Hille Photorepresentation : Award for Thomas Kettner

Thomas KETTNER can be pleased with himself: his book ONGWE – the Leopard was distinguished with the Red-Dot-Design-Award 2006. Our congratulations!
 
The photographer fulfilled a dream with this book. In contrast to his numerous trips to South Africa, he was travelling as his own boss and without the usual confines of a deadline or business assignment. In the far North of Namibia, Thomas and his team delved into the world of the Himba, an African tribe in which time and common Western values are deprioritized. Thus a photo book was born, the preferred edition almost turns into a sculpture through its sumptuous leather binding. It is in an exciting combination of staged and report-style photography that unfolds the story of a journalist; she travels to the dark heart of Africa, where her experiences and desires collide with the day to day routine of a traditional nomadic tribe. Powerful pictures in earth tones are interspersed by generously designed typography and help bring the mood of the Kunene River, with its scanty, dusty width, closer. Production: Erik Gugelberger, Styling: Sabine Heck, H&M: Sanne Anndriani, Model: Olivia Jackson of Cape Town.

Thomas also managed to be nominated for the CANON ProFashional Photo Award 2006 with his last free fashion series (Styling: Sabine Heck, H&M: Guiliette Jimaa, Model: Elisa). The pictures can currently be admired at the Photokina in Cologne.