Tom Bretschneider is a photographer and filmmaker who has been documenting the beauty of nature on our planet above and below the water for over ten years. He has German and Swiss citizenship and has been living in Zurich for 20 years. After a serious accident in 2010, he is completely paralyzed below the chest and has been dependent on the wheelchair ever since. After his accident, he had to learn to dive again, and over the years he has developed a technique that, despite his handicap, allows him to dive under difficult conditions and in challenging places and to take photos underwater with large, professional cameras. During his photography in Africa, he has also developed special techniques and adaptations of the vehicles over the years to be able to take professional photos there despite his situation.
Inspired by Paul Nicklen, Tin Man Lee, David Dubelet and Alex Mustard, he works to shoot powerful and moving images on his many expeditions around the globe. His piece of work is intended to make people aware of the uniqueness and beauty of the animal world in order to get them to think more about our planet. He is giving a part of his revenue to support the Sheldrickwildlifetrust elephant rescue station in Nairobi, Kenya.
PUBLICATIONS & INTERVIEWS
Newspaper - Nidwaldner Zeitung Nov 2024
Interview - SWISSARTEXPO Aug 2024
Interview - Paws Trails Mar 2021
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
photoSCHWEIZ 25 - Feb 7 till 11
Gallery Hergiswil Luzern - Nov 2024
SWISSARTEXPO 2024 - Aug 21 till 25
Nicoleta Gallery Berlin - Aug 2024
ARTBOXY Art Basel 2024 - Jun 3 till 16
UNTERWASSERFESTIVAL 2025 - Nov 6 till 16
UPCOMING
photoSCHWEIZ 26 - Feb 6 till 10
Trevisan Int. Art Bologna - 2026