germany Jun 2018

Astrid M. Obert is an established and respected photographer in the fashion and lifestyle industry. Her talent for photography, especially her eye for light has aroused the interest of many and made her one of the best to work with.

Specialising in advertising, fashion, lingerie, and lifestyle photography, Astrid radiates a modern Danish design aesthetic in line with new trends. Productions with Astrid are professional and fun, with "a touch of crazily inspired pizzazz!"

She is relaxed, charming and a technical mastermind that gets the job done. Supported by a long career, she produces inspirational photography full of creativity, passion, and funk.

Astrid offers the full range of production services with outstanding quality to local and international agencies, brands and magazines alike.

Award-winning German photographer David Weimann is based in Cologne but travels worldwide for his on-location shoots. He primarily works as an editorial, portrait and business photographer.

Whether he is shooting a wine-maker during harvest, a Michelin star decorated chef, or a celebrity in just five minutes, he is always able to get the best out of his subject and produce striking images under any kind of circumstances.

His work has been published by Revolver Magazine, Spiegel Online, Welt,  Guide Michelin, Meiningers Weinwelt and many more.

"This is the sickest photograph of me that I have ever found!“

This citation from a song by the band 'Painted Thin', is an inspiration to award-winning people photographer, Per Schorn. Based in Frankfurt a.M., he grew up in the punk rock scene of the late 90s, and likes to start an idea for a story through his photographs that will live on in the mind of the viewer.

His unique story-telling and feel for lighting is complemented by the expert team he assembes for every shoot. Assistants, producers, make-up artists, stylists - whoever is necessary for the perfect picture, everyone works hand-in-hand to create a beautiful image.

When Per is not working for clients he does personal work and teaches at university. He can also be found at concerts, where he regularly photographs bands in his self-built photo booth.

Jan Northoff is an international photographer based in Hamburg.

When he first got his hands on a camera, Jan was immediately hooked on photography. At the age of 10, he entered a photography contest for adults with an old Rangefinder camera of his father - and won first prize! From that moment on, his destination was decided.

Since 2001, Jan has been working as a freelance photographer with a special focus on people and lifestyle, fashion and portraiture, and regularly delivers campaigns for advertising agencies and corporate enterprises.

In 2010, he started producing image films as a producer and director, combining photography and moving images.

Patrick Reinig is from Regensburg and works for clients who know about the value of photography for corporate communications.

His latest campaigns include:

• Branding campaign for das Stadtwerk.Regensburg.
• 360° virtual tours for das Stadtwerk.Westbad.
• Team shoots for der Versorger.REWAG.
• Marketing campaign for RVV - Regensburger Verkehrsverbund GmbH.

Visit the website for more information.

Scott Redinger-Libolt, now based in Cologne, studied commercial art in Los Angeles. Advertising photography is his specialty and he really enjoys shooting active lifestyle subjects like biking and sportswear.

With over 25 years' experience in photography, production and art direction, Scott brings a valuable set of skills and insight to every project. Scott just opened his newest studio, 'LuftHaus' in Cologne.

Peter Lindemann began taking pictures at the age of 16. He assisted international photographers before setting up his own studio focusing on commercial people images in Cologne in 1994.

Peter began his path towards the automotive industry in 1998 and has since worked internationally for a number of major car companies. As a member of the AWI, his work has been awarded several times over the last three years; recently, he was voted one of the '200 Best Photographers Worldwide' by Lürzers Archive.

Clients include Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Infinity, Nissan, Bentley, Subaru, Skoda, Seat, Volvo, Toyota, Sony, Aral, BP, Metzler, Canon, Adac, Dockers, Vasto, Citroën, Siemens, Linda, Mondo, EMI, Bayer, Polo and Payot.

Stefan Hobmaier is a freelance photographer based in Munich. He focuses on portrait, corporate and industrial photography.

Shooting CEOs, employees or professional athletes, he knows how to handle different people and situations and create authentic, honest and congenial images in their workplaces, on location, or in a studio set-up.

His national and internatonal clients include Intel, BMW, Google, ProSiebenSat1, H&M, Porsche, SZ Scala, Burda, C3, Hoffmann&Campe, Territory, Condé Nast, Impulse, Bloomberg Business Week, FourFourTwo, Haymarket and various B2B and B2C magazines.

Bausenwein Strohmaier is a production house for digital experiences and stories, a versatile creative partner that delivers ideas and concepts, works as a troubleshooter, and provides independent set-ups as a flexible workforce.

The company's DNA is passion through communication. They tell stories and create digital adventures, aware of the constant change across all platforms and channels, yet sure that the emphasis on content and stories will not change.

Based in Frankfurt, Bausenwein Strohmaier conducts projects with international partners. Enthusiastic and professional, the team is the ideal first contact and experienced consultant for digital campaigns, film, content formats and animation.

Beside classic print and digital branding, the new brand film for AXOR accompanies the rebranding of the luxury segment of Hansgrohe. The new film embraces a new attitude - 'A collection is more than the addition of its parts'. It combines great design craft, pioneering functionality, and a unique attitude. On top of this, Bausenwein Strohmaier has also produced 12 product films for clients in eight countries.

