[Translate to Englisch:] Marion Bernet – SIYU Präsidum

Marion is also a new member of the SIYU Executive Committee. She told the editorial team about her biography as a photographer and her motivation to stand for the presidency together with Charlotte Aebischer and Anja Wurm - but also about the challenges she has faced so far.

What attracted you to the profession of photographer? After my A-levels, I wanted to study visual communication and completed a one-year internship with a photographer in Biel to fulfil the admission requirements. I liked it so much that I immediately applied for the then new ‘Photo Design’ programme in Zurich. I am attracted by the opportunity to tell stories that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to access. I also find it exciting that photography gives viewers a lot of freedom to make up their own minds about the photos and stories.

You are self-employed, have you considered looking for a permanent position? Balancing my work as a freelance photographer and family life with two small children is a daily challenge. It requires flexibility and creativity to combine both worlds. Sometimes I wish I had the security of a permanent position to cushion the uncertainties of self-employment. But I wouldn't want to miss out on the freedom and independence that I value so much.

How does your family influence your photography? The challenge of balancing my work as a freelance photographer and President of SIYU with my life as a mum of two young children has inspired me to explore new avenues. Instead of putting my photographic projects on the back burner, I am starting to involve my family in my creative processes. This results in images that are not only characterised by professional creativity, but also by personal closeness and authenticity.

Why were you attracted to the position on the board? I was already on the board of the SBF and was heavily involved in the merger. It is important to me that the association now works in a future-orientated way. As a young photographer, I often felt ignored and not taken seriously by the SBF. When it became clear that the presidency would be stepping down after the merger, I knew that this was an opportunity for me to play an active and more open role in shaping the association. Although the merger is over, there is still a lot to do. It's great that the entire Board has realised that we need to work on our internal structures if we want to continue to be an attractive association (or become one again). This will enable us to move forward quickly.

What areas are you responsible for on the SIYU Executive Committee? I am the first administrative contact. I'm the first to read the emails to the Executive Committee, then I decide who else should be involved and forward the email accordingly or answer it directly. Otherwise, we work closely together. For example, we have weekly Zoom meetings to discuss strategies and keep in touch about the various areas we are working on. Over time, it will be possible for us to allocate the work more clearly. At the moment, however, it makes sense for us to work closely so that the ideas of the three former associations can continue to live on in the SIYU.

Why do we need the SIYU? The SIYU gives photographers the opportunity to network and exchange ideas. Synergies can be utilised. For me, the pool kollektiv is a good example of how today's association work can be interesting. Beautiful projects and exciting exhibitions have been created in recent years. In this way, photography retains its significance despite current developments such as AI.

What have been the biggest challenges in the presidency so far? We also have to make decisions in the interests of the association as a whole that not everyone always agrees with - decisions that are also unpopular. But we seek dialogue wherever possible. I am convinced that, with the help of committed members, we are already on the way to turning SIYU into an association that can offer them a lot and support them where it is difficult as a lone fighter.