BEHIND THE LENS
WITH
TONI B. GUNNER
~~~
HAMBURG, GERMANY
TONI B. GUNNER
~~~
HAMBURG, GERMANY
METAL PULP AND PAPER: Hello Toni. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for Metal Pulp And Paper’s feature called Behind The Lens. We appreciate it.
Before we go any further, let’s first tell everyone what Behind The Lens is all about. This feature is about the person that’s behind the camera lens. All about that individual that captures that perfect fiery orange of the setting sun, finds a child jumping in a mud puddle in the pouring rain, or catches the moons glow in the water next to some snowcapped mountains. Or captures the rock guitarist jumping in the air during mid solo. It’s about finding that beauty in something that some might not take notice of in their everyday busy lifestyles. Behind The Lens will be a way to get to know a little more about the photographer and the work that they bring to everyone. A full 360 degrees around the camera.
So, let’s take off the lens cap, and go behind the click of the shutter and get to know more about you and your photography, shall we?
How long have you been a photographer and taking pictures?
TONI B. GUNNER: I started photography in 2009. Before that I only took those normal snapshot photos with a compact camera without any idea and concept. In that time, I did not own a mobile phone with camera.
MPAP: What first drew you to it? Was there an inspiration for picking up the camera and beginning that journey into the art of photography?
TONI: It began in some holiday in Hawaii 2009, when I started looking at the motifs, the landscapes, the flowers in detail and wanted to catch everything, but I only had a simple compact camera. A few months later I then got my first DSLR camera as a birthday present and really started learning photography at level zero. I had no clue about shutter, ISO etc. And just a few months later I started concert photography.
MPAP: Now that you’ve been doing it for a while, what interests you the most about it? Is there a passion behind it for you at all?
TONI: Well, for me it’s capturing my personal view in a special moment. It’s only the motif and my camera as a tool to capture this. Of course, there is a passion: capturing memories - my personal memories with my “eyes”. In concert photography it’s a special moment, when a musician offers you some seconds of attention.
MPAP: Can you describe that moment, the experience, or even the emotion you felt when you knew that photography was something you just had to do?
TONI: I mainly do concert photography. That’s passion and sometimes routine. Its emotional, when I shoot bands I really like. But it’s nothing I would say it’s necessary for the world. But since a year I discovered a special part of photography that is really emotional and so important: it’s photographing stillborn babies and deadly-ill people at their last journeys. These are important memories and a contribution in psychological process for the parents and family. This is what I really do with passion and heart.
MPAP: What do you like to photograph the most of? Do you have a favorite setting, scene, landscape, or any items that you like to capture? Or do you like to just take pictures of people, or perhaps a live music concert now and then?
TONI: I like to shoot places and bands I haven’t seen before. Since I shot my 1000th band some days ago, it’s not that easy to get to see many new bands. For me nothing is as boring as shooting the same band with its same show the same gestures and movements. When it’s all predictable, you know. I like challenges. Challenge in locations, in light - when it’s all not planned and static.
MPAP: Is there anything out there that you try to avoid taking pictures of?
TONI: At travelling’s I try to avoid viewpoints where 3,513,518,367,135 other tourists take their pictures. I avoid doing studio-photography, since I am not good at setting artificial light. I prefer available light. That’s why you don’t find many portraits and stuff in my portfolio. I do, but I don’t really like it or feel comfortable with it.
MPAP: When picking up the camera, it obviously took some time, along with some practice, to get the feel and hang of it of what you wanted to do or go with it? Maybe even a class or two was taken to learn more about it. Tell us what were some of the challenges you’ve encountered with taking pictures? What have been some of the difficulties you’ve experienced since first began, and maybe still happens to this day?
TONI: When I got my first DSLR camera, I didn't know really anything about shutter, ISO, f-stop and so on. So, I bought a book and started reading. As well I took an online photography class, where I had a personal guide who watched my works and gave me exercises to do. This was perfect, because I had to challenge all aspects of photo-technique, not only those who are easy to understand. And with this knowledge I always looked at my photos and tried to recognize what I could have done better. It’s not only theory, it’s about learning the limits of your camera gear as well, which you only discover by doing.
MPAP: On the other side of it having some difficulties, what are some of your favorite things about being a photographer you can tell us about? What have been some of your camera highlights so far that you can share with us also?
