The Artist and Their Practice
Please introduce yourself and tell us what first drew you toward photography.
Hi, I'm Markus from Germany. I came into photography back in 2009. I first started with sports spotography and finally ended up in Landscape and nature photography. I mostly love nordic landscapes, especially Iveland where most of my images were taken.
Which subjects, ideas, or emotions do you find yourself returning to in your work, and why?
The search for new compositions and perspectives in different lighting conditions.
What qualities make a photograph feel distinctly yours?
Composition, concept, and individual processing.
Was there a particular person, place, or experience that significantly shaped the way you see the world?
Yes, totally. Iceland fascinates me in a way that changes my photography. This country is so unique and diverse. It constantly reveals new ways for me to express and transform my photography.
How do intuition, preparation, and technical knowledge come together in your creative process?
The technical knowledge required for images like these mainly comes down to knowing your drone well and understanding the camera settings. The weather also needs to cooperate—ideally overcast with very little wind. After that, it's all about using your creativity and photographic eye to find the right composition.
The Award-Recognized Photograph
Take us behind the image: where were you, what was happening, and how did the photograph come to life?
There are several river sections in Iceland that are perfectly suited for this type of photography. Their graphic patterns and colors change from day to day. On this particular day, everything came together perfectly.
What made you recognize that moment—or that particular frame—as something special?
The structure, the arrangement, and the coloration of the water, combined with the composition.
Which creative choices involving light, composition, colour, timing, or atmosphere were essential to the final image?
Here, nature was the artist. I only had to choose the right composition and framing.
What feeling, question, or lasting impression would you like viewers to carry with them after seeing the photograph?
A feeling of how unique and creative our nature is. A true artist and designer.
Perspective and What Comes Next
How has photography influenced the way you understand people, places, or everyday life?
Since I have been spending more time in nature and witnessing the impact humans have on it, I have been trying to use my images to highlight the beauty of nature and our responsibility to protect it.
Is there a recurring idea or message you hope your body of work communicates?
Yes. As I mentioned in the previous question, my goal is to make people aware of the beauty of nature and of our responsibility to protect it.
What did receiving recognition from 12AWARDS mean to you, and how did you react when you first heard the news?
It meant a great deal to me, as it is an important recognition for my image.
What are you currently working toward, and where would you like your artistic journey to take you next?
My next trip to Iceland is already planned and will take place in September.
Your Thoughts on 12AWARDS
How would you describe your experience with 12AWARDS? We would also be grateful for any suggestions that could help us improve future editions.
So far, I have been very satisfied. I was informed about the award very quickly, and the organizers also contacted me promptly.
Anything Else
Is there another topic you believe is important to your story and would like us to include?
No
Winning work
Photographs recognized in our published results.
Veins
JURY CHOICE
Annual Competition · 2026One of those mornings
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Annual Competition · 2026