Shot exclusively with a 35mm lens 'Gotcha Back!' is a study of portraiture that leaves out the most important feature usually common in portraiture: the face. By omitting the face from the photograph the surroundings and the dynamic of the image become even more important. Identification with the subjects depicted is very different now, and somehow more universal. I chose a 35mm lens as it allowed me to capture more of my subjects surroundings as well as forcing me to get close. The idea to 'Gotcha Back!' was born out of pure practicality (street photography rights in Germany don't favor the photographer, and without depicting my subjects identity there are no legal issues). However I soon fell in love with the theme and got obsessed by it. At the same time I caught myself thinking what this series says about me- creeping up on people. This is an ongoing project.