TONI: Well, being a photographer widens first of all your view, your mind, the way you look at landscapes, nature, details etc. Sometimes it offers you possibilities to get close to bands and musicians or take part at events, I would have not been to, if I wasn’t the photographer. Since I am a concert photographer I go to sooo many concerts, that is just great! I get to know people, travel a lot more…and have dozens of (good) memories in pictures.
MPAP: When someone sees the picture you’ve taken for the first time, whether it’s the new bride and groom, or a family member that just had a baby, what do you want someone to get out of it? Is there ever anything you’re trying to say within your pictures, a message deep in the pixels that makes it up?
TONI: This depends on the photos I take and who this someone is: For these special stillborn baby photos, I want to give at least something the parents can take into future, something they can touch and look at - I know it’s not an ounce of replacement for the big loss they have experienced, but it is some kind of help in the psychological processing. I want my concert photos to be on the hand a great and realistic memory for those people who attended the concert as well. On the other hand, I want to show perspectives, the “normal” crowd could not get, because we concert photographer are (mostly) able to stand just in front of the stage. I want the musicians to be some kind of “tangible”. Well, and for those people who did not visit the concert, they should see what they have missed. But it’s also a good feeling, when the musicians itself like the photos and use them as representative pictures in their portfolio. With my travel photos I just want to capture my personal impressions, the way I have just seen this and that. My photos don’t have the intention to present poster-like and photoshopped-to-death art. It’s more a realistic documentation.
MPAP: Is there an artist or another photographer out there that you admire and might have influenced you at all? What about their work do you love the most?
TONI: Hmm…yes there are several photographers whose work I really like. Some do really good concert photos, some are really good in portraits, others do perfect landscape pictures. But there is no - you know - the one and only perfect in all photographer. I get my inspirations and influences of many of these guys and girls.
MPAP: Before we move on to talking about the pictures that you shared with us, are there any tips or advice that you would want to give yourself if you had to pick up the camera and start photography all over again?
TONI: Yes: do and try and do it again and try it better and again and again. Be curious, be brave, try to feel what is yours. Your style, your field. Don’t copy, find yourself.
MPAP: Now on to the pictures that you took and have shared with us here? Take us into each one of the pictures and tell us what they are about, and which one is your most favorite and why?
TONI: I chose 3 concert and 3 travel photos. I must confess, I am really bad in deciding for my favorites. I guess others would choose other photos of my collection. Can you imagine, at home I have only one picture of mine at the wall? It’s number 4 (90x70cm) in my living room.
This is a photo of Abbath at Summer Breeze 2016. It’s a lucky shot and more of a happy accident. I like how I catch the huge flame with all its details. This is nothing you can plan. I am proud this is on a big outdoor-poster hanging in the artist area at Summer Breeze Festival.
I can’t show my favorite concert photos without naming my most-shot (16) and one of my favorite bands: Amorphis. I would not say this is the best photo I have, but I like it. It’s from 2014 in Berlin, 2nd Christmas day. Since Tomi Joutsen mostly hides behind his huge microphone stand it’s a nice shot of his face, looking somehow relaxed in a funny blue shaded light. I love the neutral foggy background, without any backdrop or amp etc.
This is Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden, when they played in Hamburg in 2013. I planned this shot, because I knew he is jumping around a lot, so I waited for this moment. Got it!
I found this huuuuge buddha (I recon 6-8 meters high) at Mihintale Sri Lanka in 2016. It was a magical place and I am happy I could capture it with this statue. The clouds just moved perfectly to emphasize the mood. It didn’t really look special in color.
Oh, this photo was supported by a lot of trouble. It is the view from Rockefeller Center onto the skyline of New York city in 2014. I planned this HDR (high dynamic range), I went onto the building 1.5h hours before to get this situation at sunset with turned on street lighting. It was not allowed to take a tripod up there, but I could use a piece of wall that I besieged 1 hour. The trouble was: I shot on blind mode. I couldn’t prove my photos, nor the settings on the camera, because the night before it got damaged while I shot happily in the rain, water entered into the body and short-circuit the display…I was glad the camera still took photos until the end of this journey, as I could check the photos later in the evenings on my laptop. The whole electronic had to be exchanged after the trip - it was f** expensive.
