@tpix_fotografie

Story was featured in LYBELL Magazine, Issue 271

Finding the Frame: Patrick Tomys and the Joy of Portrait Photography

From Childhood Snapshots to a Creative Passion

Based in Deggendorf, Germany, Patrick Tomys has always had an instinct for photography. As a child, he experimented with disposable cameras and his parents’ equipment before eventually moving to compact digital cameras. For years, however, photography remained little more than an occasional hobby. That changed following an accident approximately five years ago, when an extended period of recovery gave Patrick the opportunity to reconsider the Nikon D3300 that had been sitting untouched in its original packaging.

Determined to understand photography beyond casual snapshots, Patrick began teaching himself through videos, magazines, social media, experimentation, and plenty of trial and error. Without ever taking a formal photography course, he learned the fundamentals of exposure, aperture, long exposures, and the technical possibilities of his camera. What began as curiosity quickly became a passion.

Portraits, People & Possibilities

Today, Patrick shoots with a Nikon Z6 II and considers his Nikkor Z 28–75mm f/2.8 his favorite lens. While he occasionally photographs landscapes during his travels and has an interest in cars, portraits remain his primary passion.

His journey into portrait photography began with family and friends before expanding through social media connections. Eventually, Patrick began approaching people who showed an interest in his work and inviting them to participate in shoots. Many had never modeled before, but that never stopped them from enjoying the experience. As word spread, returning models became part of his creative journey, while people he had never met began reaching out to him directly.

For Patrick, the excitement is mutual. “When my models are excited, I’m excited too.”

One Garage, Four Stories

One of Patrick’s favorite shoots took place in late May 2026 inside a parking garage. Following an outdoor session in a blooming rapeseed field, Patrick and an experienced model continued into the garage, where four outfit changes, creative perspectives, and the model’s performance transformed one location into four completely different visual themes.

The final images were so varied that they appeared to have been captured during four separate shoots at four different locations—a perfect example of Patrick’s ability to discover new possibilities within familiar surroundings.

A World of Inspiration

If given the opportunity to photograph anywhere in the world, Patrick would choose Santorini, Greece. He imagines picturesque architecture, colorful accents, blooming flowers, and a model in a striking dress, using contrasting colors to create an unforgettable composition.

His dream celebrity subject would be Jennifer Lawrence, while his favorite animal is the panda—“pretty” without needing makeup or clothes.

The Reward Behind the Lens

Photography offers Patrick more than beautiful images. It allows him to meet new people, explore creativity, and create a balance alongside his career as a car sales consultant.

For Patrick, the greatest compliment is simple: when a model expresses genuine appreciation for the images and the experience. That recognition fuels his passion and motivates him to continue creating.

He also extends his thanks to the models who have shared his journey: Vanessa, Veronika, Anna Lena, Milena, Marion, and Nelly.