Photographer Benjamin recently covered the M'era Luna Festival 2025, capturing the essence of one of Germany's most prominent gothic and alternative music festivals. Armed with his Nikon Zf and Fuji XT3 cameras, he documented the atmosphere, performances, and unique moments that define this celebrated event. Now, he's sharing his favorite shots along with personal insights and technical details about each photograph.
Benjamin's photographic journey at the festival began with what he describes as always being special - the very first shot of any festival. "The joy that it's starting is huge, paired with the anticipation of what's coming, and then these eyes. Yeah!" he explains about his opening image, captured with his Nikon at 1/500, f2.8, ISO 160, using a 70-200/2.8G lens at 70mm. This initial photograph set the tone for his entire festival documentation.
One of the standout aspects of Benjamin's work is his attention to the festival's unique aesthetic. He captured everything from elaborate costumes to theatrical makeup, noting that "M'era Luna wouldn't be M'era Luna without stage blood and makeup." His technical approach remains consistent throughout - he always shoots with manual time and ISO settings, almost always at wide aperture. "Background makes the picture healthy! A backdrop with the right light makes all the difference," he observes about his compositional philosophy.
Benjamin's experience as a former bass player gives him a unique perspective when photographing from the stage. "As a bassist, I used to play on such big stages myself, so it feels like coming home," he shares about shooting from the performer's perspective. This background allows him to capture intimate moments that other photographers might miss, including his striking wide-angle shot of the crowd taken at 14mm.
The photographer demonstrates particular enthusiasm for the energy of live performance photography. "I like it loud - in the pit, with the lighting, and especially with the energy on stage," he explains. His concert photography showcases a special fondness for capturing hair movement during performances, which he considers "a small passion of mine" when it comes to rock photography. Technical specifications for his stage work often involved settings like 1/250, f2.8, ISO 800 with his 70-200/2.8G lens.
Beyond the main stage performances, Benjamin explored the festival's broader culture and community. He spent time documenting the makeup tent, which he describes as feeling "like being at a wedding," and captured the elaborate costumes and theatrical presentations that festival-goers are known for. However, he noted with some disappointment that there seemed to be fewer elaborate costumes this year, possibly due to the high temperatures. "If I could wish for something as a photographer: More latex! More leather! More steampunk! And just more in general!" he commented.
One of his most technically challenging subjects was a performance by Heilung, which he described as "absolutely spectacular show, powerful in both image and sound, literally with a lot of 'tam tam.'" The theatrical nature of such performances requires quick adjustments and an understanding of both lighting and movement, skills that Benjamin's musical background helps him navigate.
Benjamin also captured quieter moments that reveal the festival's character, including an amusing shot of what appeared to be someone moving their belongings across the festival grounds, and even a fly resting on the mid-range speaker system. About the latter, he philosophically noted, "It's probably a rave-experienced techno fly," showing his appreciation for finding meaningful moments in unexpected places.
The photographer's relationship with festival security and fellow photographers also comes through in his documentation. He expressed gratitude to the "relaxed security guards for the shared fun" and captured candid moments with colleague photographers working in the pit. These behind-the-scenes glimpses provide insight into the collaborative nature of festival photography.
Reflecting on the overall experience, Benjamin concluded with heartfelt appreciation for the festival community: "A huge thank you to all of you for the many fist bumps, your good mood, your costumes and poses, and the peaceful atmosphere. Without you, my job wouldn't exist, and that would be a shame because when I photograph, I'm happy." His final image, captured at 1/640, f2.8, ISO 800 with his 70-200/2.8G lens at 70mm, encapsulates the joy and connection that defines both his work and the M'era Luna Festival experience.
