Michael Hospelt studied photography and graphic design at the prestigious Folkwangschule Art School at the Universisty of Essen, Germany. After finishing art school he worked as a noted fashion and cover photographer for a number of  magazines including Stern, Zeitmagazin, Petra, and Madame. He subsequently photographed advertising campaigns globally for internationally known clients such as Volkswagen, Sony, Philip Morris, Coca Cola, Beck’s Beer, and others. With the advent of a growing demand for commercials in Germany, Mr. Hospelt moved from photography to film, working for the renowed Filmhaus production company, and later in his own production house, Michael Hospelt Filmcompany.

 

In anticipation of the Internet becoming a major media platform, Mr. Hospelt founded Newtechmedia with two partners in Hamburg, Germany. The firm was one of the first Internet and multimedia agencies in Germany. He served as CEO of Newtechmedia until the year 2000, at which time he relocated to the United States, residing in Tiburon, California.

 

Mr. Hospelt recently returned to his great love, that of photography, with the creation of Michael Hospelt Photography. The business combines his love of photography, design in all forms, architecture and landscape, wine and food.

 

My Vision Statement

 

Architecture: I create photographs that illustrate the character and mood of a building in its natural setting, incorporating the designer's vision of the building or space that the designer had. Prior to the shoot, I try to conduct a walkthrough with the client so that their objective is part of the ultimate illustration. The walkthrough also provides both photographer and client with a critical path outline for the shoot.

 

Landscapes: I love to drive for hours through the landscape, looking for just the right place and light, in the knowledge that a spontaneous experience sometimes presents one with the best image. My ongoing barns series combines my love of architecture and landscape photography with the spectacle of spontaneous discovery. These simple buildings, so evocative of the American landscape and experience, merge beautifully with the landscape, sometimes taking on the same patina and color spectrum of the environment and years of exposure to the elements.

 

Food and Wine: My food and wine photographs are all shot in natural light, whether light from a nearby window, open shade, or a tent. I prefer to control the natural light with reflectors, as opposed of using artificial lighting.

 

Photography is so different in today’s modern world of media and discovery. But I believe that a truly great photographic image still originates through the eyes of the person behind the camera. This is the photographer as an artist, which is my philosophy.