Moments of Welcome

"The world began without the human race and it will end without it."

—Claude Lévi-Strauss, Tristes Tropiques

Inspired by the vision of Claude Lévi-Strauss in his book "Tristes Tropiques" and the humanist spirit of Edward Steichen, this portfolio is a visual journey through cultures, landscapes, and encounters that speak to the richness and complexity of human life across time and place. It is not a documentation of “others,” but a respectful attempt to witness, learn from, and honor diverse ways of being in the world—ways that hold wisdom, beauty, and deep connection to nature and tradition. Like Lévi-Strauss, and in the spirit of The Family of Man, I believe that by observing with humility and awareness, and by opening ourselves to learning, we can glimpse something universal: the quiet threads that bind us all, beyond the noise of modernity.

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Across cultures and continents, the kitchen is more than a place to prepare food—it is the heart of the home, where stories are told, hands work side by side, and guests become part of the family. This series of photographs captures moments of quiet hospitality, where warmth rises not only from the fire, but from the generosity of people who open their homes, their time, and their cooking pots to a stranger.

In every meal offered and every kettle shared, I have experienced a truth that transcends language: hospitality is a universal gesture of connection. Through the hearth, we are nourished—body and spirit—and reminded that the simplest acts of sharing carry the deepest meaning.

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How people build and inhabit their homes reflects an ongoing dialogue between environment and identity. Across regions and generations, the materials, structures, and spatial arrangements of dwellings tell stories of resilience, community, and cultural memory. From the rainforest to savannah, mountain to dryland, each home is shaped by its surrounding landscape—and in turn, shapes the way of life within.

In this section, you’ll encounter the Iban longhouses of Borneo, where architecture fosters kinship and collective life beneath the jungle canopy. The Ashanti compounds in Ghana reveal symbolic structures rooted in tradition and authority. In Northern Cameroon, earthen homes speak of ecological adaptation and intergenerational knowledge. The Koi-San shelters of Namibia, minimal and mobile, reflect an intimate understanding of land and season. And in Zimbabwe, domestic spaces reveal both continuity and transformation.

These images are not meant to idealize or fix communities in a static past. They acknowledge that people everywhere aspire to comfort, safety, and modern improvements—often within legal and social frameworks that promote change. What remains vital is to recognize the creativity and cultural logic in all forms of dwelling, whether traditional or contemporary. Each home tells a story—not of poverty or backwardness, but of people navigating life between place, culture, and the pursuit of dignity.

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Step into the serene world of Africa's herbivores, where grace and adaptability define their existence. From the towering elegance of giraffes to the swift movements of zebras and the delicate presence of dik-diks, each photograph captures the essence of these remarkable creatures. Whether grazing peacefully or navigating their vast habitats, these herbivores play a vital role in the ecosystem. Through this collection, I aim to showcase their beauty, resilience, and the interconnectedness of life in the wild.

Discover the often-overlooked marvels of Namibia's Namib Desert through my collection of photographs featuring "The Little Five." These small but extraordinary creatures – from the quick-footed Namaqua chameleon to the ingenious sand-diving lizards – embody the desert's adaptability and resilience. Each image reveals the intricate details of their survival in one of the harshest environments on Earth, offering a fresh perspective on the delicate balance of life in the desert's vast expanse.

If you are interested in using the photos royalty-free, they are available for download in high quality and in different resolutions from my African Wildlife Portfolio on Adobe Alternatively, you can contact me directly through the contact form.

my adobe stock portfolio.

The photographers toolkit with tipps about twilight photography will follow soon.

The destinations you will find in the following destination sections: Uganda, Rwanda, Zimbabwe or Namibia.