Photobook, 2022
Awarded with the ADC Talent Award 2023 in Gold

43,800 hours – this is how long a person dreams in a lifetime. But what is real? And what is only an illusion? In sleep dreams, it is often impossible to separate reality from fantasy. We find ourselves in intermediate worlds that are both abstract and barely tangible. Dreams are inevitably connected with desires. They are important in order not to lose hope for a better future despite crises.

Can new things emerge in an abstract way in our real world? vague attempts to answer this question and represents a nexus between reality and fiction. With the help of experimental photographic techniques, I create visual incentives for the recipients to deal with their own dreams and desires.

vague deals with the nexus between reality and fiction, dream worlds and surrealism. It combines a mixture of portraits, landscapes, still lifes and abstract scanographic scenes.

vague finds its expression in the form of a book (24x30 cm, 128 pages with 106 color and black and white photographs). It is self-published in a limited edition of 25 copies. Some pages of my book are shortened to 16 cm, which creates interesting relationships between individual images and book pages. As with dreams and desires, the photographs are not isolated: rather, they form a fluid transition of associations and connections.

Epilogue:

vague is a nexus between reality and fiction.
Everything is real. Everything is illusion.
No matter how you see it,
I see it differently.

We are trapped between two worlds.
Two worlds that inevitably affect each other.
The things we see in reality can inspire us to create unique stories that quite often find manifestation in our subconscious.
Visual impressions can result in a vision and inspire us
to develop a desire and
hold on to it.

In our dreamland we meet the unknown.
It‘s a solely subjective experience
and we encounter the often vague otherworldliness
all by ourselves.

What are you dreaming of?
It‘s just a wish away.

– Sarah Köster

Hardcover, 106 photos
Size: 24 × 30 cm
Pages: 128 with 6 shortened pages
First edition, limited to 25 copies
Each book comes with a small individual print.
To purchase a copy, contact me here.

vague was awarded with the ADC Talent Award 2023 in Gold.

"Vague is a visual journey into the world between dream and reality. Photography is used for this book project in all its creative spectrum. The thrilling pictorial rhythm of interchanging portraits, landscapes, objects color alienations, cropping and abstractions creates a visually seductive experience that celebrates the power of images. The photography creates narratives that are not specifically stated, but are clearly palpable. The playful realization presented here is a refreshing counterpoint in our thoroughly structured world and exemplifies the richness of design in photography.”

– ADC jury

Link to the ADC Gallery

vague got exhibited at Märkisches Museum Witten from July to September 2023.

A project about the identity of sister pairs. 2021
Witten, Bochum and Münster, Germany

As different as they might be - they are all connected by an invisible bond that creates trust and shapes the mutual identity of each.

From their first encounter, the thin string begins to grow into an ever stronger bond. Over the years, sisters gather more and more shared experiences, forming a mutual collection of memories - whether positive or negative. But how can the trust and shared identity of sisters be made visible? What role do sisters, alongside parents and other social contacts, play in identity development? I have portrayed various sisters who all have a special connection to each other in a unique way; be it through the same strokes of fate, early responsibility, contrasting characters or unique and visible characteristics that make them appear opposites at first glance, but through which they had to go through similar social experiences.

Thanks to Doris, Rita, Lina, Josi, Charlotte, Johanna, Imme, Britta, Daniela, Janina, Halimeh & Bisan for being part of my project.

The project got featured in Der Tagesspiegel, Voltaire VIII: Identity, AnOther and on Photo Vogue.

Ein Projekt über die Identität von Schwesternpaaren. 2021
Witten, Bochum und Münster, Deutschland

So verschieden sie auch sein mögen – sie alle sind durch ein unsichtbares Band verbunden, das Vertrauen schafft und die gegenseitige Identität einer Jeden prägt.

