In 2009, it became obvious to me that it was time for a professional departure and a relaunch – say bye to my pay check and create space for the craft my heart was set for more than three decades ago as a young man – documentary photography.

Life was simple, as a matter of fact it still is, and my wife then a junior lecturer at a local university was determined to help me – she said it was time for me to go out into the world and do what I am best at.

The next several years, I polished my craft as a photojournalist, invested in the business skills that I lacked, creating a body of work I could stand up for with a few commercial engagements to encourage my zest.

But it was in mid 2012 that I decided to make a leap. I earned nothing close to my previous job, but I knew my commitment to photography would not let me down.

I was to become a father.

My wife and I, first time parents with an infant, were tweaking away the concept for our gallery studio, leaning on our little savings and felt that we were ready by November, 2013.

The first studio in the Girardethaus, Essen was a two year learning lab, sweat, break-even margins and glorious moments of epiphany. These two years had to be.

My studios were lean, agile and all things experimental that enabled me stay course and create. They become spaces that allowed me to do good photography, spurn fine print artefacts and engage with people that humbled and inspired me.

The second studio-gallery opened its doors in March 2016 in downtown Rüttenscheid, Essen that hosted all things photography to fine-art exhibitions.

Come Summer 2019, three years later, we as a family of three were to follow a hearts’ calling - relocate to the Netherlands, where now I stand, live, and work.