Way Down

A huge success for our premium partner Andreas Kretzschmar: with his work “Way Down,” he took home the coveted Jury Prize at the SPC Photo Award in Cologne in April 2026!

“Way Down” is not just an extraordinary architectural photograph: it is a play on perception. Here, Andreas Kretzschmar uses the geometry of a staircase to literally draw the viewer into the image. The decision to use black and white was no coincidence, but a deliberate choice to heighten the drama.

“The lines and shapes of the railings and steps lead the eye in a spiral toward the center. That’s what I love so much about staircases. By choosing black-and-white, the contrasts are heightened, every single line is emphasized, and the structure radiates depth and movement,” says Andreas Kretzschmar about his work.

The result is a photograph that has an almost hypnotic effect. It seems as though he has captured the essence of the building: “It feels as though the staircase has a soul that draws the viewer inward and holds them captive for a moment in its quiet movement.”

More Than Just a Competition: The Swiss Photo Club (SPC)

Anyone familiar with the SPC Photo Awards knows that there’s more to it than just gold certificates. Behind the Swiss Photo Club is a team that connects the photography community across Europe. The concept is simple yet ingenious: professionals and amateurs exhibit their best photos, and visitors and a panel of experts vote.

What’s particularly interesting about the SPC: The events are true community highlights. In addition to the classic vernissage, there are formats like Artist Night. Here, photographers take the stage to tell the story behind their works.

Of course, Andreas Kretzschmar wasn’t there alone: “This time, the three of us presented our photos, which were selected for the Top 50. Manuel Heywinkel, Christian Walgenbach, and I presented them during a short talk—it went over really well with the audience!”

 

A Milestone

For Andreas Kretzschmar, this award marks a special milestone in his career. Despite the relaxed atmosphere of the event, the professional standards remain very high.

“The awards are always a great event featuring inspiring photographs. It’s a wonderful community where you can make new connections - and it’s a great honor for me that the jury selected my photo,” Andreas Kretzschmar summarized.

Congratulations on this fantastic photo and the award! You can find more great images by Andreas Kretzschmar here in the store in our Andreas Kretzschmar collection.

Photography enthusiasts can find more information about current SPC competitions and dates on the official Swiss Photo Club Website.

Cover image: Andreas Kretzschmar
Feautured image: Andreas Kretzschmar
Text: Andreas Kretzschmar & Dirk Eichler