After I published it, in 2016, I received a message from the granddaughter of the owner of this shop/building.
She said: “It was his brother, Charles Montag, who took the picture when my grandfather was still in the war. I am very proud that this picture goes around the world because it is a symbol of liberation in our region. Thank you so much for that!”
Colorizing photos is a lonely process. Before I even begin the colorization itself, I spend hours – or even days – reading, researching, studying, and finding stories. /1
It is time-consuming, sometimes emotionally draining, but just as enjoyable.
My work gave me the opportunity to meet incredible people: teachers, renowned historians, authors; and some became close friends.
But... /2
... even though all these encounters mean a lot to me, none of them are or were able to prepare me for the moments when I have the opportunity to talk to relatives of people portrayed in the photos that I colorized. /3
Sometimes, I look at everything I've done and achieved so far, and start thinking that all of this will come crashing down at some point.
1/
So, I come here and I see so many beautiful and supportive messages, and you make me see that my work is important to you. That calms me down and fills my heart with gratitude.
2/
I have no idea how I got here. I was 21 when my work started making headlines.
People look from the outside and see me involved in so many amazing projects, publishing bestselling books, etc, and probably think that everything’s easy. It is not, and never has been.
3/