The people at the Café Lehmitz had a presence and a sincerity that I myself lacked. It was okay to be desperate, to be tender, to sit all alone or share the company of others. There was a great warmth and tolerance in this destitute setting.

There is not a big difference between life and taking pictures... You're in the middle of life, you're living, making love, eating, sleeping - and photography is part of it. And I don't say this because I'm being romantic. I say this because that's just the way it happens to be.

For me, the camera is like an entrance to the private lives of other people. And if you are curious like me, it is a fantastic tool.

You have to focus on what you are doing, not just as a photographer, but as a human being.

It (taking photographs) is all about longingwithout longing-no pictures at all.

The people at the Café Lehmitz had a presence and a sincerity that I myself lacked. It was okay to be desperate, to be tender, to sit all alone or share the company of others. There was a great warmth and tolerance in this destitute setting.

To me, it’s encounters that matter, pictures are much less important.