German photographer Alwin Maigler has gained international recognition for his unique approach to capturing the fluid world of ballet through the static medium of photography. His latest books, "Nuances" and "Nocturne," showcase an innovative exploration of dance photography that challenges traditional boundaries between movement and stillness.
Maigler's journey into dance photography began with his background in portraiture and fashion work, where he learned the importance of creating comfortable spaces for his subjects. "For most of my career, it felt inevitable to have people in front of my lens," Maigler explained in a recent interview. "Coming from portraiture and fashion, I learned early on that the main task of such a photographer is not simply to take the picture, but to create a space where people feel comfortable enough to open up."
Over recent years, Maigler has shifted toward a more artistic practice that doesn't fit neatly into traditional photographic genres. His "Nuances" and "Nocturne" series immerse viewers in the world of ballet while exploring what he calls "the paradox of photography as a still and static medium meeting the fluidity and ephemeral beauty of movement and dance." The photographer was fascinated by the challenge of bringing together these seemingly contradictory art forms.
Both series are shot exclusively in black and white, a deliberate choice that Maigler made to enhance the focus on movement rather than distract from it. "The central theme in both series is movement and the question of how to capture movement within a medium that is inherently still," he said. He also noted that faces are rarely visible in either series, despite working with beautiful dancers, because "our eyes are naturally drawn to faces" and this would disrupt the carefully composed lines meant to translate movement and expression.
Maigler's approach extends beyond just his artistic vision. His projects span a diverse range of interests and subjects. He is currently working on a long-term project dealing with former German colonies, which took him to Africa last year and will lead him to the Caribbean next year. He also recently completed a personal series called "barefoot in the grass," photographed entirely on analog Polaroid film, which reflects on themes of falling in love, gender roles, intimacy, and the power of the camera.
When working with ballet dancers, Maigler emphasizes collaboration and personal connection. He always plays music that the dancers want to hear, starting each session with relaxed conversation over tea to create a personal bond. "We usually started with a very relaxed conversation over a cup of tea, listening carefully to what they shared with me, creating a personal connection," he explained. The musical choices varied widely, from classical music to dark techno or even hardcore death metal, reflecting the diverse personalities of the dancers he worked with.
The creative process for both series involved highly collaborative efforts between Maigler and his subjects. "Nuances" was shot in a studio setting, creating an intimate atmosphere, while "Nocturne" was photographed outdoors at night, challenging visual conventions of ballet. The outdoor nighttime shoots were particularly experimental and rebellious, with memorable moments like watching a ballerina jump into a public fountain in the middle of the night while hoping police wouldn't notice their activities.
Alongside his artistic projects, Maigler maintains a successful commercial practice, taking on commissioned work for major brands including Porsche, Leica, Mercedes-Benz, and the Stuttgart State Opera. He sees the transition between artistic and client photography as manageable, noting that "the real challenge lies in communicating that a strong artistic project could just as well be a commissioned one." His approach to difficult clients or large brands centers on "saying yes to challenges instead of giving in to the impulse of fear" and maintaining a strong network of experienced colleagues.
Maigler's work has gained international attention, with his first solo show taking place in Japan last year, followed by exhibitions in Cologne earlier this year. He observed significant cultural differences in how his work is received across different regions. In Japan, where the fine arts tradition differs greatly from Europe, his "Nocturne" series received overwhelming response from audiences who had never seen anything similar. The Tokyo gallery opening was completely full, though he found selling to collectors more challenging due to cultural differences in art collecting practices.
Looking ahead, Maigler has numerous exciting projects in development. He recently photographed at Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo in Monaco and has various exhibitions, talks, and presentations planned. The Franco-German TV channel ARTE produced a documentary about kissing that followed him to Paris, revisiting an earlier project on that theme. His upcoming series "barefoot in the grass" is currently in the book layout phase, with excerpts and original Polaroids scheduled to be displayed at the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart from October 17, 2025, until mid-January 2026.
For photography students just graduating, Maigler offers practical advice based on his decade-long career in the industry. "Grow a thick skin – you will hear a lot of nos and face many obstacles," he advises. He emphasizes the importance of finding balance between pushing forward and taking necessary breaks, while being persistent, resilient, and creative not just in photographic execution but also in pursuing career goals. He warns that a photography career "is not easy, not linear, and requires a lot of hard work, a lot of luck, and the generosity of people willing to give you chances."
Upcoming exhibitions include "Nuances – Nocturne" at Leica Gallery Porto, Portugal from July 26 to October 11, 2025, and excerpts from "barefoot in the grass" at the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart from October 17, 2025 to mid-January 2026. Throughout 2025-2026, Maigler will conduct artist talks and book presentations at various Leica Galleries across Germany.
