Is it possible to photograph time through transformations in urban space? To accumulate past and present in a single image, inviting the viewer into a visual and archaeological investigation? The Betoneira Podcast spoke with German photographer Michael Wesely about photography and cities. A pioneer of long-exposure photography, Wesely developed a technique that allows a single negative to be exposed for hours, days, or even years. The result is the condensation of the entire exposure period into a single photograph, producing poetic images of profound visual impact.
During the conversation, Michael explains that his interest in long-exposure photography began early, just as he started his studies. In his view, photography is closer to invention than to truth. His goal is not to produce a faithful record of reality, but rather to capture the movement and transformation brought about by the passage of time. Early in his career, Wesely quickly abandoned the concept of the “decisive moment” to focus his research on long-exposure photography.
