When I set out to photograph the final days of Hannes am Herd, a renowned vegetarian establishment in Telgte, the objective was a documentation of a high-pressure hospitality ecosystem reaching its conclusion.
The Quiet Before the Cadence
The first phase of the session focused on the foundational quiet that precedes operational entropy. I captured chef Hannes Farwick at a table with his reservations book – a scene representing the administrative weight of hospitality. While the image appears relaxed, it depicts the invisible pressure of the “backstory” – the complex logistical and mental preparation that forms the silent foundation of a functional restaurant. In a second frame, leaning in a sunlit doorway with a glass of wine, I saw a rare moment of equilibrium where a professional finds peace before the service shuffle begins.
Engineering the Kitchen Perspective
On the second day, the technical challenge was to capture the kitchen’s internal mechanics without interfering with the workflow. To document the “hospitality dance” – that specific choreography of multiple bodies in the confined, L-shaped space – I engineered a remote camera rig.
My lighting array was one fill flash below the camera and two speedlights positioned at the distal ends of the kitchen. This setup maintained a minimal physical footprint – essential for a non-invasive presence for both staff and patrons – while ensuring the space was evenly lit and maintained some contrast.
During the evening shift, the rig captured the raw reality of the service: the flow of plate-ups, the harmonic multi-tasking of Hannes and his two chefs, and the emotional synchronicity between the family team working the front of house. We also captured the inevitable technical friction that defines the high-stakes restaurant environment – as if on cue, the order printer failed at the peak of service, testing the resilience of the system.
A Personal Postscript
My connection to this space extends beyond the lens. In early 2024, during my relocation to Telgte, I spent my days and nights navigating the inhospitable environment of a demanding house renovation – getting my hands dirty with everything from electrical wiring to floor removals. Amidst the dust and the isolation of a construction site in a new town, Hannes am Herd provided an embracing atmosphere. It was more than just a place for a burger – though these were indeed a masterclass in culinary balance – it was a vital sanctuary that eased the transition for my family and me, for which I am truly grateful.
