Shoulder to shoulder

During the Munich Security Conference I covered two side events for Studio ZX. What looked like an obstacle at first was the actual advantage.

During the Munich Security Conference I covered two side events for Studio ZX | ZEIT publishing group — evenings with high-calibre panels and, honestly, excellent Obatzda.

Compared to Davos, the atmosphere in Munich was more pleasant for me. Two reasons: the event spreads across a larger space, which noticeably reduces the pressure. And Munich is familiar ground — I did my photography studies there and know the city well.

Both evenings were lively and deeply rooted in Munich's local colour: Bavarian food, local beer, a touch of Oktoberfest charm in the background — and at the same time senior guests from politics, business and security agencies.

What I liked most photographically was one detail: it was full. Very full. Very tight. What sounds like an obstacle is, for an event photographer, actually an advantage. The crowding creates anonymity.

In a crowded room you can stand shoulder to shoulder with someone — and no one notices you are photographing.

Shoulder to shoulder with the guests you can get very close without being noticed as a photographer — the attention is on the conversations, not on the camera beside them.

But that only works with preparation and calm. Push through a crowded room and you stand out immediately. Wait, observe, position yourself in the right spot, and you become part of the setting — delivering exactly the images that make a networking format.