New Year, New Project: Back to The Roots

I am not really big in New Year’s resolutions, never have been. Every time I make one, I end up breaking it. But, somehow, I always go back and make another list, year after year, and 2025 is no different. So here we are again, and this time, one of my resolutions is to cut back on alcohol. And by “cut back”, I mean zero. None, Nada, Unless, of course, I am stuck at one of those cannot-escape parties, surrounded by drunken people. In that case, survival mode might call for a drink or two.

But the real resolution, the big one, the one that actually matters, is this:

My resolution for 2025 is as clear as the first light of dawn: I am finally going to create a photo book. For years, I have carried this idea around, unsure of how to shape it, hesitent about the format, and burdened by the nagging thought that “picture books for grown-up” are not my thing. Neither I would buy one, nor I want to bother anyone with one. However, this passion only grew stronger, and I know, it is time to make this dream a reality.

It all started back in 2009 when I made my very first photo book. It was a small private project, just a few copies for family and friends, capturing my vacation in Mauritius and showing them where I will live soon. To be honest, it was not very good, a lot of pixeled pictures slapped together without much thought, no real storytelling, and certainly nothing I would consider a piece of art. (I guess this is the nicest way to declare that book a piece of shit, isn’t it?)

Anyway, something about that process lit a fire in me. The idea of compiling images, stories, and memories into one cohesive narrrative was deeply satisfying. I knew I wanted to keep doing it, better than the first one; however, I struggled to find the right balance between images and text, between personal storytelling and factual information.

When I set out to revisit my first photo book about Mauritius, something unexpected happened — after nearly a decade of being shackled by writer’s block, I started to feel it lift. The original texts, a collection of journalistic articles detailing the place and villages of Mauritius, still exists, gathering dust. Yet, the book itself never came to life. Interestingly, the foreword I had written for that unrealized project found a home years later as the opening chapter of my biography about my time at the Millerntor stadium in Hamburg, Germany. Not only did this original foreword find its way into my biography, but it also marked a pivotal moment in my writing journey; it was the first time I attempted persuasive rhetoric. Granted, it was a rough, early version of what I would later refine during my studies at Harvard, but it was a start. That foreword was not just the beginning of a book; it was the beginning of a whole new approach to storytelling for me. It is funny how creativity sometimes redirects itself.

It took me years to figure out the sweet spot, but now I have got it. And what better subject to focus on than the Grey Heron?

This one bird has been a constant companion in my photographic journey, and our encounters have always been special. My very first meeting with this elegant bird happened in Mon Choisy, Mauritius. I was strolling along the beack when I spotted it standing motionless in the shallow water, its sharp beak poised like an arrow. That single moment was enough to ignite a fascination that has stayed with me to this day.

Ever since then, the Grey Heron has appeared in my life at the most unexpected times and places, each encounter leaving an indelible mark on my memory and portfolio. But this photo book is not just about pretty pictures or interesting anecdotes. It is about what this bird represents to me on a deeper level. To me, the Grey Heron is a symbol of patience, resilience, and adaptability. Watching it hunt is like witnessing a masterclass in focus and determination. It stands still for what seems like an eternity, waiting for the perfect moment to strike, and when it does, it is with incredible presicion and speed. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the Grey Heron is a reminder to slow down, to be present, and to trust the process. That is what I want this book to be about: not jsz the Grey Heron itself, but the lessons it can teach us if we are willing to pay attention.

Of course, this project is not without its challenges. For years, I struggled with finding the right topic. I wanted something that was not just a collection of images but a cohesive narrative that could engage and inspire. I agonized over how much text to include, how to structure the book, and how to balance storytelling with factual information. The moment I decided to do it about the Grey Heron, I have finally figured it out. It will be a blend of personal stories, detailed information about habitat and behavior, and, of course, stunning photography of this incredible bird.

Why now? Why 2025? Because I have realized that if I keep waiting for the “perfect” moment, I will never get it done. There is always an excuse to put it off, too busy, too tired, not enough ispiration. But the truth is, this project has been simmering in my mind for over a decade, and it is time to bring it to life. Plus, the start of a new year feels like the perfect opportunity to commit to something meaningful, something that combines my love for photography, storytelling, wildlife and nature. In addition with all the other resolutions I have lined up for this year, finishing this book will be the cherry on top. Everything is coming together, and this book is going to fit right in.

I have already started planning the book’s structure. It will be divided into chapters based in the locations of my encounters, starting with Mauritius and ending with Amsterdam. Each chapter will include a mix of photographs and text, weaving together personal anecdotes with interesting facts about the Grey Heron.

For example, in the Mauritius chapter, I will talk about that first encounter on the beach, the struggle of my life during that period of time and include information about the Grey Heron’s diet and hunting techniques. In the Amsterdam chapter, I will share the story of how this bird lifted my mood, and include insights into how it has adapted to urban environments.

I also want to include an afterword on its role in different cultures and mythologies. In some traditions, the heron is seen as a symbol of wisdom and tranquility, while in others, it is associated with transformation and renewal. These cultural connections add another of depth to my personal story and make it even more fascinating to explore. I want my readers to feel the same sense of wonder and connection that I feel every time I see a Grey Heron. I want them to understand why this bird is so special and why it is worth protecing. But most of all, I want them to be inspired to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the beauty of the world around all of us.

So here is to 2025, the year I finally will turn this dream into reality. It is going to be a labor of love, and I cannot wait to share it with you all!

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