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A show like America’s Next Top Model relies on photographers just about as much as they do models and judges. And of course, sister-show Germany’s Next Topmodel is no different. German photographer Martin Bauendahl is one of those vital photographers GNTM calls on. For the 2016 season, they asked him to photograph some of the introductory shots of the girls.
Martin has been working with his client, German TV station “Pro7,” for several years, and he says the shoots are always fast-paced and high-pressure. He has to get through a lot of women in one day, and the photographic requirements are strict. Martin says that this year, the rigor was just as high, but the photographic style was especially fun. Michael Amann, the art director for the 2016 season, contacted Martin about creating lighting with graphic patterns. Martin happens to have experience with this way of lighting, so they went full-steam ahead with the fun and striking concept.
My photographic style is very clear, graphic, and strong. I like to play with every kind of light.
A team of graphic artists designed the patterns in Photoshop with supervision from Martin and Michael. After that, Martin made slides of the images on analog film for his camera. Martin says he tested the lighting in every possible way and prepared every tiny detail before the shoot took place. This is his usual mode of operation, and the kind that is required on a set like Germany’s Next Topmodel.
Martin appreciates how incredible it is that they were able to create such different backdrops for each of the models just using this lighting. One catch of the setup? The set had to be completely dark for the lighting to work, so he and his crew had to carry around flashlights to make it through.
So far, there have been many articles and publications featuring Martin’s images of the Topmodel hopefuls, and they’ve had fantastic feedback from the fans. Martin hopes to do even more projects in the future with this special graphic lighting.
To view more of Martin’s work, visit studio.bauendahl.com.