Internationally recognized photographer Katharina Bosse, professor of photography at the Fachhochschule Bielefeld, University of Applied Sciences in Germany, spoke to students and community members in the Beach Museum of Art on Tuesday about elements of photography she incorporates into her work. She also spoke about how she grew as a photographer.
Using her photos as visual illustrations, Bosse showed her evolution as an artist and her thought process in capturing images.
“I shoot a lot, and only a few of the images make it into my work,” Bosse said. “I want to photograph the way I feel about the world.”
Early photographs from her career show Bosse trying to find her voice.
“I would have these images in my mind,” Bosse said. “I just wanted to create them in person.”
Bosse did an exchange trip through her college to work as a color printer in New York. She used her time in New York to find her artistic identity.
Bosse also shared the story of her first gallery booking. She said she sat in a gallery with her portfolio awkwardly waiting for the owner to see her work. Luckily, there was a cancellation and Bosse was given the spot for the first of many shows in her career.
Tessie Melgarejo, senior in fine arts, said listening to Bosse speak was an interesting way to learn about the perspective and processing of photography from a generation older than her.
Melgarejo asked Bosse about her reactions to rejection both in her career as well as at the college level as a student in conflict with a professor.
Bosse said if someone did not like her work enough to display it, she would find somewhere else to present, whether it be a library or coffee shop and do something else for the professor.
“I just wanted people to see my photos,” Bosse said.
Bosse explained the rush she got knowing that her photograph would be printed and viewed by people. A large amount of the excitement and joy in her career comes from being the first to view her photographs as she develops them in her dark room.
“To be both the artist and the first person to view the picture is the best feeling,” Bosse said. “If I find a good picture among printing, I usually do a happy dance or maybe cry in that moment.”
Bosse described her photography style as keeping the viewer reserved. In her photography sessions with burlesque performers, Bosse removed them from their natural stage of theater to daily atmospheres set during the day.
As Bosse became a professor and a mother of two children, she transitioned into photographing herself as a mother. Bosse showed the audience a project she is working on featuring photographing her children, Maxine and Leo, who were both present in the audience.
Barbara Rutherford, Manhattan resident, said she profoundly felt the connection Bosse has with her prints and enjoyed hearing her thoughts and methods regarding photography.
“I can relate to so many things she spoke about,” Rutherford said. “This is a powerful thing to see, and I’m thankful I knew about her coming today.”
