About me

Hi, I’m Michael Backes.

I’ve been passionate about photography since 1997. Back then, I started with a tiny Sony CyberShot DSC-F1 that had just 0.3 megapixels. Today, I shoot with hefty Canon cameras—no one really talks about megapixels anymore. For me, technology has always been just a tool. What truly fascinates me are places by the sea.

"Along the Coast" is my personal project—a collection of places I’ve captured along Europe’s shores. Small villages, rugged coastlines, vast landscapes. Always near the water. No grand narratives, no deep analysis. Just photos and a few words.

At first, I used to set off without a plan, simply following the coast. It worked—kind of. But Europe is vast, and its coastline stretches for thousands of kilometers. Finding the truly special places by chance is rare. That’s why I now plan my trips carefully: researching locations, checking parking spots on Google Maps, reading travel reports. I spend one to two hours preparing for each place—much more for big cities. It takes effort, but it makes traveling smoother, allowing me to focus on what really matters: exploring and taking photos.

When I’m not wandering through dunes or planning my next trip, you’ll probably find me playing board games. My collection keeps growing. But sooner or later, the sea calls me back.

You’ll find more about my travels and the stories behind them on the other pages of this project.