German Photographer Andreas Puffert visits my studio
Last week I had the pleasure of welcoming German photographer Andreas Puffert to my studio in Narrawallee on the NSW South Coast. Known for his documentary-driven approach through APUGRAPHY, Andreas travelled down from his home in Bondi to spend time in my painting space and to photograph my mid-century modern timber beach house, a quiet, light-filled structure nestled close to the sea.
From the moment he arrived, it felt less like a formal shoot and more like a meeting of minds. Andreas has a rare ability to observe before reacting. He moves through a space slowly, attentively, allowing natural light, texture and atmosphere to reveal themselves. Watching him work reminded me of my own years behind the camera. Before focusing fully on painting as Van Dahl, photography was a significant part of my practice (www.gavinrea.com), and it remains foundational to how I think about composition, shadow and structure.
Andreas’ background, having worked inside businesses and around people who build things, gives him a sensitivity to process. Rather than staging moments, he allows them to unfold. In the studio, he photographed works-in-progress, brushes resting mid-task, the geometry of stretcher bars, the patina of timber walls. Outside, he captured the quiet rhythm of the house, its clean mid-century lines, warm wood tones, and the way coastal light filters through the rooms across the day.
We spoke at length about film versus digital, about shooting stills versus video, and about the parallels between documentary photography and painting. Both practices rely on timing and restraint. Both require knowing when to step in and when to step back.
It was a genuinely energising experience meeting a fellow creative who shares a deep respect for image-making. Andreas’ thoughtful presence and intuitive eye brought a fresh perspective to a space I inhabit every day. I’m looking forward to seeing how he translates that visit into imagery and to future collaborations shaped by a shared love of photography, craft and considered storytelling.
Visit
Andreas Puffert @apugraphy
https://www.apugraphy.com/