This is just a lucky moment I found a humming-bird, the first time ever. I was sitting and chilling on my hotel balcony in California, 2014. I saw this little pretty creature coming around and couldn’t believe my eyes. I plunged to my camera, put on my tele lens and shot the hell out of it to get a nice shot of this tiny speed-machine.
MPAP: Everyone has a different style or taste, whether it’s street photography, modeling, black & white, or nature, from your point of view what do you think makes a good picture?
TONI: A good picture is a lot about emotion, the moment, the feeling it is transporting. For this a lot has to be perfect in that special moment, which often cannot be planned: light, shadows, colors, movement. depends on the motif of course. I personally like and advocate quality as well. It’s a combination of both. And of course, the way you deal with the photo. You don’t have to do any postprocessing. But you can. I prefer just slightly editing, I really hate these endless beauty-stuff or changing backgrounds of landscapes etc…I always try to be near to the realistic picture I see with my eyes.
MPAP: After the camera is put down for the moment, for the day, or for the night, whether it’s for a day or a week at a time, what else do you like to do in your free time?
TONI: Since photography takes a really big part in my life and accompanies me in many actions I love (concerts, travelling’s, unsalaried social stuff) there is not much left I don’t have my camera with me. Well, of course there is something. I love to do sports (2-3 times a week) and I would love to have time to start again learning electric guitar. I like to read (I collect books of Stephen King, that I collect at flea markets). Oh, and I have also friends I meet…and I collect crown caps from all over the world (I have about 2,200 different!). And in very few moments I have time to sit down and do n-o-t-h-i-n-g. But that is really seldom.
MPAP: Before we bring Behind The Lens to a close, just one last question and we’ll wrap things up and put the lens cap back on. What would you want to say to someone that’s interested in taking pictures for the very first time?
TONI: Leave it. Haha, just kidding. Try it and you will see, if it is yours.
MPAP: On behalf of myself and Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Toni, for being a part of this Behind The Lens feature. It was great getting to know you and your photos. We look forward to seeing what you will capture in the future and beyond. Please tell us where we can find your work or your photo galleries on the internet, and any social media that the readers can follow you on?
TONI: http://mondkringel-photography.de/
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©metalpulpandpaper
Before we go any further, let’s first tell everyone what Behind The Lens is all about. This feature is about the person that’s behind the camera lens. All about that individual that captures that perfect fiery orange of the setting sun, finds a child jumping in a mud puddle in the pouring rain, or catches the moons glow in the water next to some snowcapped mountains. Or captures the rock guitarist jumping in the air during mid solo. It’s about finding that beauty in something that some might not take notice of in their everyday busy lifestyles. Behind The Lens will be a way to get to know a little more about the photographer and the work that they bring to everyone. A full 360 degrees around the camera.
So, let’s take off the lens cap, and go behind the click of the shutter and get to know more about you and your photography, shall we?
How long have you been a photographer and taking pictures?
TONI B. GUNNER: I started photography in 2009. Before that I only took those normal snapshot photos with a compact camera without any idea and concept. In that time, I did not own a mobile phone with camera.
MPAP: What first drew you to it? Was there an inspiration for picking up the camera and beginning that journey into the art of photography?
TONI: It began in some holiday in Hawaii 2009, when I started looking at the motifs, the landscapes, the flowers in detail and wanted to catch everything, but I only had a simple compact camera. A few months later I then got my first DSLR camera as a birthday present and really started learning photography at level zero. I had no clue about shutter, ISO etc. And just a few months later I started concert photography.
MPAP: Now that you’ve been doing it for a while, what interests you the most about it? Is there a passion behind it for you at all?
TONI: Well, for me it’s capturing my personal view in a special moment. It’s only the motif and my camera as a tool to capture this. Of course, there is a passion: capturing memories - my personal memories with my “eyes”. In concert photography it’s a special moment, when a musician offers you some seconds of attention.
MPAP: Can you describe that moment, the experience, or even the emotion you felt when you knew that photography was something you just had to do?
TONI: I mainly do concert photography. That’s passion and sometimes routine. Its emotional, when I shoot bands I really like. But it’s nothing I would say it’s necessary for the world. But since a year I discovered a special part of photography that is really emotional and so important: it’s photographing stillborn babies and deadly-ill people at their last journeys. These are important memories and a contribution in psychological process for the parents and family. This is what I really do with passion and heart.
