The Vienna Fotomarathon 2023

12 topics in 12 hours, that was the Vienna Photo Marathon 2023. At 09:00 in the morning you get 12 topics that have to be completed by 21:00.

On 16.09 this year the Vienna Photo Marathon 2023 takes place. 12 subjects + a photo for your start number must be photographed in 12 hours. Since 2020, you can take part from anywhere, upload your photos at the end of the day using an upload code and send them off. A huge advantage for me, it not only makes it easier, but it's also much more interesting if you can choose where to take the photos. I'd like to tell you what it was like for me this year, what the themes were and how I felt about them in this article.

How did I approach the Vienna Fotomarathon 2023?

It was my fourth Vienna Fotomarathon and with every year I learn more, prepare better and take a calmer approach to the whole thing. Looking back: 2020 was my first competition, I didn't know what to expect, was completely stressed out and just started taking photos - 2021, the preparation was better, I put a few things together in advance, packed my photo studio and the stress level wasn't quite as high - 2022 everything was prepared, brainstorming and collecting ideas until 10:00 a.m. and then started. But what could I improve on, how could I prepare even better for this day? The plan for this year was the same as in previous years, with the difference that I thought of a great location with the help of Eli and Jasmin and photographed the themes as best I could in the same style. 

Start at 09:00 and off we went to Steyr, trying to realise the tasks in the style of street photography. Of course, I'm still an amateur photographer and not everything worked out as I had imagined. A few subjects made my brain cells smoke. There were also ideas that just didn't look good when realised and I had to spontaneously change my plan. All in all, I'm very happy with my performance and the photos and of course I hope to beat my personal best ranking this year. But just take a look for yourself at the following topics with my corresponding photos (unedited, just as they had to be submitted) and a little comment - I would be very happy to receive feedback on the photos, because that's the only way I can learn from my mistakes.

Here are the topics for the Vienna Fotomarathon 2023

0) Start number (can be made before the start)

Created and sighted completely by chance - kilometre 13

1) Planless

One of my top 3 pictures - I like the somewhat dark and gloomy style and in focus the lightened straw hat.

2) Anniversary

I think the photo is photographically very successful, but I had absolutely no idea about this task and wasted a lot of time on it - therefore not my favourite shots from this competition.

3) full of holes

The second of my top 3 - was a really funny moment. Standing in a dark alley wearing a mesh T-shirt that was far too tight and taking a photo. 

4) Ready.Action

Here, too, I think the photo is very successful, but the idea for the theme could be improved. What always bothers me in retrospect is that I always forget to take photos in black and white - would certainly have done this picture good. 

5) in secret

The last of my top 3 - I really like the idea and the photo is mega. Of course, there is certainly something else for many people to expose, but I would have these three photos printed out immediately and hang them up at home.

6) Contrast(s)

I also like it very much. Contrast of black and white - light and dark - wall and nature.

7) self-built

I also think it's very successful and a great idea for the theme - the only point of criticism that bothers me a little is that the self-build is a little too small in the photo, although it should be the centre of attention.

8) Animal(s)

Yes, what can I say, of course I think photos of Emma (my dog) are just gorgeous - but whether the idea is convincing or too unimaginative is up to the jury.

9) arrived

I also like it very much, although sometimes I look at it and something doesn't quite fit - but I can't work out what it is.

10) pointed

A pointed fence and an accidental find in the beautiful town of Steyr fit the theme perfectly.

11) Cohesion

Next to the „Anniversary“ task, this is my least favourite photo.

12) lost

Very close behind the top three. I think the idea and the realisation are great

Has anything changed since last year?

What has changed and I can't decide how I feel about it - the mobile phone competition didn't exist in 2023. On the one hand, I thought it was really great that people without camera skills but with an interest in photography could take part. As a result, there were more participants, more wonderfully realised themes and even more people who share a passion. On the other hand, I didn't like the fact that post-processing was allowed in the mobile phone competition. If you compare a camera photo, which must not be altered, with a mobile phone photo, which can be edited into a fantastically beautiful work of art with the right skills - then a photo from the camera can look a bit „bland“.

My personal opinion would be to bring back the mobile phone competition, but with the same rules as the camera competition. Not only can you then really judge photos according to the person's ability, no, even those who can't edit have the same chance of winning.  

The camera application📷

Photographs may only be taken in JPEG and with a maximum of 24 megapixels. All possible filters and colour settings (black and white) may be applied to the camera, but post-processing is not permitted. In other words, everything that can be adjusted before the shutter is released is permitted. Anything after the photo has been taken is an offence. Apart from the start number, the 12 topics must be worked through in sequence. This can lead to a huge disadvantage and problems. If you can't think of anything for the first topic, you can't continue. It is therefore not possible to skip a task and catch up on it later.

My conclusion

As every year, the Vienna Photo Marathon 2023 was a great event for me. I particularly enjoyed the topics this time, even though I got quite stuck with some of them. Which is always a great experience for me, as you have the same requirements every year, I've been able to track my improvement in photography over the last few years. I wasn't able to realise one or two tasks 100 % to my satisfaction, but from a photographic point of view I'm all the happier with my photos. Although the journey to Steyr took 2 hours, I was able to realise 12 themes in 12 hours and even have a few photos with me that I would count among my best photos.

Whether you are a professional, amateur or hobby photographer, the Vienna Photo Marathon is something for everyone. You get out of your comfort zone, you have to be creative and you use your camera in a way you wouldn't normally do. It's a huge change from everyday photography and, above all, it's great fun.😊 The Vienna Fotomarathon was once again a great success for me and I'm already looking forward to next year and a great event in 2024.