At the Sea

Essay 595 • Jul 13th 2025

This project shows minimalist black and white photographs of coastal regions taken on numerous trips to the sea. As my place of residence is unfortunately very far from the sea, such trips are always something very special for me, and not just from a photographic point of view. I try to pass on the emotions and moods that I experience on such a trip to the viewer in my pictures.

Minimalist long exposures in black and white are by far the best way to do this. The resulting images show the viewer an unusual view of the sea. The simplicity of the images draws the eye to the main motif, but at the same time leaves enough space to prevent it from appearing too dominant. As a result, the pictures move away from reality and stimulate the viewer's imagination, allowing them to connect what is depicted with their own feelings and thoughts, resulting in a very personal visual experience for each viewer.














 

Ralf Dreier has more than 25 years of experience in photography, during which he has acquired ever more extensive skills through self-instruction. He has consciously retained his amateur status so as not to allow his creative development to be influenced by monetary necessities. With a particular focus on minimalist black and white photography in the fields of architecture and landscape, he strives first and foremost to convey emotions and moods with his images.

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