MPAP: What do you like to photograph the most of? Do you have a favorite setting, scene, landscape, or any items that you like to capture? Or do you like to just take pictures of people, or perhaps a live music concert now and then?
TONI: I like to shoot places and bands I haven’t seen before. Since I shot my 1000th band some days ago, it’s not that easy to get to see many new bands. For me nothing is as boring as shooting the same band with its same show the same gestures and movements. When it’s all predictable, you know. I like challenges. Challenge in locations, in light - when it’s all not planned and static.
MPAP: Is there anything out there that you try to avoid taking pictures of?
TONI: At travelling’s I try to avoid viewpoints where 3,513,518,367,135 other tourists take their pictures. I avoid doing studio-photography, since I am not good at setting artificial light. I prefer available light. That’s why you don’t find many portraits and stuff in my portfolio. I do, but I don’t really like it or feel comfortable with it.
MPAP: When picking up the camera, it obviously took some time, along with some practice, to get the feel and hang of it of what you wanted to do or go with it? Maybe even a class or two was taken to learn more about it. Tell us what were some of the challenges you’ve encountered with taking pictures? What have been some of the difficulties you’ve experienced since first began, and maybe still happens to this day?
TONI: When I got my first DSLR camera, I didn't know really anything about shutter, ISO, f-stop and so on. So, I bought a book and started reading. As well I took an online photography class, where I had a personal guide who watched my works and gave me exercises to do. This was perfect, because I had to challenge all aspects of photo-technique, not only those who are easy to understand. And with this knowledge I always looked at my photos and tried to recognize what I could have done better. It’s not only theory, it’s about learning the limits of your camera gear as well, which you only discover by doing.
MPAP: On the other side of it having some difficulties, what are some of your favorite things about being a photographer you can tell us about? What have been some of your camera highlights so far that you can share with us also?
TONI: Well, being a photographer widens first of all your view, your mind, the way you look at landscapes, nature, details etc. Sometimes it offers you possibilities to get close to bands and musicians or take part at events, I would have not been to, if I wasn’t the photographer. Since I am a concert photographer I go to sooo many concerts, that is just great! I get to know people, travel a lot more…and have dozens of (good) memories in pictures.
MPAP: When someone sees the picture you’ve taken for the first time, whether it’s the new bride and groom, or a family member that just had a baby, what do you want someone to get out of it? Is there ever anything you’re trying to say within your pictures, a message deep in the pixels that makes it up?
TONI: This depends on the photos I take and who this someone is: For these special stillborn baby photos, I want to give at least something the parents can take into future, something they can touch and look at - I know it’s not an ounce of replacement for the big loss they have experienced, but it is some kind of help in the psychological processing. I want my concert photos to be on the hand a great and realistic memory for those people who attended the concert as well. On the other hand, I want to show perspectives, the “normal” crowd could not get, because we concert photographer are (mostly) able to stand just in front of the stage. I want the musicians to be some kind of “tangible”. Well, and for those people who did not visit the concert, they should see what they have missed. But it’s also a good feeling, when the musicians itself like the photos and use them as representative pictures in their portfolio. With my travel photos I just want to capture my personal impressions, the way I have just seen this and that. My photos don’t have the intention to present poster-like and photoshopped-to-death art. It’s more a realistic documentation.
MPAP: Is there an artist or another photographer out there that you admire and might have influenced you at all? What about their work do you love the most?
TONI: Hmm…yes there are several photographers whose work I really like. Some do really good concert photos, some are really good in portraits, others do perfect landscape pictures. But there is no - you know - the one and only perfect in all photographer. I get my inspirations and influences of many of these guys and girls.
MPAP: Before we move on to talking about the pictures that you shared with us, are there any tips or advice that you would want to give yourself if you had to pick up the camera and start photography all over again?
TONI: Yes: do and try and do it again and try it better and again and again. Be curious, be brave, try to feel what is yours. Your style, your field. Don’t copy, find yourself.
MPAP: Now on to the pictures that you took and have shared with us here? Take us into each one of the pictures and tell us what they are about, and which one is your most favorite and why?
