Press release ULRICH HM WOLF:

 

Winner of the "Golden Planet Award"

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Ulrich HM Wolf is no ordinary photographer. As a photo psychologist and expert on people, he understands how to capture far more than just physical beauty – he makes personality, emotion, and depth visible.

 

A wide audience knows him, among other things, through his work for ProSieben: In Los Angeles, he impressively showcased the aspiring models of Germany’s Next Topmodel. But international stars like Paris Hilton, Londonbeat, Natascha Wright (La Bouche), Thomas Anders, and Udo Jürgens have also posed for his camera – many of them at his legendary model villa in Taunusstein, Hesse, which has long since become part of his brand.

 

Despite numerous travels and international requests, he is always drawn back there:

 

"The special, relaxed yet focused atmosphere in my refuge is often the basis for the extraordinary moment that needs to be captured."

 

A big city as a home base is out of the question for him. Taunusstein – a place many clients initially don't even know is located – has become a trademark precisely because of this. Anyone traveling from metropolises like Berlin, London, New York, or Milan quickly senses that something is different here. Warmth, tranquility, and genuine human connection characterize every shoot.

 

His latest project is titled FACES – a series of extraordinary art portraits, primarily of prominent figures. They are snapshots full of expression, with an unmistakable style and profound emotional impact.

 

But for Wolf, it's about more than just aesthetics:

 

"I have a need to give something back to the world – to do something good and convey messages. Sometimes I think I should be fighting whalers on a dinghy. But my empathy for the animals and their suffering is so strong that I could hardly bear it physically."

 

Instead, he has found another way: to leave a positive mark through his art and his photographs. In photography, he has found his outlet – and a channel through which he can make a difference.

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Interview:

 

“We’re a bit quieter about it and prefer to deliver.”

 

Before looking to the future, a little trip down memory lane. Was becoming a photographic artist and fashion photographer a matter of chance or predetermined?

 

I was literally born into photography. My parents were professional photographers; my mother was also a film editor, and they worked with UFA stars like Heinz Rühmann and Luis Trenker. Many stars of that era even visited us at home. Furthermore, as a child, I appeared in commercials with my brother. So, I grew up surrounded by the film and advertising industry, completely naturally and without any inhibitions. Accordingly, my career path was, in a way, predetermined, even though initially, that's precisely what I didn't want: to become a photographer like my parents. After stints as a cameraman, including for ZDF (a German public-service television broadcaster), it became inevitable. And today, I'm very glad it was.

 

 

Is such a springboard into the industry more of a curse or a blessing?

 

Like so many people whose parents come from the same industry, I've both benefited and had to fight harder than others. My secret to success, if you want to call it that, is my own high standards. I can never quite please myself. Quality is my highest priority, and I also bring a wealth of experience to the table. "The first 10,000 photographs are the worst," Helmut Newton said. In retrospect, that's certainly true. The crucial factor, however, is the timeframe in which you take them. A photographer tends to be more like a fine wine... he matures – without meaning to offend the many talented young colleagues. Of course, as a successful businessman, you need a network, a lot of patience, and the right personal support system to foster creativity. My great love, Tammy, and daughter, Shania, are at the forefront of this. The numerous free photo portals and digitalization haven't necessarily improved the conditions for photographers who don't (want to) cater to the masses. On the other hand, many opportunities also arise. How does one, as an artist, deal with this?

 

It's a challenge that almost everyone in every profession faces, and one that sometimes requires reinventing oneself. For me, this means investing significantly more time until a project is finalized and staying up-to-date with the latest marketing trends, including social media. Contributing to this are the numerous recommendations from satisfied clients, the agency team led by Boris Udina, and other wonderful people working behind the scenes. And so, through the interplay of several channels and factors, most projects come about.

 

Many celebrities, models, and stars need a haven of peace, which I offer them here. In Tuscany, not in a metropolis. The same applies to art buyers in companies who don't want to encounter a frantic individual with a colored pencil behind their ears and hear important pronouncements on marketing and product presentation. We're a bit quieter and prefer to deliver results.

 

So, in addition to being a fashion photographer, you've also taken on the role of an authentic consultant? I've always enjoyed helping to stage spaces when my opinion and experience were sought.

 

 

Many celebrities, models, and stars need a haven of tranquility, which I offer here. Today, you don't sell a picture just because you like the subject. Unlike the ongoing testimonial hype, in my case, at least, the credibility of the person creating the photograph is thankfully becoming increasingly important. Besides the fact that I enjoy visiting big cities and faraway countries, but much prefer arriving home with my family and our four Golden Retrievers, clients still prefer to come to me despite the Teams and Zoom boom because they want not just a photo, but a concept.

 

So, what does a concept from Wolf look like?

 

Here I have to use the somewhat overused word "sustainable." Photos by Ulrich HM Wolf must have a certain aura, evoke a feeling of atmosphere, ideally move and captivate. It's not enough to simply take a good photo of a beautiful person. Every good photographer wants to capture the soul, and I'm no different.

 

In my view, this soul can only truly shine if one is full of surprise, embraces spontaneity, and initially sets no limits. I want dignity, grace, both the hidden and overt sexuality, and the aesthetics of personality.

 

"I want everything but fashion dolls. Apparently, that resonates quite well." Every artist needs a very honest opinion from their circle. Who is that for Ulrich HM Wolf?

 

That's definitely true, and in that respect, I'm the luckiest man in the world. My literally wonderful wife, Tammy, is not only my daily inspiration, she supports me as a makeup artist, as a psychologist, and sometimes even as my most critical counterpart, helping me focus on what's essential.

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