BenQ ambassador Michael B Rehders, portrait photographer

Michael B Rehders

Portrait photographer / Germany

Specializing in portrait and event photography for various media and clients
Michael’s publications can be found in DER SPIEGEL, BILD, GALA, AUDIOVISION, HEIMKINO, LITE-MAGAZIN and NETZWELT

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I trust the BenQ SW321C and SW272U because these colour management displays meet all the necessary industry standards. This speeds up my work process because I can adhere 100% to the digital workflow. Shorter working times mean: More money.

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During events, have there been responses or reactions from participants that left a lasting impression on you or that were particularly interesting?

Many photographers and graphic designers were particularly interested in colour management because their images had different colours in print media than on their own monitors. Background: They had calibrated their monitors incorrectly. After my training, they were immediately enthusiastic because the colours now look exactly the same on the colour management display as they do in the print magazines.

This saves these photographers and graphic designers a lot of work and trouble with their clients, because the colours of the artwork delivered now correspond to the industry standard. The result: the photos now look true to the original on the monitor and have the same colours as the products.

What is your favorite photography subject? Can you share a special piece of work?

I love taking portraits of people as well as products. With people, there are many spontaneous moments that bring the image result to life. Products, on the other hand, remain still, even if the lighting takes 30 minutes to achieve a perfect result.

For those planning to visit the city where you currently reside or were born, what landmarks or places do you recommend for photography?

The harbour in Hamburg is well worth a visit. There are countless exciting motifs here, both on the water and on land. Adjacent to the harbour is the Speicherstadt - the world's largest interconnected warehouse complex. Those who prefer a more "rustic" experience should visit the Treppenviertel and the neighbouring beach in Hamburg-Blankenese.

What does your typical day in photography look like? Do you have a regular workflow?

I start work at around 9.00 a.m. with a cup of coffee. This is mainly administrative work, such as bookkeeping, invoicing, planning photo shoots and editorial work. Only then do photo shoots, article writing and training sessions begin. In the afternoon, I always spend a little time in cafés, relaxing and enjoying life around me.

On photo shoot days, my daily routine is organised around the photo shoots. It often happens that I work until 2 o'clock in the morning. Sometimes it's even later. Then I take the following day off (if possible).

Are there any photographers or directors whom you particularly admire?

I love the photographs of Henri Cartier-Bresson and Jeanloup Sieff. They inspired me to become a professional photographer.

As a director, I adore George Lucas. The reason is not so much his films, but rather his uncompromising character to achieve goals. To realise the beginning of "Star Wars", with the famous yellow ticker, he had to resign from the Directors Guild. Such a beginning was not allowed in films at the time, it was forbidden. In addition, he waived his director's fee in order to complete the film as he had intended. I can understand this uncompromising behaviour, as I have very similar characteristics.