TONI: I chose 3 concert and 3 travel photos. I must confess, I am really bad in deciding for my favorites. I guess others would choose other photos of my collection. Can you imagine, at home I have only one picture of mine at the wall? It’s number 4 (90x70cm) in my living room.
This is a photo of Abbath at Summer Breeze 2016. It’s a lucky shot and more of a happy accident. I like how I catch the huge flame with all its details. This is nothing you can plan. I am proud this is on a big outdoor-poster hanging in the artist area at Summer Breeze Festival.
I can’t show my favorite concert photos without naming my most-shot (16) and one of my favorite bands: Amorphis. I would not say this is the best photo I have, but I like it. It’s from 2014 in Berlin, 2nd Christmas day. Since Tomi Joutsen mostly hides behind his huge microphone stand it’s a nice shot of his face, looking somehow relaxed in a funny blue shaded light. I love the neutral foggy background, without any backdrop or amp etc.
This is Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden, when they played in Hamburg in 2013. I planned this shot, because I knew he is jumping around a lot, so I waited for this moment. Got it!
I found this huuuuge buddha (I recon 6-8 meters high) at Mihintale Sri Lanka in 2016. It was a magical place and I am happy I could capture it with this statue. The clouds just moved perfectly to emphasize the mood. It didn’t really look special in color.
Oh, this photo was supported by a lot of trouble. It is the view from Rockefeller Center onto the skyline of New York city in 2014. I planned this HDR (high dynamic range), I went onto the building 1.5h hours before to get this situation at sunset with turned on street lighting. It was not allowed to take a tripod up there, but I could use a piece of wall that I besieged 1 hour. The trouble was: I shot on blind mode. I couldn’t prove my photos, nor the settings on the camera, because the night before it got damaged while I shot happily in the rain, water entered into the body and short-circuit the display…I was glad the camera still took photos until the end of this journey, as I could check the photos later in the evenings on my laptop. The whole electronic had to be exchanged after the trip - it was f** expensive.
This is just a lucky moment I found a humming-bird, the first time ever. I was sitting and chilling on my hotel balcony in California, 2014. I saw this little pretty creature coming around and couldn’t believe my eyes. I plunged to my camera, put on my tele lens and shot the hell out of it to get a nice shot of this tiny speed-machine.
MPAP: Everyone has a different style or taste, whether it’s street photography, modeling, black & white, or nature, from your point of view what do you think makes a good picture?
TONI: A good picture is a lot about emotion, the moment, the feeling it is transporting. For this a lot has to be perfect in that special moment, which often cannot be planned: light, shadows, colors, movement. depends on the motif of course. I personally like and advocate quality as well. It’s a combination of both. And of course, the way you deal with the photo. You don’t have to do any postprocessing. But you can. I prefer just slightly editing, I really hate these endless beauty-stuff or changing backgrounds of landscapes etc…I always try to be near to the realistic picture I see with my eyes.
MPAP: After the camera is put down for the moment, for the day, or for the night, whether it’s for a day or a week at a time, what else do you like to do in your free time?
TONI: Since photography takes a really big part in my life and accompanies me in many actions I love (concerts, travelling’s, unsalaried social stuff) there is not much left I don’t have my camera with me. Well, of course there is something. I love to do sports (2-3 times a week) and I would love to have time to start again learning electric guitar. I like to read (I collect books of Stephen King, that I collect at flea markets). Oh, and I have also friends I meet…and I collect crown caps from all over the world (I have about 2,200 different!). And in very few moments I have time to sit down and do n-o-t-h-i-n-g. But that is really seldom.
MPAP: Before we bring Behind The Lens to a close, just one last question and we’ll wrap things up and put the lens cap back on. What would you want to say to someone that’s interested in taking pictures for the very first time?
TONI: Leave it. Haha, just kidding. Try it and you will see, if it is yours.
MPAP: On behalf of myself and Metal Pulp And Paper, I’d like to thank you, Toni, for being a part of this Behind The Lens feature. It was great getting to know you and your photos. We look forward to seeing what you will capture in the future and beyond. Please tell us where we can find your work or your photo galleries on the internet, and any social media that the readers can follow you on?
TONI: http://mondkringel-photography.de/
©metalpulpandpaper