This book chronicles the foundational period of the Werkstatt für Photography, a pivotal institution in the emancipation of photography as an art form in West Germany. Founded by Michael Schmidt in 1976, the workshop served as a democratic experimental space, operating outside conventional vocational and institutional norms during the Cold War. The narrative explores the establishment of infrastructures that supported photography's rise as an art form, including key exhibitions, galleries, and journals in cities like Berlin, Hanover, and Essen. It details the international connections, key figures, and networks that shaped German photography throughout the 1970s and 1980s.**

This book is presented as the first comprehensive account of the Werkstatt für Photography, highlighting its significance in the development of photography as an art form in post-war Germany. The text focuses on the historical context, institutional influences, and the key individuals and networks involved in this artistic movement. Its detailed exploration of a crucial period in photographic history suggests it is a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts of photography and German cultural history.