SEPTEMBER 1943 – Edith and Otto Schweim in a restaurant in Malente-Gremsmühlen, Germany. © Mark Zanzig/zanzig.com
The story behind the image
This morning I shared an image of my grandparents who got married exactly 100 years ago in Schönwalde am Bungsberg in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. To celebrate this day, here is another image of them. (Sadly, I do not have any images of their wedding in 1923.)
This photo has been taken in early September 1943 in a restaurant in Malente-Gremsmühlen. Because Otto and Edit wanted to get the kids out of the dangerous war zone, the family had moved to a holiday appartment for families. While the war was raging in Kiel, they had found peace in Malente for many years. They moved back to their home in Kiel in the summer of 1949.
Taking a closer look at the image, I see that the sun was throwing long shadows and illuminated the scene perfectly. An issue of the Kieler Neuste Nachrichten – the newspaper from their hometown – has been placed on the table, so it’s probably morning, maybe half past eight. The tiny can of coffee on the left confirms this.
I like the shadow created by the camera (the unusual shape between Ediths feet.) Otto must have placed the camera on a nearby table and then released the self-exposure function. This kept the camera super steady and adds drama through a low position that is on level with the couple.
Now that we know that it’s a selfie, it’s funny to imagine what really had happened that morning, 80 years ago. Once Otto had released the self exposure timer he must have taken the few steps back to the table and squeezed himself past that other chair (on the right), which explains the awkward posture of his left leg. It looks as if he could not properly take his chair. (Also note the curious look by lady in the back.) Then put on a serious face and discuss world politics (or the weather) – until the timer went out and the shutter had clicked.
Edith and Otto – thinking of you today!
The high resolution image
| Capture Date | August 1943 |
| Location | Malente-Gremsmühlen, Germany |
| Image Source | 6 x 6 cm Print |
| Digital Image Source | EPSON Perfection 4870 Photo |
| Digital Image Source Format | TIFF, 48 bits/pixel, sRGB |
| Edited Image Format | JPEG, 24 bits/pixel, sRGB |
| Edited Image Dimensions | 2494 x 2494 Pixels |
| Copyright | © by Mark Zanzig/zanzig.com |
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