ONE MOMENT BY SEBASTIAN TRÄGNER

“The nature there is overwhelming, while life at the same time is very harsh. These contrasts sharpened my perception. I was fully in the moment. That’s the special part: you don’t think, you feel. Instead of letting the chaos stress me, I take the time to truly observe. Often the most powerful images emerge precisely when you are forced to embrace the moment just as it is.” – Sebastian Trägner

Sebastian, can you briefly describe the Laiban project? Laiban is a remote mountain village in the Philippines, where children live in very basic conditions. Together with Art Meets Education, I spent a week there conducting photography workshops with the children. The goal was to give them a tool to show their own world – through their eyes, their stories, and their perspective.

What surprised you most about the trip? I was surprised by how open, curious, and at the same time courageous the children were. Many had never held a camera before, yet they immediately started photographing playfully and intuitively. And they let us into their world right away – that kind of closeness was not a given.

Part of your task was to introduce photography and hold workshops: what did you want to teach them? It was important for me to show them not just the “how” of photography, but especially the “why.” Photography can be a tool to make their view visible, to find a voice in images.

In the workshops, what was most important – technical basics or the creative, personal approach? Definitely the creative approach. Technique is a means to an end, but what matters is your own perspective. I wanted to encourage them to be bold and photograph things that truly matter to them.

Photography through the eyes of children: what makes their view so special? Children see free from rules and expectations. They don’t photograph “the right way,” they photograph how they feel. That makes their images honest, direct, and incredibly powerful.

What does “One Moment” in photography mean to you? It’s the moment when everything comes together – feeling, situation, light, intuition.

Describe your “One Moment” in Laiban. It was when Fatima sat on the steps, absorbed in herself, looking into the water. Everything was still, only the reflection of the palm trees in the water, her with the camera by her side – it was as if she were searching for something inside herself. I stepped back, just observed. This photo was born from that moment.

Fatima was out with me and had just photographed. Afterwards, she sat down and for a brief moment was completely with herself. I wanted to capture that calm, that pause – the moment when photography not only looks outward but also inward.

Did the surroundings inspire you? Absolutely. The nature there is overwhelming, while life is very rough. These contrasts sharpened my perception.

Did the surroundings influence the moment? Yes. The encounters, the conversations, the intensity of the short time – all of this influenced my perception. Without the energy on site, the image would not have come out this way.

What went through your mind when pressing the shutter? Actually nothing – I was fully in the moment. That’s the special thing: you don’t think anymore, you feel.

What should people feel when seeing your One Moment photo? I hope they feel that photography can be a bridge – between cultures, generations, and people.

How do you manage to stay focused despite typhoons, travel, etc.? By consciously slowing down. Instead of letting the chaos stress me, I take time to really look. Often the most intense images happen when you are forced to accept the moment as it is.

How do you create closeness in such a short time? By being honest and open with people. I don’t photograph anyone from a distance; I seek contact. When trust exists, closeness arises almost naturally.

What impact did the trip have on you? The trip reminded me why I photograph: to make visible people who are often invisible. It made my perspective on photography even clearer.

Is there a moment from this trip you will never forget, even beyond your photo? Yes – the days spent with the children, laughing and sharing stories.

How does the project continue? The children will be part of an exhibition with the photos they took themselves. The proceeds from the sales go back into their education. For me, this is a wonderful cycle: photography not only changes the way we see the world, it can also tangibly change lives.