The Magic Of Light

Discover the work of Dominik Scharf

Dominik Scharf, known as Erdi, is a multifaceted visual artist whose journey into photography began at the age of eleven and has evolved continuously ever since. His artistic style has been shaped by a variety of personal experiences, creative phases, and shifting interests over the years.

At eighteen, Dominik trained in graphic design at a major advertising agency, later pursuing formal studies in photography at twenty-one while simultaneously building a business in video production. He went on to hold a full-time position in online marketing, spending five years immersed in the beauty industry, gaining valuable insights into visual storytelling and brand aesthetics. Eventually, the pull of home and the start of his own family led him back to his roots. Today, he works as an art director for audiovisual media at a creative agency in Bochum.

In early 2024, during a period of creative crisis, Dominik launched Mesmerizing Glow—a passion project and photographic experiment delving into the magic of light and the perception of reality. Using experimental lighting techniques, he transforms landscapes into surreal, dreamlike environments. Beyond their visual allure, these images serve as a quiet meditation on the fragility of nature and our evolving relationship with the world around us.

How has your style evolved over the years? Which photographers have influenced your work? 

At first, I didn’t think much about having a fixed style- I simply photographed whatever fascinated me. It was only during my photography studies that I began to deeply explore specific themes and techniques. Photographers like Peter Bialobrzeski, Gregory Crewdson, Ansel Adams, and Marianne Nix greatly inspired me during this time.

In a world overflowing with digital imagery, it’s challenging to stand out from the crowd. I wanted to create images that didn’t just grab fleeting attention but left a lasting impression. This led me to evolve my style - moving away from classic documentary photography toward experimental light photography. My images are intentionally surreal - they are meant to evoke emotions, spark reflection, and convey a sense of magic.

Along the way, I’ve become increasingly aware of how much nature is changing. The effects of climate change are visible - many of the forests in my homeland are disappearing. These impressions naturally find their way into my work. Without being didactic, I want my images to raise awareness of what surrounds us.

When out for shooting, what are you looking for in a subject before pressing the shutter button?

Mesmerizing Glow was born from the realization that I was using my camera more and more for others - professionally, for friends, or at family events. In the process, I gradually lost my personal connection to photography. I had forgotten what it felt like to truly perceive a subject, to wait for the perfect moment, and to fully immerse myself in the image.

This project has helped me rediscover exactly that. I spend a lot of time in nature, exploring forests and landscapes in search of scenes that move me. Along the way, I’ve become increasingly aware of how much nature is changing. The effects of climate change are visible - many of the forests in my homeland are disappearing. These impressions naturally find their way into my work. Without being didactic, I want my images to raise awareness of what surrounds us.

What would you like to convey to the audience through your project ‘Mesmerizing Glow’?

With Mesmerizing Glow, I want to show that our perception of nature and reality is shaped by light, color, and atmosphere. The project challenges viewers to see familiar landscapes from a new perspective. The world we perceive is often just a product of our own interpretation.

It’s not just about aesthetics but also about deeper reflection: How does light influence our emotions? How consciously do we still experience nature in an era dominated by screens and speed? And what responsibility do we bear toward our environment?

At the same time, this project is an invitation to engage more deeply with the fragility of our natural world. By immersing it in magical light, I aim to highlight its uniqueness and inspire reflection - about what surrounds us and how we can preserve it.

My images are intentionally surreal - they are meant to evoke emotions, spark reflection, and convey a sense of magic.

What is next for you? Is there something you’re working on currently? 

Mesmerizing Glow is a long-term project for me. It gives me space for creative experimentation and the opportunity to continue evolving as a photographer. Nature offers endless facets that can be reinterpreted through light, and I want to continue this journey for a long time.

There are countless places I still want to explore and incorporate into my project. My goal is to further refine my style, experiment with new techniques, and perhaps even integrate other artistic media. But above all, I want to deepen my exchange with other creative minds, engage in conversations, and share inspiration.

I am grateful for every bit of support and for platforms like this that give my vision a voice. In the end, it’s up to you to interpret what you see and feel in my images. People seek the familiar—but I want to make the unknown visible.

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