Schon bei der ersten Begegnung beginnt der dünne Faden zu einem immer stärker werdenden Band heranzuwachsen. Über die Jahre sammeln Schwestern immer mehr gemeinsame Erfahrungen und bilden so ein kollektives Sammelsurium an Erinnerungen – ob positiv oder negativ. Doch wie lassen sich das Vertrauen und die gemeinsame Identität von Schwestern sichtbar machen? Welche Rolle spielen Geschwister, neben den Eltern und weiteren sozialen Kontakten, in der Identitätsentwicklung? Ich habe verschiedene Schwestern portraitiert, die alle auf ganz besondere Weise eine außergewöhnlich Verbindung untereinander haben; sei es durch identische Schicksalsschläge, frühe Verantwortung, gegensätzliche Charaktere oder einzigartige und sichtbare Merkmale, die sie auf den ersten Blick zwar gegensätzlich erscheinen lassen, durch die sie jedoch ähnlich gesellschaftliche Erfahrungen machen mussten.

Danke an Doris, Rita, Lina, Josi, Charlotte, Johanna, Imme, Britta, Daniela, Janina, Halimeh & Bisan, dass ihr ein Teil meines Projektes seid.

Das Projekt wurde in Der Tagesspiegel, Voltaire VIII: Identity und AnOther veröffentlicht sowie online auf Photo Vogue gefeatured.

2023
Bochum, Germany

For WDR Kultursommer.

A project with Google Street View and FaceTime, 2020/2021
Philadelphia, USA – Witten, Germany
Remote Shooting

The everyday life we still have to deal with at the moment has changed a lot due to the pandemic. What remains is creativity, which helps to make the best of the situation.I was planning to visit my cousin Andreas, who emigrated to Philadelphia, USA in 2017, in the summer of 2020. But due to Covid, this was not possible. I came up with the idea of first exploring his new living environment with the help of Google Street View and documented what I saw with screenshots – his new neighbourhood, his campus, his favourite places. After my location scouting, we met via FaceTime to do virtual photo shoots together on these locations to bring my project to a more personal level. I directed Andreas to put his mobile phone on the floor or lean it against walls which he then aligned according to my instructions. I gave him direction during the shoot via his AirPods.

Architectural Photos via Google Street View
Portraits via FaceTime

The project got featured on VOGUE.it, Photographie Magazin, in Der Tagesspiegel and WAZ Witten.

For Business Punk I photographed a Fashion Editorial based on our personal story.

The series has been awarded with the Kunstpreis Ennepe-Ruhr 2021 (Art Award) and got exhibited at Stadtmuseum Hattingen from March to April 2022.

In 2023, as part of the exhibition project SPITZENLAGE by Dortmund Kreativ, an excerpt of the series got presented to a wide audience on Westenhellweg Dortmund, one of the busiest shopping streets in the Ruhr area.

Fashion Editorial for Business Punk, 04/2021
Philadelphia, USA – Witten, Germany

My cousin Andy moved to Philadelphia, USA, four years ago. I planned to visit him in the summer of 2020 but due to the pandemic this was not possible.

I decided to get creative and planned virtual fashion shoots with him. After my location scouting with Google Street View, we met via FaceTime at these exact locations to realize photo shoots from the distance.

Based on my personal project, the German magazine Business Punk contacted me to plan a Fashion Editorial exactly the same way – despite a distance of about 6200 km between Witten, Germany and Philadelphia, USA. Andy placed his cell phone on the floor, leaned it against the walls and aligned it according to my instructions which I gave him via his AirPods.



Photographer: Sarah Köster
Model: Andreas Copes
Photo Editors: Tobias Heuser & Benjamin Lewin
Words: Alexander Langer
Styling: Siems Luckwaldt
Graphic Design: Daniel Fuchs

All Architectural Photographs were taken via Google Street View. Photos of Andy via FaceTime.

Since summer 2019, I've been photographing singer & songwriter Leslie Clio ("I couldn't care less"). It's not just about taking photos on stage - it's also about using the locations we find at the different venues for cool shots.

digital, on film + polaroid

I have also photographed some of her covers and worked on the Graphic Design of several releases.

Additionally, I have self-published the book Playlist – Leslie Clio, which includes a selection of my photographs as well as the stories behind individual songs from Leslie's first three albums. t's about her personal story and I take a closer look at the development of her musical being.

