As I see it

...manifesting itself in the form of artificial intelligence.  While developments such as self-driving cars, facial recognition software, and voice assistants have steadily advanced in recent years, the emergence of computer programs capable of generating poetry, music, and images of indistinguishable quality from human creation represents an entirely new paradigm shift—particularly to me. Throughout my life, I've nurtured a dream of becoming a songwriter or an art photographer, dedicating countless years to honing my skills in these disciplines. Now, a child who can merely switch on a computer, without the need to read or write, can generate poetry, music, and imagery by instructing a voice assistant. This realization is both liberating and disconcerting. While it makes me somewhat relieved that I didn't wholeheartedly pursue my creative dreams, it also underscores the unsettling thought that the knowledge I've accumulated over decades may now be rendered obsolete....

Photographer Elliott Erwitt once said that "success is freedom to do what you feel like doing at the moment". I still remember my first day at school and the unpleasant realization  at the tender age of six   that, from now on and until retirement  I was most likely going to have to spend too many hours each day doing things I was not particularly interested in...   I agree with Elliott's definition of success, that it is not primarily about financial wealth, social status or popularity, even though all of these might help. And it is also not about laziness.  Life is more fun if you have  something  to do. Better even, if doing that certain something makes you happy.  And I congratulate you if doing that certain something  also  makes you enough money for a good life (without ripping anyone off )!  Or to quote Sir Richard Branson : “There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions –...

...or to quote Andy Warhol: everybody must have a fantasy. Do you sometimes feel lonely, underappreciated and frustrated with the world? Do you sometimes wish you were nicer, less judgemental and more understanding? Then Mel Merio has just the cure for you. Take one of her special "Lovemore Pills" and that will reliably wash away any residues of hate, anger and frustration - like a soap pad for your soul.   Andy Warhol amidst his towering Brillo box sculptures in the Stable Gallery, New York, April 21, 1964.   (Photo: Fred W. McDarrah/Getty Images).     See more of my collaborations with Mel Merio on www.robertmarcusklump.com    

A few weeks ago, I had an outdoor photoshoot with renowned author Heinrich Steinfest. As usual, I had prepared a "mood board", i.e. a collection of ideas for inspiration, which soon turned out to be unnecessary. Because with an intrinsically creative person like Heinrich, fresh ideas come up effortlessly on the spot.   One of our spontaneous creations - the "diving" image - even found its way onto the back cover of Heinrich's latest book "Der betrunkene Berg" ("the drunken mountain").   See more of my works on www.robertmarcusklump.com

  or: looking at the world like a landlocked animal with the eyes of a fish. Over the last years , when on vacation I've made it a habit of only bringing my camera if I have at least a rough idea of what my main subjects are going to be, what (unusual) techniques I intend to apply and what I am going to do with the final results. After all, carrying heavy equipment is not exactly the fun part of photography. What is more, the people accompanying you need to have a lot of patience as they repeatedly have to wait for someone taking pictures. When, in mid-2016, my wife and I decided to spend some days in Venice, Italy , I felt like this was a good place for experimentation with an ultra wide-angle lens called "fish-eye". I had to borrow one for the occasion. Later; i would publish the best results on social media (I did e.g. here ). I don't mind lying on my back in the middle of the street or putting myself into some other akward position for a good shot (something any...

...or how a Chris de Burgh album cover helped me come up with the idea for a self-portrait Despite my fascination with conceptual photography as well as the art of compositing images, I rarely create such myself. In 2020 however, I had the idea for a picture in which I would be playing chess against myself. The inspiration probably came from the surrealistic cover of Chris de Burgh's " Best Moves " album, a stylized 'double portrait' of CdB that has always been a favourite of mine. It took me a while to figure out how to get the "opponent" version of myself reach his hand out of that mirror. Looking at this self-portrait today, I can' t really interpret my facial expression, but I like the overall result . What do you think?   See more of my works on my website www.robertmarcusklump.com