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About Protocol Portraits

Protocol Portraits documents individuals and events within institutional, diplomatic, academic and executive environments. The work covers official visits, state ceremonies, institutional meetings and formal portraits produced for public record, press distribution and long-term archival use.

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The practice is led by Theo Solnik, photographer and cinematographer with more than thirty years of working experience across documentary, institutional and high-level public contexts. His work includes the documentation of state visits, diplomatic engagements and formal portraits of individuals whose public roles require accuracy, discretion and familiarity with protocol.

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He studied film directing and cinematography at the German Film and Television Academy Berlin (dffb) and holds an academic background in philosophy and sociology. His professional path began in press photography at the age of fifteen, working in environments defined by restricted access, time pressure and editorial responsibility. This background continues to inform an approach centred on observation, structure and contextual awareness.

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Alongside institutional assignments, his films and photographic projects have received international recognition from film festivals, cultural institutions and juries in Germany and across Europe, including awards for cinematography and documentary practice.

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Over the years, he has been entrusted with the visual documentation of heads of state, members of royal families, Nobel Prize laureates, senior political figures and executives, as well as official events for governments, international institutions and publicly accountable organisations. Assignments are regularly carried out in coordination with protocol offices, security teams, communications departments and press services.

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The work is produced internationally and adapted to the specific requirements of each institution, ensuring visual material suitable for official communication and long-term archival continuity.
 

Theo Solnik, photographer/cinematographer

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