craft of film photography. I see myself not only as a photographer, but as an image craftsman who specializes in the unique properties of large and medium format cameras.

No form of photography has taught me as much about life as large format photography, it is merciless and does not forgive even the smallest mistake, it takes calm, strategy and knowledge but also a lot of frustration tolerance to create an image.

No snapping, no speed and no snapshots, it is the stark opposite of digital.

For me, every click of the shutter is a conscious act that is carried out with consideration and care in order to achieve a unique and timeless result. I believe in the power of handwork and therefore dedicate myself to developing all films in my own darkroom. Every print is made by hand to ensure that each image captures the full beauty and depth of the analogue medium.

My passion is landscape photography, nothing challenges you more than the North German landscape, no mountains, no special features that make it easy. The landscape on the North Sea coast is almost the same everywhere around me, you have to see the details and learn to use the light to paint a mood in the barren landscape and that is my passion.