Since 2017 I have been on the road with Alice Merton, photographing her on stage and backstage at her concerts, on her European Mint+4 tour and on festivals across Europe.

On her European Mint+4 tour I additionally filmed and edited daily vlogs.

Together we have already visited various cities in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Romania, Switzerland and Turkey.

Alice is known for her successful debut single No Roots as well as her song Why So Serious, among others. In 2022, she has released her album S.I.D.E.S.

Some of the festivals were Brussels Summer Festival, Donauinselfest, Gurtenfestival, Hurricane Festival, Laut und Draußen Festival, L'Eté à Pau, Lollapalooza Berlin, MS Dockville, PULS Startrampe, Rock en Seine, Southside Festival, Summer Well, Sziget, Venoge Festival, 1Live Festivalsommer and others.

2017–ongoing (image order: recent ones to older ones)

London Fashion Week, 2017–2019
London, UK

A collection of street style scenes captured on the streets of London during various Fashion Week seasons.

AI Generated images, prompted by me.

A selection of still life photos.

A selection from different fashion productions for BVB 09.

Client: Borussia Dortmund
Merchandise Collections: Urban Winter, Cinder

For the Get away with OPPO social campaign.

All photos were taken on the OPPO Find X5 Pro mobile phone.

Steven Tai S/S19, 2018
London, UK

Presentation of Fashion Designer Steven Tai at London Fashion Week.

Styling: Aline De Beauclaire
Hairstyling: Jon Reyman
Make-Up: Maria Papadopoulou

International Women’s Day Campaign, 2020
Berlin, Germany

I took the campaign images for International Women‘s Day 2020, celebrated on 8th March. The 2020 theme was “Each for Equal - An equal world is an enabled world”.

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

Client: International Women‘s Day
Agency: EyeEm
Talent got casted by me.

Lollapalooza Berlin
Berlin, Germany

Rita Ora performing at Lollapalooza Berlin.

Borussia Dortmund released a cap in collaboration with PUMA, co-designed by BVB head coach Edin Terzić. I had the opportunity to be part of the design process for the exclusive "Cap by Edin" and to capture it with my photos.

Home Story and Studio Visit at PARTMENT, 2021
Wesel & Bochum, Germany

I visited multidisciplinary artist Maike Barbara Maier at her home in Wesel near the Dutch border. She lives there in an old house from 1920 with a large garden, which has become a place of peace and relaxation for her. In summer she enjoys to invite friends for a pleasant and delicious evening. The Interior design focuses on a mix of natural vintage furnishing, which she has given a second life, and interior classics.

After my visit at her home, I accompanied Maier to her studio PARTMENT in Bochum. Fascinated by the aesthetic of the 1960s, she enjoys the fashion and sporty elegance of this decade. Maier describes her art as ranging from casual and sporty, to exaggeratedly exciting – like the drama of old action comic panels. Whereas her bold and abstract acrylic paintings are primarily “intuitive and free”. She also creates works using new, experimental techniques, such as those expressed in her sponge paintings. In this way, her paintings reveal personalities like the Mona Lisa in a new way.

2019
Berlin, Germany

Portraits of Benjamin.

In addition to the photographic series, I filmed and directed a short fashion film.

Lollapalooza Berlin
Berlin, Germany

Tyler Joseph und Josh Dun of TWENTY ØNE PILØTS performing in Berlin.

Basketball Player seen on the streets of Philly, USA.

Featured on Dazed

Paul Costello A/W 2018
London Fashion Week

Paul Costelloe is an Irish designer and artist. I captured his shows at London Fashion Week from 2017–2019. These photos show his A/W 2018 collection, presented at Waldorf Astoria London.

Published on VOGUE Italia online.
Model: Trinh Darśinī

A FaceTime series, 2021
Unna, Dortmund and Berlin, Germany – Witten, Germany

The pandemic led to people isolating themselves more and more. Home became an increasingly important place for many. People living alone in particular spent a lot of time with themselves within their own four walls. A lot of time to think, to look out into the world and to reflect.

