We ended up in a Leica store where I bought my first camera and started taking pictures and trying out different techniques.

Let Me Introduce

"Hi, my name is Timo Baumgartl and I'm a player for Union Berlin. But when I'm not on the field, one of my biggest passions is photography. It all started a couple of years ago when I met Felix Stein, who introduced me to this art form.".

Captivating

"I chose the Leica because it's an easy camera to work with for someone like me who wasn't initially great at photography. With practice, I've been able to improve my skills and take better photos. I take my camera with me everywhere I go, whether it's on a walk or when I'm on holiday, and I try to take pictures of everything that catches my eye.

On an average day, I take around 100 pictures, but only a few of them end up being great shots.

I keep trying and experimenting, and that's what I love about photography - the endless possibilities and opportunities to create something unique and beautiful".

The Ambient

“As someone who's passionate about photography, I find the best time to capture stunning shots in Berlin is during the summer, without a doubt.

But the autumn months can also be great, especially when the light is good, and in the morning, the morning light is simply amazing. I also love taking photos during the moments just before the sun goes down – the light is magical.

Unfortunately, there's only a short time slot of around 3 to 4 months when the light is perfect in Berlin, and the rest of the year is a bit grey with less optimal lighting conditions.

However, I try to make the most of the good weather and spend as much time outside as possible, always keeping my camera close by in hopes of capturing some truly special moments”.

POV

“As a football player, I don't really have a routine outside of training, but I always make sure to check out the sky after practice. If the weather is good, I'll head out with my camera and snap some shots. Sometimes I even venture out in bad weather because I take photos wherever and whenever I want.

If my teammates and I are out for a walk by the river or something, I'll often bring my camera along too.

But I don't really have a set process or flow for my photography. When I edit my photos, I usually use Lightroom and just sit at home. I like to have a good movie playing in the background while I work, as it helps me get in the right headspace”.

“I don't use presets when editing my photos, preferring to tweak each one individually until it looks just right. In the beginning, I had some trouble with the coloring, as my girlfriend always looked too orange in my shots. But I learned from my mistakes and kept improving”.

The Choice

“It's hard to pick just one favorite photo, but I think the first one I ever took with my camera holds a special place in my heart. It wasn't the best in terms of angles or editing, but it was the first step on my photography journey. I love telling the story of how I got started and sharing my passion with friends.

"While some people have suggested that I should turn my hobby into a business and start taking photos professionally, I prefer to keep it as a personal hobby.

I enjoy capturing moments wherever I am, whether it's on the football field or at a party, and I'm happy to be the guy who always has his camera ready to go”.

Perspective: Timo Baumgartl

In Focus: Jordan Dawson

Rodrigo Vilca Adaptation