MASTER QEP qualification

The Federation of European Professional Photographers awarded 21 new Qualified European Photographer and 8 new Master titles.

Kiel, Germany, November 24, 2024

New Master Qualified European Photographers Pavel  Ziegler of  Czech Republic among them

The Federation of European Professional Photographers gathered in Kiel, Germany, for its 46th qualification judging session.

The Master Qualified European Photographer (MQEP) Certificate is reserved for the more accomplished QEP holders. To date approximately 100 Top European Photographers have received a Masters distinction for their supreme quality.

To reach MQEP level the photographer must demonstrate flawless technical skills as well as strong vision. Unlike QEP, the MQEP does not need a category or a field of specialization. An MQEP panel requires 20 images, candidates can also send some supporting evidence, such as books, videos, albums etc. with the panel. Like QEP, the application process is online but the judging, again is of the actual image during a judging session. The MQEP panels are judged by an international jury of 7 accomplished judges.

 This time 6 MQEP applications were submitted, and 3 were successful. One of them Pavel Ziegler . He is from the Asociace Profesionálních Fotografù Ceské Republiky

and his panel consisted of illustrative  photography.

Pavel Ziegler is a visual storyteller inspired by Italian pop art of the 20th century and his travels across Africa. His works often feature religious and mystical symbols, standing out with their pure light and contrasting colors. The central theme of his art is the detachment from the ego-driven individual, achieved through his original interpretation of color theory and simplicity of composition.

Among Pavel’s most technically demanding projects is the capture of time using artificial lighting and complex scenes. He incorporates digital edits and collage techniques not as ends in themselves but as tools for expression. His works reach their full potential only when printed on canvas, monumentally framed, and experienced interactively by the viewer.

Pavel’s creative process begins with meticulous preparation—developing the idea, drafting a scenario, selecting models, props, and a creative team. During the shoot, he observes how his vision comes to life, a process that deeply fascinates him. In post-production, he refines the photographs to align with his original vision.

His works act as a communication channel with the viewer—simple and impersonal yet open to individual interpretation. They offer a sense of calm and invite a slow, immersive experience, countering the rush of modern life. Pavel deliberately avoids commercial clichés and exaggerated emotions, which he believes distort the natural essence of humanity. Instead, his art evokes subtle, profound emotions that resonate with the inner worlds of his audience.

foto: Jan Pohribný