German-born lenser Horst Diekgerdes has released a new (first-ever) monograph focusing on his work from the mid-1990s to present day. Comprehensively edited to represent Diekgerdes’ expansive and hard-hitting portfolio, the book interweaves personal and commercial work – saturated with his eccentricity – seen in many fashion magazines over the years.

“The edit was probably the most difficult part for myself,” Diekgerdes told HERO about the process of putting together the tome, “together with the art director Beda Achermann, we decided to edit along certain guidelines that I would describe a sthe following: eccentricity; empathy with the subjects; moments of uniqueness; portraits that connect the spectator with the subject; directness; and concepts of human beauty.”

Victoria Beckham, Alexander McQueen, Lara Stone (the list is endless) are some of the icons part of Diekgerdes’ expansive portfolio. His subjects, however, aren’t what solely connect his fans and photographic aficionados to his work: his surreal, distinctive and somewhat instinctive practice is what has captivated audiences over the years. So how does Diekgerdes gauge and capture those killer moments? “When [a moment] catches my attention; when it emotionally provokes a reaction with me,” the photograph explained, “[and] when the image resonates with me.”

“I work best with a skeleton of intentions and ideas before I enter a photographic situation. I love and encourage surprises to happen. It all depends as well on the subject/person I photograph, as I need the feeling of connection and engagement.”

The book has been released. For more information email info@shotview.com or visit www.shotview.com.