This week's photography selection unveils distinctly different perspectives on architecture, nature, wildlife, and sports through a carefully curated collection of images. Each photograph tells its own unique story, whether through urban light displays, the majestic presence of a lion, serene landscapes shrouded in morning mist, or the powerful presence of an athlete.
The featured collection combines technical precision with artistic expression, supplemented by atmospheric architectural shots and glimpses into the night sky. The diverse assembly demonstrates how photography can capture everything from the bustling energy of metropolitan areas to the quiet contemplation found in natural settings.
Among the standout images is a nighttime capture of Seoul's urban elegance, centered around the dramatically illuminated Lotte World Tower. Photographer Stefan Bock's composition shows the tower flanked by a dense skyline of modern skyscrapers, with curved street patterns in the foreground directing viewers' eyes through long light trails toward the city center. The colorfully lit bridge construction on the right side provides a visual accent, while reflections in the Han River enhance the composition's depth and add dynamic energy to the scene. The technically precise capture demonstrates strong visual dramaturgy through architectural elements.
Wildlife photography is represented through a majestic lion portrait captured in the light of the setting sun by gallery photographer Pham Nuwem. The lion's golden-brown mane stands out against a dark, blurred background, creating dramatic atmosphere. Fine details including facial scars and fur texture provide insight into the animal's combative life, lending authenticity to the image and telling a story of survival in the wild.
Architectural photography takes center stage with Klaus-Peter Kubik's striking shot at Bundeskanzlerplatz in Bonn, employing a distinctive central and low-angle perspective that draws the eye upward and makes the architecture appear monumental. "What's particularly appealing about this location is Jeppe Hein's mirror installation, which invites experimentation with different perspectives. Here I chose an almost ground-level viewpoint to achieve this effect," the photographer explains. The black-and-white presentation emphasizes forms, lines, and structures, making the sky a neutral stage for the buildings' geometry.
Nature photography is beautifully represented through M. Rasch's atmospheric capture at Hintersee in Berchtesgadener Land, where morning fog settles over the scenery, lending the image a moody, mystical atmosphere. Rocks and small islands with scattered trees emerge from the clear water in the foreground, while reflections in the lake enhance the peaceful mood and create beautiful depth. Behind them, jagged mountain peaks rise, partially shrouded in clouds, intensifying the dramatic effect.
Sports photography appears through an engaging black-and-white portrait of hockey player Justin MacPherson from EC Bad Nauheim during a game, captured by gallery photographer Florian Dehn. The player's gaze is concentrated and thoughtful, while the blurred background creates strong depth. The image composition centers the player and emphasizes specific details, particularly how lighting dramatically highlights his face, conveying both the emotional side of sports and the intensity of the moment.
Dehn shares technical insights about his approach: "The light was sufficient for standard focal lengths like a 70-200mm f/2.8, but I particularly love the Nikkor 200mm f/2.0 at this point for its incredible sharpness, very shallow depth of field, and hard contrasts, especially in black and white. I did virtually no post-processing – just adjusted the tone curve and the black-and-white mix."
Architectural heritage is showcased through Stephan Gläser's golden hour photograph of the Saxon State Chancellery rising with its impressive facade and distinctive central tower along the Elbe riverbank. The architecture of dark sandstone and red roofs conveys historical significance, while the Carola Bridge in the foreground (captured before its partial collapse) creates an interesting contrast to the traditional architecture. Softly colored clouds and warm light lend the scene a painterly quality.
The collection concludes with astronomical photography featuring Elena Shtrakova's lunar capture from September 3, 2025, fascinating viewers with the almost full moon's intense golden color tone. The surface is captured with razor-sharp detail, making craters and structures clearly visible, while the warm color filter gives the astronomical subject a particularly atmospheric effect. The night sky intensifies contrasts and draws attention exclusively to the satellite's distinctive details.
Shtrakova explains her approach: "The idea arose as part of an observation series of the moon from September 3-15, 2025. The goal was to capture changes in the visible surface and the special atmosphere during different phases." This comprehensive collection demonstrates photography's power to capture diverse subjects while maintaining both technical excellence and artistic vision.
