40 Portraits, €8,000, and a Night That Stays

Sometimes circles close in the most beautiful way. As a former podcast guest I was invited to OMR's birthday in Hamburg — back then as founder of notebooksbilliger.de, this time with my camera.

We walked up to Philipp Westermeyer: Hey, how funny is this? Could we do a charity shoot? The answer came right away: do it. So my wife Xenia — who is also director of the Fundació Predator — and I flew to Hamburg. In our oversize baggage: Profoto lighting gear.

Improvised studio in the baggage

For a backdrop: a makeshift black sheet. For a setting: a party going full tilt. Professional studio setup in the middle of the madness — exactly how it should be. 40 people stepped in front of my camera that night.

4,000 frames

40 personalities who made time for a portrait between the beats, the conversations and the particular spirit that OMR events carry. Everyone received at least three images, free of charge. The only ask: those who felt like it could donate to Fundació Predator.

More than €8,000

By now, everyone who was portrayed has received their images. And the willingness to give left us speechless: more than €8,000 came together. €8,000 for families and children in need on Mallorca. In concrete terms: grocery packages, school supplies, help in moments when it''s needed most. Every single euro arrives where it should.

Thank you

My warmest thanks go to Philipp Westermeyer and the entire OMR team, who said yes on the spot and gave us the stage. To everyone who stepped in front of the camera — and gave so generously. And to Xenia, without whom neither the foundation nor this evening would exist. You made a real difference. Thank you.

 

More about the work of the Fundació Predator on Mallorca. Or take a look at my portrait work.