Dennis Gall: Growing and shaping your own style in the German photography scene

While in Cologne, we got to watch Dennis in his element as he was shooting a lovely couple. We noticed that he is sensitive and super considering with his clients. We were impressed to hear that he has a background in design and advertising and has created his own branding and website (pretty impressive, right?). Dennis calls himself "unpopular" and he actually enjoys it, as he is part of a small community of photographers that feels more like a family. Keep reading to learn more about his journey, and also about the photography scene in Germany.

Dennis Gall | Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer based in Cologne, Germany

dennis-gall-photography.com | website built with D'Avella Design Kit

Why do you do photography?

The reason why I started photography was the fact that I was getting a lot of positive feedback from people around me. This encouraged me to keep going and I actually noticed quick progress comparing to my other previous hobbies. Now, I do photography because I love to take beautiful pictures that I can admire over and over again. Also,  if I get to make someone feel good about themselves, if they like themselves in the pictures I take of them - then this is all the motivation I need.

How did you shape your own style?

My style shaped and developed with time. You experiment, check out what other photographers do, and try different styles. A lot depends on your personality, on how you interact with the people you photograph, and what kind of connection you build with them. I am a very sensitive person and I always pay attention to such details when I shoot. If my couples need intimacy, I’m barely noticeable as I photograph “in the background”. And vice versa, I am more direct and present with outgoing couples. I just like it when everyone feels comfortable.

Photography and design - how much do you combine both in your work? 

In my photography work, I get to use a lot of knowledge of color theory, contrast theory, and image composition from my training as a designer. Both photography and design are about aesthetics and they can be combined very well. More than that, I was lucky enough to be able to create my own branding, logo, and website using my design knowledge.

How important is advertising to you as a photographer?

I have never really needed any advertising for my brand. Thanks to Instagram and Facebook, my work got more recognition, and new clients reached out directly to me. If your customers are happy with the work you do, they will share the pictures, give you shoutouts, and thus, indirectly advertise you. A few years ago, I tried to advertise on social media platforms, but I didn’t get any added value or generate any customers, so I didn’t do it since.

What do you consider to be your strengths as a photographer and why do you think your clients come to you?

I think it’s a blend of personality and photographic style. Often times, clients tell me they appreciate how naturally I capture the moment, not being too obtrusive and leaving enough space for intimacy. I make sure to really connect with the client before they book me. The couple needs to really like the photographer, especially when it comes to their wedding since he or she will be around the bride and groom throughout the whole day and share intimate moments with them.

I also get many requests from the vegan and sustainable scene, because I personally represent it and it is really important for me. Likeminded customers connect with me as we share the same ethical principles, we click and are on the same page.

Do you have a large community of photographers in Germany that you connect with?

There are many great and famous photographers in Germany, with countless followers, and with their own community - but I'm not one of them, I'm much too small for that. However, I do have people who regularly give me feedback on my pictures, and with whom I connect on a much more personal level. Many of them are photographers themselves and we are in touch constantly, and give each other tips or even work together. It's more like a “togetherness” and I really appreciate that. This is more important to me than having a bigger, but impersonal community. I actually quite enjoy my“unpopularity”, because there are not really any envy or hate comments on this side yet, which unfortunately larger photographers often have to struggle with.

What do you think is more important, talent or hard work?

This is a difficult question! I am often a bit jealous of people who are super talented and take great pictures without having much technical knowledge. I see myself as a photographer who has worked hard to get where I’m at. I know all the camera techniques and I know how to achieve different effects and how to take good pictures, even in difficult situations. So it works both ways, but I feel more comfortable with the "hard work" version myself.

Name a few photographers who inspire you the most?

In the past, my biggest idol was David LaChapelle, but now I get more inspired by Instagram and smaller photographers. Right now, my three biggest inspirations are Vanessa Maria Fahn, Nora Scholz and Martin Neuhof.

Being a photographer can get draining sometimes, due to being in constant touch with people and giving a lot of energy to the client. How do you deal with this?

This is mainly the case with commissioned work, but if you also do free projects from time to time without pressure to succeed, it helps you to live out your own creativity without losing energy. Nonetheless, it is important that you take breaks. I have been working a lot in the last few years and I didn't notice how my energy levels dropped after. I am currently in an “energy-regaining” phase, I don't take on assignments, I meditate a lot and try to find myself again. But I recommend other photographers not to let it come to this and to take care of themselves early on.

Three tips you can give to folks who just started doing photography

1. Don’t get discouraged! It’s normal to see great images on Instagram and get disappointed, especially when you start comparing your work to others. That takes time! Maybe avoid using Instagram altogether at first.

2. Get advice from people who matter to you and whose opinion you value. Talk to people who inspire you, whose work you like and who are role models for you. Ignore feedback that is not constructive. 

3. Look for likeminded people who you can exchange ideas with. Go to meet-ups, network and share insights with them.

One advice that you’d give to your 10 years ago self?

Don't be too business-oriented, try to keep photography as a hobby. Don't take on too many clients, be selective, and only choose work you like and truly enjoy.

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Squaremuse Community is a super cool gathering of different creatives - from photographers to calligraphers, from event planners to make-up artists, from US to Australia based, from big and famous to local rockstars in their own community. And we can't wait to meet more of our users! So when COVID is over, don’t be surprised if we come knocking on your door. *wink*

Creatively yours,

Squaremuse Team