What empathy reveals that power tries to hide with Platon (#146)

This week I speak with photographer Platon about approaching even the most powerful or controversial figures without judgment and what empathy really has to do with capturing someone's true character. Platon talks about what it takes to commit to a project for decades and why that kind of time changes the stories you're able to tell.

We talk about his experiences photographing world leaders like Vladimir Putin, about the responsibility that comes with portraying power and what the camera reveals that words never could. We also discuss art's role in provoking thought and fostering dialogue, how photography can shift public perception and why Platon sees his work as a tool for driving real conversations about human rights.

Thank you so much to Westlicht (westlicht.com/westlicht/de/home) for making this episode possible.
The exhibition „Platon – People Power“ is on display until 09.8.26 at Westlicht westlicht.com/westlicht/de/programm/ausstellun…

Learn more about Platon and his work on Instagram: ⁠@platon (instagram.com/platon) and his website: platonphoto.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=…

This episode is supported by PicDrop. You can get 15% off on PicDop Pro-Plans with the code "Ulrich15". Find out more about PicDrop at picdrop.com/web?via=ulrichaydt

If you want to reach out to me for feedback, ideas, wishes or anything else you can find me on instagram ⁠⁠⁠ (instagram.com/u.aydt)@ulrichaydt⁠ (instagram.com/ulrichaydt) or ⁠⁠@gestatten.sie⁠⁠ (instagram.com/gestatten.sie) or on my website: ⁠⁠⁠www.ulrichaydt.com⁠⁠⁠ (ulrichaydt.com)

Thanks to Mala for the Podcast-Cover (⁠@mala.kolumna⁠ (instagram.com/mala.kolumna)) and Belinda for producing the Jingles (⁠⁠⁠@Belinda Thaler⁠⁠⁠ (instagram.com/belinda.thaler))