Leif Randt: Must We Save the Vacation Photo?

In an interview with DIE ZEIT, acclaimed German author Leif Randt shares his unique perspective on travel and photography. Randt reveals that his primary motivation for traveling is to capture superior light conditions, transforming his journeys into a quest for the perfect photographic moment. He notes the paradox of modern life: while we consume more images than ever through our smartphones, the shared experience of viewing vacation photos together has largely disappeared, replaced by solitary scrolling through automated slideshows.

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I believe I travel primarily to have better light.

Randt finds these automated retrospectives, particularly those depicting mundane indoor gatherings, to be "trist" – a sentiment that resonates with a certain German sensibility for authenticity and perhaps a critique of superficial digital interactions. He contrasts this with the more aesthetically pleasing "golden hour" slideshows, often from travels, suggesting a deeper appreciation for natural beauty and curated experiences over manufactured digital memories. This reflects a broader cultural conversation in Germany about the impact of technology on genuine human connection and the appreciation of art and nature.

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You probably look at as many photos as ever before in the history of mankind.