Mission Statement

The street photography collective THROUGH THE LANDS was created with the ambition of forging links between photographers who share the same passion. Its members have in common this desire to capture everyday life and to convey the atmosphere, customs and idiosyncrasies of the places they visit. Through their own language, each member draws a very personal portrait of different countries around the world.

Heike Frielingsdorf

Hi, I am Heike Frielingsdorf, born in 1970 in homely Paderborn, Germany. After my studies I initially worked as a teacher until 2000 when I moved to Cologne, and switched to film production. About 10 years ago I discovered my interest in photography, took part in some courses and began to take photos – beyond family celebrations and holidays. 2011, I started my own business and devoted myself mainly to photography. That is still the case today.

First of all, I photographed rather abstract compositions and deserted “non-places”, also small artificial paradises, created by man. After some time, people “crept” gradually into my pictures and at some point, I realized that this is exactly what thrills me. The whole thing has developed into a real passion, and I can hardly imagine my life without this kind of photography.

For me, following the rhythm of the street, the people, simply life, rather than rigid concepts, is absolutely meaningful and always very insightful. I am fascinated by such situations that seem to come across as trivial and yet create a cosmos of their own. Pictures that tell stories, that make people’s dreams, longings, and worries tangible and often reflect life in all its absurdity.

To recognize these fleeting moments, while at the same time keeping an eye on formal aspects such as light and shadow, the arrangement of perceivable shapes and colors, and then to press the shutter release at the right moment, is always a real challenge and for me the greatest happiness when it succeeds.

I am very happy that in the last few years I have been able to participate in several international group exhibitions and made it to the final round in some competitions.