Between The Worlds

Somehow, Michael Beek is always on the go. It seems that he never stays in one place for longer than a few days to work through the results of his last tour, and then to make preparations for his next adventure. He lives between the worlds, spending several months a year exploring remote regions of Northern Pakistan, Tibet, or unheard of, never-touched spots on this planet.

"Woman in Hunza Valley". Copyright © Michael Beek 2009

Speaking about photography, Michael admits he probably doesn’t really need a camera. With his photographic memory, he has all the visual impressions of his past journeys in his head, always available. However, Michael wants to share his unforgettable memories with others, as well, so he leads expeditions, and takes photos, for those back home who will never set foot in the huge mountain range of Karakoram.

"Sometimes it's not easy to get along with your camera in the mountains. Often, I'm going the same way twice just to get the best picture of the scene. My native friends are shaking their heads about this."

Michael Beek

Michael’s favorite subjects are the mountains and the people living there. "Sometimes it's not easy to get along with your camera in the mountains," he admits. "Often, I'm going the same way twice just to get the best picture of the scene. My native friends are shaking their heads about this."

"Pakistani Truck on the Karakoram Highway". Copyright © Michael Beek 2009

Going Digital With FotoMagico

Four years ago, Michael switched from analog to digital photography. This meant new presentation techniques and new possibilities. For his public presentations Michael uses a high-end HD projector attached to his Mac. He then adds a sound system with a mixing desk, so that he can combine a soundtrack and live narration with his images, for increased impact.

The new option of FotoMagico to include movies seamlessly in the presentation is a big hit for me.

Michael Beek

FotoMagico 3 makes it much easier for him to enrich his show with short movies, and additional sound clips, all in high quality. "The new option of FotoMagico to include movies seamlessly in the presentation is a big hit for me," says Michael, who was an early beta tester for FotoMagico 3. "It simplifies the setup for me and opens a whole new dimension for storytelling."

Michael, a self-declared "die-hard Mac user," likes to have all the technical aspects under his control—not only in the mountains, but also in his presentations. But in the end, it's all about touching the audience emotionally.

Living The Dream

What's motivating you to endure the extreme stresses and strains of your trekking expeditions?

"The wonderful nature and the hospitability of the people in this area let you forget all exertions. For me, it's challenging and rewarding to go where no one has gone before. Standing somewhere in the Karakoram, on uncharted ground – this is something special."

Do you have a favorite route?

"Nanga Parbat fascinates me the most—it's my "Mountain of Destiny. Two times I've tried to climb its peak, both times I had to give up. It's no easy one. I've surrounded it more than 15 times, and I plan to lead a trekking group there later this year."

Of course. You're getting a different point of view, traveling half of your life in a region that has nothing in common with western lifestyle and habits.

Michael Beek

You’ve been trekking in the Karakoram region for more than 25 years. Has it changed your mindset?

“Of course. You're getting a different point of view, traveling half of your life in a region that has nothing in common with western lifestyle and habits. I wonder sometimes about the people's selfishness and their problems here in Germany. A Pakistani wouldn't understand these kind of problems. ‘Live your dream’—this is my philosophy.”

What is your preferred photo equipment?

"The equipment should be as light as possible if you've just your backpack to live with. I worked with a Nikon FM2 (and a never used FM1 as backup), three ‘fast’ Nikon primes and a tripod—that was all. Four years ago I switched to digital—that gave me more flexibility. I'm traveling with a sturdy Nikon D80 with Nikkor 18-200 lens, and a Sony HC1 HD videocam, plus tripod—this is currently my best choice.”

Back in the 90’s, I had a vision about displaying my images with narration and soundtrack, mixing them with movie clips and original sound, to grab the audience emotionally. All of this is now possible with FotoMagico 3!

Michael Beek

Why do you use FotoMagico?

"Since 1981 I have shown hundreds of slideshows about Tibet, China and Pakistan–everything analog, with Leica cross-fade projectors. Four years ago I switched to a digital high-end beamer. Back in the 90’s, I had a vision about displaying my images with narration and soundtrack, mixing them with movie clips and original sound, to grab the audience emotionally. All of this is now possible with FotoMagico 3!"

"Paragliding at Borith-Lake in Hunza/Gojal". Copyright © Michael Beek 2009

How to create a compelling presentation?

"I have the gift of a photographic memory. I can tell you every single picture, when and where it was taken, even if it was 20 years ago. I make no notes; I have it all in my head. You need an idea, a vision for your slideshow. I'm developing the concept for my show during the trekking tour. Back home I organize and edit the images on my Mac. For the new show I was sitting for three weeks, nonstop, in front of my display, to tell the story. It's the only way I can work.”