One of the qualities that Bill and Maureen prize in their photographers is their passion for their genre. Would the photographer be shooting a certain subject even if it weren’t their job? Do they have a personal connection to the material? In the case of Jorg Badura, who shoots sports and adventure—often in a way that celebrates the wonder of nature as much as the thrill of sport—the answer is a yes that goes all the way back to his childhood. Here’s a look at some of his work, along with his own commentary for perspective’s sake.
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"I shoot intense, authentic moments," says Jorg. "Authenticity is important to me. My goal is to make the viewer feel like they are there, like they are part of it."
"I took this photo at the end of a shoot day at 15,000 feet in the Atacama Desert in South America. We celebrated our passion for photography during this magnificent sunset. There are moments when you just do not want it to stop—it is so beautiful, and the emotions are so strong."
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“I was born and raised in the most northern rural area of Germany, between the North and Baltic Seas. The southern Bavarians call us Fish Heads. At this latitude, one can experience island life by the North Sea, or rural agriculture villages, or small harbor towns on the Baltic Sea fjords. Life in the Baltic is tough and hearty, and my connection with its nature runs deep. The forests, fields, lakes, oceans, and beaches have been my playground since childhood,” Jorg explains.
“Photography was at first a hobby and a vehicle of expression in art class, but by the end of the ’80s it became my profession. The camera became an extension of myself, and my body became part of the process; it just fit with me, and I responded to its action and its timing. Moving to the U.S. in the beginning of the ’90s opened up many photographic possibilities. I started organizing adventure trips to shoot products where I could take the clients out of the cities and back out into nature.”
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"We found this wind-shaped snow drift. It was super challenging to ski, but we just went for it," recalls Jorg of this photo. "Some of the places I get to work or choose to go are flat-out WOW. Sharing these adventures through my photos is a great pleasure."
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During that period, Jorg divided his time between Europe and the U.S. The genre of adventure and action sports was booming, and soon the emphasis was on breaking limits—”the concept that man could challenge himself in ways you couldn’t have dreamed of in the past,” says Jorg.
“Photographic technology has evolved so much, especially in recent years, and it is often hard to tell reality from truth,” he adds. “So I strive more than ever for authenticity. My photographs are of real events, of human endeavors, and the truth and shock of the frame.”
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Click image to view more from Jorg's "Runner" series.
Click image to view more of Jorg's 2009 SEAPaddle photos.
Click on the image to view more of Jorg's NYC Marathon photos.
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To see more, including video, visit Jorg’s recently redesigned website, jorgbadura.com, or go to http://stocklandmartel.com/talent/jorg-badura/photography.
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One Comment
I’ve been able to work with Jorg on three photo shoots and as a on-set sports adviser/trainer and I consider him to be one of the best photographers out there… his ability to capture authentic moments are what makes his work “real” and intense! An absolute honor to work and be able to watch and learn from him!
Hernando