The Mesmerizing Glow

Hello, my name is Dominik Scharf, but my friends call me Erdi. Somehow, I stumbled into the world of media and can’t seem to get out. I learned graphic design at 18, studied photography at 21, and now I work as an art director for audiovisual media. My interest has always been in visual design — both in photography and videography. Even as a child, I used disposable cameras to photograph my friends or document our family vacations. During my studies, I focused a lot on landscape photography and surrealism. Photographers like Peter Bialobrzeski and Gregory Crewdson have greatly influenced me.

I’ve been carrying a camera in my hand for about 24 years. Kudos to that! In recent years, I’ve gone through a photographic crisis, especially regarding my own work. Somehow, I’ve lost the conceptual and thoughtful aspects. I mean images with meaning and a story. Images that endure, that have a theme. Images that are worth more than just a fraction of a second.

I believe every photographer reaches a point where they want to evolve. I work hard to maintain my special feeling for photography, but I often question what I’m actually doing. When I ask others for their opinion, I often hear: “Stop asking and do what you love” – but I just want to engage in exchange. Talk about my images. Do other photographers out there feel the same way? Or is photography just “snackable content”?

In recent years, I’ve mainly captured and documented everyday moments. Single snapshots from life, meant more for the family album than for others. I’ve photographed vacations, trips, and short walks. I watched my daughter grow and discover and captured these moments. These are not bad images – but now I want something more. Something new. Images that are seen by others. I want to creatively engage with photography again.

With “Mesmerizing Glow“, I’ve revived the old structures from university – but with a more intensive approach. I have time! Time to experiment, to deal with light. Time to enjoy and observe the nature I’m photographing – without heavy luggage or a lot of equipment like in my daily job. In addition to freelancing as a photo and videographer, where it’s common to deal with heavy equipment and back pain.

In my free time, I use the Fuji X-E4 – it’s the perfect companion because it’s so small and light. It’s always with me, even when I don’t plan to shoot. Equipped with an 18mm prime lens and a 1/4 Black Mist Pro Filter, this little piece is the voice of my work. I don’t need many settings, I need a reliable camera that’s ready to use quickly.

Over time, I’ve acquired various color gels and wander through nature with my gear – focused. I search, I observe – I take the time it needs to highlight the small things often overlooked in daily madness. People expect a logical explanation for everything they see in this world, but with “Mesmerizing Glow”, I leave logic aside and create a magical world.

I’ve been working on this project for about six months now, and I can say: I like this kind of photography so much that I will probably continue it permanently. It’s a way to see things anew. The creative possibilities are simply limitless. Those who want to make things glow just need to start, go outside with a camera and light.

I hope you see in my images what I feel, what moves and inspires me. My images tell me my story, but what story do they tell you?