Sometimes the best shots happen when the gear is being packed away.

For a Canon masterclass in ballet photography I was recently at Wolfgang W. Sohn’s popup photography gallery The Sixty in Düsseldorf. He hosted the workshop with photographer Sascha Hüttenhain and dancer Daria Stratovych and as things were winding down, I noticed a unique perspective: by turning away from the main backdrop, I could capture the model and the gallery space together through reflections in the large mirrors.

I asked Wolfgang if he’d step into the frame to anchor the composition. He agreed instantly, and his effortless style provided a perfect focal point for the shot, creating a striking juxtaposition against the grace of the dancer. This portrait is the result of a spontaneous “yes” from a visionary with an impressive career in photography. While I focused on the reflections, I was photographing a man who has a reputation for producing “soul-gazing” images, exploring the authentic, emotional core of the subject. It was a brief but beautiful moment of creative crossover for which I am very grateful.

A portrait of photo artist Wolfgang W. Sohn in 'The Sixty' gallery, Düsseldorf, featuring reflections of a ballet dancer in the background. [Copyright Jan Söhlke]

Wolfgang W. Sohn is a central figure in the German art scene, known as both a photo artist and a cultural entrepreneur. Based between Düsseldorf and Mallorca, his style is defined by a deeply personal and philanthropic approach to portraiture and street photography. Beyond his own camera work, he is the founder and director of the PHOTO POPUP FAIR and a respected curator who bridges the gap between art and business. In 2023, Wolfgang won the prestigious ICONIC award.

His career and artistic journey are documented in several notable publications:

  • NYC Scenes: A vibrant exploration of New York’s streets that captures the raw, unposed humanity of the city, treating the sidewalk as a catwalk for everyday people.
  • Distance: A reflective book born from a period of intense creative output, exploring the spatial and emotional gaps that define modern life.
  • Wir sind die Zukunft: A socially conscious portrait project featuring students from nearly 30 nations in Düsseldorf, giving a face and a voice to the dreams of the next generation.

The artworks visible in the shot are by Frank Dursthoff (camera left), Kai Schäfer from the Series “World Records” (behind Wolfgang), Tim Hillemacher (camera right on the pillar) and Killer2Go (on the table).