Urs Bernhard (*1949 in Switzerland)

I'm a photographer, a writer and a director of films.I graduated with a MA degree in literature, art history and philosophy at the University of Zurich. Then I was first working as a director and setdesigner for the stage and then for television. Fundamental for my television occupation was the training I got at the BBC in London in 1979.

Aside from my work as a director for television productions I taught visual communication at the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Milan from 1987-1994. At the same time I began to work as a fashion photographer.

I can‘t remember a time not working and playing with images and words, with stories and emotions – as a photographer, as a writer and as a filmmaker.

Nowadays I concentrate mostly on personal photographic projects, as I consider photography as more poetic than films. Besides I regularly share my knowledge and experience with young professionals as a trainer and coach in television and online-media business.

I like to travel and to be on the road. I enjoy italian and japanese food, red wine, real espresso, black cloths, darkblue shirts and nice shoes.

I live together with my wife, photographer and book designer Gudrun Thielemann, on Öland/Sweden.

Video by Tommy Oshima on Vimeo

 

Tech Notes:

All my photographs are made using film, chemistry and light sensitive paper, the traditional photographic process and craft.
I like the look of the traditional analogue print and I love the work this craft implies.

After some time with 35mm- and 6x6-cameras, I work again with large format, 8x10 and some 4x5. I contact-print the negatives on hand-sensitized, 100% cellulose paper. The sensitizer renders an image composed of pure platinum and palladium. The platinum-palladium printing process was invented and refined during the 19th Century, and substantially modernized by Dr. Mike J. Ware.

The intimacy a small print establishes with its viewer combined with the delicate rendition of the most subtle nuances by using these noble metals and the tactile quality of a rich handmade paper are the best ingredients for the goal in my photographic endevaour.

I do not artificially limit the number of prints of one negative. Though, due to a felt "completion" more than 3 prints will quite never be made for availability.

If you are interested in purchasing original prints, please contact me by sending an email to:

prints(at)ursbernhard.com

If you like to have your portrait made, feel free to get in touch with me; the only thing you need is time and a dedicated will for cooperation under my direction.