With about 5000 reporters there's hardly an opportunity for the journalists to take a look behind the scenes. They are romping in hundreds in the press tent, in the cafeteria, in "writing booths", on press conferences. However, every movement is canalized. Up to 100 photographers are standing in one pool fighting over their positions. The front row is best fit for the ideal reproduction of the self-production of the politicians (in their interest). The photographer's freedom of movement is thus reduced strongly. The pictures are set. The politicians' arrival, the VIP entrance, round table, interviews, press conferences, family photo - these are the official opportunities to make picture of the politicians...
The photographic essay about the Cologne economic summits thematically belong into the report series "Power and Ritual" in closed societies. Previous topics were "Eine Nacht im Milieu" (1989), "Das Kölner Heil"(1986-96), "Is our world a telly?"(since 1996) and "Wahlkampfrituale"(1986-2009).
Similar to "Election campaign rituals" the event is also exhibited almost at the same time in the Büro für Fotos and updated daily. At the same time the photographs are made for "DIE ZEIT".
The work process is open. Contacts, work prints, publications and concept are available for viewing, so the viewer is able to explore the reality of this event even broader in this magazine to walk in.
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