University of Applied Sciences Hamburg | Germany
Series description
In Stillgestanden (‘Attention!’) Teresa Halbreiter explores the search for femininity and individuality in the male-dominated institution of the German Armed Forces. She encounters women who look to define their own role in this system. What is life as a soldier really like? This project underlines the tension between obedience and self-assertion, between toughness and vulnerability. Halbreiter draws out the need to be part of a whole, and the quiet desire to be seen as an individual.
Sergeant B. and Sergeant major S. resting on a wooden box before their weekly physical training is about to start. In addition to mental training, physical exercise plays an important part in everyday life in the German Armed Forces.
© Teresa Halbreiter, Germany, European Student Award, Winner, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Strength tests are one of the tasks of the German Armed Forces, and various exercises are used to regularly monitor the physical and mental strength of soldiers, their endurance and coordination.
© Teresa Halbreiter, Germany, European Student Award, Winner, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Recruit S. (20) has been part of the German Armed Forces for six months and is currently training in the field of aerial reconnaissance, preparing for tasks such as operating LUNA drones.
© Teresa Halbreiter, Germany, European Student Award, Winner, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Sergeant B. in her maternity uniform.
© Teresa Halbreiter, Germany, European Student Award, Winner, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
For Sergeant B (27), being a soldier is still her dream job. However, the photographer explains that it requires a certain kind of character to get along as a woman in this role.
© Teresa Halbreiter, Germany, European Student Award, Winner, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
These German Armed Forces vehicles belong to the Reconnaissance Training Battalion. Here, young soldiers are trained to become ‘scouts’ (spies), among other things.
© Teresa Halbreiter, Germany, European Student Award, Winner, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
The forest plays an important role in the basic training of the German Armed Forces. During their first few months, new recruits spend a lot of time in the forest, and have to perform physically demanding exercises while carrying heavy packs.
© Teresa Halbreiter, Germany, European Student Award, Winner, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Scattered across the barracks grounds are memorial stones of former battalions, which are decorated with wreaths once a year by veterans and relatives.
© Teresa Halbreiter, Germany, European Student Award, Winner, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards