Behind every photo there is a story. It would be impossible for me to tell them all. I have therefore chosen ten photographs that have made an impression on me at the end of this year 2022, and I would like to share with you some of the elements behind the scenes.
When it rains… it pours!
was Delano’s cover star for its February 2022 edition. The issue: it was raining the day of the photoshoot in Esch-Belval and, as Braun said it herself, the director didn’t like to smile on photos. But the rain morphing into snow managed to pull a hearty laugh out of Braun, which I was able to capture in the second photo. This shoot was a confirmation that, as a photographer, it is your job to create a connection to your subject and to take them out of their comfort zone.
Swapping dress shoes for boots
Belgian ambassador Thomas Lambert at a grape harvest for heads of mission in September. Photo: Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne
Heads of mission from Luxembourg and Brussels, as well as friends of the Czech Embassy in Luxembourg, gathered at Bernard-Massard to harvest grapes along the slopes of the Moselle, as Delano print editor-in-chief back in September 2022. Surprise took over when they realised they had to swap their dress shoes for wellies to pick the grapes that would later be made into wines served at the embassies. Belgian ambassador to Luxembourg in this picture is shocked by the sweetness of the grapes.
A colourful opening
On 26 February, Belval is decked out in 1,000 colours for the opening of the European Capital of Culture. Photo: Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne
As a resident of Esch-sur-Alzette, I was eager to see the rocket take off announced as part of the of Culture. As a photographer, I couldn't miss this moment, especially since seeing the preparations the day before, I wondered what the opening ceremony would look like. I had the feeling that I was looking at the Athens Olympics that would not finish on time. Having already covered four Olympiads and eight Games of the Small States of Europe, I allow myself this comparison. And with Esch 2022, I have to admit that it was a washout. But the atmosphere was there on the evening of 26 February. I liked to see Belval as beautiful and full of people as we had imagined it to be when we designed this new city. But we were left wanting for everything that followed. We can only hope that the "second chapter" will be written with lasting content.
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The excitement of Ukrainians in Luxembourg
March against the war in Ukraine on the Adolphe Bridge. Photo: Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne
I refrain from publishing photos of children, and I removed this photo from my report on the first major demonstration in support of Ukraine against the Russian military operation. This photo is not exceptional, but what impressed me months later was that we could put ourselves in the shoes of these demonstrators and of this child perched on his father's shoulders. Maybe he lost his family? As a photographer, I document a moment, without judging. But with time, the feelings remain.
The image of the image
Images circulate today without filters or latency. Photo: Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne
This photo taken at the on 1 May reflects many things. But, for me, it is the photographed photographer of a new time. One in which images circulate endlessly and more quickly than in the traditional media. I see a challenge for our profession: that of remaining authentic and verifying images in the face of those of artificial intelligence expected in the near future.
Confidence under the paper
Xavier Bettel (DP) in confidence with François Bausch (déi Gréng) at the March tripartite meeting. Photo: Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne
I have not yet managed to ask our prime minister (DP) this question. But I wonder what he might have told deputy prime minister (déi Gréng) that he tried to hide from the cameras. A small detail worth noting: there were no press microphones during the first tripartite in Senningerberg, only the flashes of the photographers.
Bedridden by covid
A covid patient exchanges hand and face signals with journalist Ioanna Schimizzi at the CHDN medical centre. Photo: Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne
As the first countries declared the end of the covid-19 pandemic at the beginning of 2022, I went to the CHDN medical centre to see how things were going. My journalist colleague was able to interview this bedridden patient who could not speak, but only move his head to answer yes or no, and gave us a big smile when she asked him the first question. He was happy that we were interested in him and that we were spreading the message that the virus was still there. I was able to hide my tears behind my mask. This man was still young and he confided that he regretted not having been vaccinated--he almost died. This photo is also a tribute to the doctors and nurses who, today, are finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel after this pandemic.
Seeing the person behind the public figure
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa was on the cover of Delano’s November 2022 edition. Photo: Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne
I took my first picture of the Luxembourg royal family--Grand Duke Jean, in fact--thirty years ago and have since followed them around and was hired as the photographer for Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa’s private events. But, even so, photographing a royal in an official setting is almost like meeting Santa. You’re given the chance to see the person behind the public figure. During this shoot with Grand Duchess Maria Teresa for one of my lighting props broke--something that never happens--and the grand duchess took me to another room, away from the press officers and assistants, so I could take some photos in a natural light. As this image shows, she was totally relaxed in that moment.
A taste of the world
Be Ling Chang, manager of the Asia Market, a beautiful encounter that illustrates the very special identity of Luxembourg. Photo: Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne
For this portfolio dedicated to in Luxembourg, I was expecting language problems. Already on the phone, it was impossible for me to make my interlocutors understand my journalistic approach. So I went directly to each grocery shop with a copy of Paperjam magazine under my arm, in order to explain to them what I wanted to do: a nice portrait and explain where they come from, how long they have been in Luxembourg and if they have a favourite dish in the grand duchy. On my way into the Asia Market on rue du Fort Elisabeth, I met Be Ling Chang (pictured). He immediately greeted me with a Sino-Luxembourg accent that I won't forget: "Ah Moien, jo, Judd mat Gaardeboune!" He struck a pose while raising his wok. At first glance, this may seem dangerous, but it was actually very peaceful. This portfolio was an opportunity for me to meet some great people and hear some great stories of integration that give this country such a special colour and identity.
A tram in advance for Julie Becker
Patient and always smiling, Julie Becker posed in front of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange for the cover of the Top 100 magazine. Photo: Guy Wolff/Maison Moderne
For the , my mission was to take a picture of the top ten, knowing that whoever was first would be . But all this had to remain secret until the evening of 13 December. So I had to beat around the bush to explain to the candidates that I needed a good photo, and therefore time, without telling them where they would be in the ranking, although some of them asked me. The winner, , is CEO of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and has a very busy schedule. She was very patient, as I had to wait for the tram to pass by before she could be in the picture too. The session ended with big smiles, which reflected her warm personality.
An alternative selection of photos is available in French on .