London Photographic Association Awards 2007

The London Photographic Association is a creative organisation showcasing commercial and fine art photography portfolios. One of their yearly activities is to run photography competitions throughout the year, covering the various genres of the medium. In summer 2007 Astrid was highly recommended in the 'Open Summer Competition' with a series called 'Car Park'. Her 'frozen' images were taken during a trip to Spindleruv Bouda, Krkonoae, (about 1200m above see level), north of Czech Republic, on the last day of December 2005.


Car Park

Have you ever wondered - when sitting in a plane and looking out of the window - what it would be like inside a cloud, where everything is white and had no definition? Last December I found out - of course - one would see absolutely nothing and it is far from being romantic...

Image archive link: 'Car Park'

Journey to Israel 2006

In April 2006 Astrid was commissioned to document the annual Universal Peace Conference in Jerusalem. She extended the journey for a documentary project on zoos in Israel as well as the Palestinian territories. One story attracted her in particular: the isolated zoo in Qalqilya, a small town in the West Bank, which is totally enclosed by the separation wall.

Image archive for Qalqilya Zoo, Palestinian Territory


Other observations on living conditions are photographed in the different areas Astrid encountered.

Image archive for Seperation Wall at Al Ezaria, East Jerusalem
Image archive for Elay Sinai Camp, Jewish Settlers after Disengagement, 2006
Image archive for Impressions from Jerusalem


Jaffa (Oranges or what?)

Jaffa is beautiful, so I was told, romantic and really old. So when I arrived I expected to see the flavour of its Palestinian history. Indeed, the first impression after I got out of the car in at night matched my expectations: warm air coming from the sea, the scent of a hookah across the pavement and the bustling atmosphere at Jaffa’s centre near the clock tower. Promising, I thought...

Image archive for Jaffa, Tel Aviv

Journey to Nepal 2005

Commissioned by the charity organisation ROKPA International Astrid spend one month in Kathmandu’s Tibetan Quarter.
Working with ROKPA included documenting the soup-kitchen and medical services for the countless beggars around the stupa.
Aid is only available during the harsh wintertime and desperately needed. However, ROCKPA also established a children's home and a training program for single mothers.

Fascinated by the Buddhist culture Astrid visited monasteries in Boudhanath’s neighbourhood and spend one week in a nunnery on the Sivapuri Mountain. Nagi Gompa is the second largest Buddhist nunnery and offers a interesting insight into the richness of Tibetan believes.

Other topics include a Nepalese hospital and a local school.

London Photographic Association Awards 2004

The London Photographic Association is a creative organisation showcasing commercial and fine art photography portfolios. One of their yearly activities is to run photography competitions throughout the year covering the various genres of the medium.

In 2004 Astrid was chosen to be the Bronze Award winner for the category 'Beauty and Form' with her series ‘Food Keeps Body & Soul Together’

Journey to Scotland 2004

It was not the Scottish landscape that attracted Astrid to visit Dumfriesshire, it was a Tibetan Monastery, hidden in the middle of nowhere, on the rainiest spot in the UK. Kagyu Sanye Ling was founded in 1967, its name means ‘place beyond imagination’. Through Dr Akong Tulku Rinpoche’s (co-founder) vision and guidance, a magnificent temple in traditional Tibetan design was erected and opened its door in 1988. The temple and most other buildings, which followed were build entirely by volunteers and funded through donations. Today the monastery is a flourishing centre preserving Tibetan Buddhism, arts, medicine and culture. Buddhist teachings of highest standards, weekend courses, retreats and special events are held throughout the year. Kagyu Samye Ling is constantly growing and the building work is still ongoing. Yet it is an oasis of peace and wisdom, aiming to benefit all beings far beyond the area where it is placed.

Image archive for Kagyu Samye Ling, Monastery
Image archive for Kagyu Samye Ling, Artwork
Image archive for Kagyu Samye Ling, People and Work