Gerd Ludwig
Digital Camera World|Spring 2022
Steve Fairclough speaks to one of the world's leading documentary photographers about his life and work
Gerd Ludwig

Gerd Ludwig may not be a name that immediately trips off the tongue when you're thinking about the world's greatest photographers, but if you haven't yet seen his work, then you've been missing out on something very special.

Ludwig was born in Germany just two years after the end of World War II, and a certain sense of guilt his father was part of the German forces that invaded Russia in 1942 - helped to shape his future approach to his work. Early on, he abandoned plans to shoot fashion for a career after seeing photography from the Vietnam War, which ultimately led to him deciding to become a photojournalist.

He is arguably best known for documenting life in Russia, especially the aftermath of the 1986 nuclear disaster in Chernobyl. He first shot the area for a National Geographic assignment in 1993, and has returned several times since, notably being one of the world's first documentary photographers to further his work thanks to crowdfunding. His ongoing coverage of post-Soviet Russia has earned him the distinction of being the world's foremost colour photographer documenting the region.

Ludwig's work is known for capturing all of the complexities life has to offer with a potent combination of empathy, emotion and hard-hitting photojournalism. He's just as likely to capture the sweetness of a hug and a kiss or the poignancy of children born with serious birth defects. His images combine very strong composition, socioeconomic content and a journalistic style that marks them out as purposeful and highly memorable.

Esta historia es de la edición Spring 2022 de Digital Camera World.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición Spring 2022 de Digital Camera World.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE DIGITAL CAMERA WORLDVer todo
Walter Moser on Gregory Crewdson
Digital Camera UK

Walter Moser on Gregory Crewdson

US photographer Gregory Crewdson is famous for his cinematic images. After a recent exhibition of his work, Steve Fairclough discovers more about his career

time-read
9 minutos  |
November 2024
DJI Neo
Digital Camera UK

DJI Neo

Can this 'follow-me' drone be all things to all people without compromise?

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II
Digital Camera UK

Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II

With some desirable updates, this lens aims to build on the success of the original version.

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2024
Lumix S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro
Digital Camera UK

Lumix S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro

A modest zoom range and maximum aperture at a modest price

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2024
Ricoh GR III HDF
Digital Camera UK

Ricoh GR III HDF

The 'classic' Ricoh GR III now features a Highlight Diffusion Filter

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2024
Lumix GH7
Digital Camera UK

Lumix GH7

New and improved AF make this one of the best hybrids around

time-read
7 minutos  |
November 2024
Scanning ahead...
Digital Camera UK

Scanning ahead...

With Chinese brands on the rise, Jon Devo considers the effect on the imaging industry.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
Behind the lens
Digital Camera UK

Behind the lens

SERGEY GORSHKOV Wildlife photographer

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
CAMERA CLINIC - Master the art of modern photography
Digital Camera UK

CAMERA CLINIC - Master the art of modern photography

This month: Capturing the coast Let's side-step the autumnal colourful spectacular and head to the seaside

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
MASTER THE MAGIC OF MACRO
Digital Camera UK

MASTER THE MAGIC OF MACRO

Shoot tiny details close-up and hone in on incredible details hidden to the naked eye. Professional photographer Dan Mold is your guide...

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024