As a photographer, I asked myself with which possibilities I could realize photo shoots during the pandemic - without physical contact to the portrayed people. So I had the idea to make the best out of the situation and to try out a new form of photography: portrait shoots via FaceTime in the private rooms of the portraits.

Before the shoot, the person to be portrayed allowed me to remotely trigger their cell phone camera by a setting on their smartphone. At the beginning of each shoot, I was given a virtual tour of the person's home. I initially staged the image by giving instructions on how to position the smartphone in the room; instructions on posing were given auditorily.

Photography via FaceTime is a completely new form of photography - and also shows that you don't have to get on a train, car or plane for every shoot.

The photos were taken between my home in Witten and the home of the portrayed in Berlin, Unna, Bochum and Dortmund.

Thank you to Martin, Gazelle, Lukas and Marie.

Global Climate Strike Protest, 2019
Berlin, Germany

”Grandpa, what is a snowman?”, ”Climate Change is worse than Homework” and “Make Love - Not CO₂”.
These are just a few statements I saw and captured at the Global Climate Strike Protest in Berlin on September 20, 2019. More than 280.000 people went on the street to protest for climate justice demanding urgent action to save the environment. Kids who started off with the “Friday’s For Future” movement following activist Greta Thunberg weren’t alone this time - their parents, grandparents and other supporters got behind them and skipped work to take part.

Published online on EyeEm Magazine.

Zeltfestival Ruhr
Bochum, Germany

German pop rock band Silbermond photographed for Zeltfestival Ruhr.

Lollapalooza Berlin
Berlin, Germany

Manchester based indie rock band Pale Waves performing in Berlin.

Campaign for OPPO Germany, 2020

I photographed the #ShotonOPPO campaign for OPPO Germany with the OPPO Find X2 Pro. They gave me complete creative freedom and it was a lot of fun experimenting with all the different features of the phone. All photos were taken with the OPPO Find X2 Pro (except the product photo with the phone included).

Selected photos were exhibited at the Saturn store on Mönckebergstraße in Hamburg.

Client: OPPO Germany
Agency: EyeEm

Berlin Photo Week, 2019
Berlin, Germany

Portraits of Berghain bouncer and photographer Sven Marquardt for Berlin Photo Week.

2020
Bochum, Germany

Me%, A/W 2020

Lookbook photos for Japanese fashion brand Me%.

Client: Me% Japan
Agency: HEX Production New York

2019
Berlin, Germany

Portraits of Sissi Pohle, founder and curator of the vintage and interior store outofuseberlin.

2018
London, UK

Portraits of rap artist Tino Kamal in London, UK.

Editorial for Voltaire Magazine
2018

Model: Bilge Demir
H & M: Leslie Barabasch
Styling: Sabrina Zabel

2021

A campaign for a fictional sunglasses brand.
Thanks to my parents for showing that everyone can wear cool sunglasses!

Lollapalooza Berlin, 2019
Berlin, Germany

Marteria and Casper performing at Lollapalooza Berlin, 2019.

2020
Dortmund, Germany

Portraits of Anina & Jill.

Streets of New York throughout the years.

Sadie Williams S/S18
London Fashion Week

Styling: Peghah Maleknejad
Hair: Syd Hayes
Make-Up: Lucy Bridge

2019
Berlin, Germany

Portraits of Photographer & Videographer Charlotte Weber.

2017
Berlin, Germany

A home story photographed for Adobe Stock.

Client: Adobe Stock
Models: Sissy and Endurance via Mega Model Agency
Location: Friends Space, Berlin, Germany

2017
Berlin, Germany 

Portraits of Endurance for Adobe Stock.

Client: Adobe Stock
Model: Endurance via Mega Model Agency
Location: Friends Space, Berlin, Germany

2019
Berlin, Germany

Human beings can be fascinating. Whenever I see an interesting person on the streets – whether its their way of styling their outfit or the power of their unique face – I ask to take their portrait. I always try to capture their soul and to take the photo as natural as possible.

The portrait of Sonja of the series “Strangers in Berlin” got published in VOGUE Italia online.