Sonoton Music offers more than 140,000 music tracks in a huge range of genres, styles, moods, rhythms and lengths. Its intuitive music search program SONOfind helps find the perfect track within seconds for trailers, TV, film or corporate productions.

Sonoton Music has been placed in Oscar-winning movies like this year’s Best Picture winner 'The Shape of Water'. Sonoton tracks have also been used in major advertising campaigns for companies such as McDonald's, Adidas, Coca-Cola, Google and many more.

"You'd love to move in, even for just one day!"

The venue offers 330m² distributed amongst seven rooms, including a spacious loft kitchen ideal for both photo and commercial shoots.

Each room consists of different wall colours and floors. The abundance of natural light, original stucco and high ceilings give additional depth and volume to the room.

The studio also offers a broad selection of modern furniture (a furniture catalogue is attached on the website).

Contact Gebrüder Fritz directly for further information.

A roomy ground floor studio providing a large infinity cove (width 12m, height 4.90m, depth 10m), Highnoon White offers enough space for more than one set at a time. In total the facility measures 407m² (the studio area itself measures 326m² with no columns to get in the way), and is accessible via a rolling shutter gate. The studio provides nine parking spaces for cars as well as delivery vans.

In-house equipment rental service Knackscharf guarantees a wide range of equipment, with instant availability. Clients working in the studio receive a 10% discount on all rental equipment provided by Knackscharf.

Studio facilities include one 63A and two 32A high-voltage current connections, WiFi, dividing walls, polyboards and a good deal more. Two generous hair and make-up workplaces and a styling room with large mirrors, steamer, iron and ironing board as well as racks for shoes complete the offer.

"For us 'fair play' is not an empty phrase, therefore we won't surprise you with hidden costs. The studio fees include cleaning, electricity (excluding HMI and other continuous light) and heating. Prices are available on request. Just give us a call and tell us your needs."

LuftHaus Studio is a new photo and film location in Cologne, Germany. This unique loft space is located on the 5th and 6th floors of a renovated bell tower with views over the village of Rondorf. Complete with a small elevator, features include easy neighbourhood parking, lighting equipment rental, photo assistance, make up station and fresh coffee.

LuftHaus is located 15 minutes south of Cologne city center, 20 minutes from the Köln/Bonn airport, and enjoys easy access to the A4 and A555.

Founded in 1996, Castin is a Frankfurt-based casting agency that has grown into an all-inclusive casting service with an index of some 2,500 models. Thanks to many years of experience, advertising, film and photography clients consistently rely on a type-specific cast of characters.

In August 2017, Castin moved to a new office in Oberrad, Frankfurt. The new workspace includes a great studio for all castings and many new experiences. The studio is also available for rent and offers many options for shoots, recordings and workshops.

Furthermore, Castin's new website is now online with a new CI and new design. The administrative system and the model-search is currently in progress, but will also be online as soon as possible.

The company offers make-up artists and stylists and can provide additional casting direction, including live, video and street casting as well as organisation and coordination.

Clients include Hyundai, Porsche, Carglas, Siemens, Deutsche Bahn, Ferrero, Lufthansa, Ikea, Kia Motors, essence cosmetics, Thomas Cook (Condor), Jaguar, Sony, Commerzbank, Bosch, Lidl, Samsung, L´Oréal, Deutsche Telekom, Renault, Warsteiner, Mercedes Benz, Dr. Theiss Naturwaren and MedipharmaCosmetics.

Theresia Pistel is a freelance make-up artist and hairstylist with over 15 years of experience. Her work focuses on beauty, commercial, fashion and advertising and she works for well-known companies and magazines throughout Germany as well as internationally. Theresia also runs The MUP, her own make-up agency.

Known for her perfection in creating flawless make-up and perfect hair, her calm personality and great understanding for clients' needs ensure that everybody is happy at the end of a day.

Nici Theuerkauf is an interior and people stylist based in Berlin, Hamburg and Düsseldorf.

She recently worked for Electrolux creating the stand concept for Eurocucina in Milan, for Villeroy & Boch with photographer Stefan Thurmann, and for Porsche Design doing set and interior styling in collaboration with photographers Jochen Arndt and Benjamin Kaufmann.

Featured in this Showcase is her latest work for Parador in cooperation with Thomas Popinger, as well as her latest project for USM Haller with Anne Deppe.

Visit Nici's recently updated website to view her folio, or get in touch directly on +49 179 2091856.

Award-winning illustrator Sergio Ingravalle creates portraits and dynamic illustrations by working with watercolors, pencils, ink and digital drawings. He works for clients all over the world like Coca-Cola, Marvel, ESPN Magazine, Peugeot, National Geographic and recently has been selected for the upcoming special '200 Best Illustrators Worldwide 2018/19' by Luerzer's Archive.

He has been recognised by organisations and publications including Communication Arts Award of Excellence 2018, '200 Best Illustrators Worldwide 2016/17' by Luerzer's Archive, 3x3 Professional Show Notification Winner, Society of Illustrators Award 2018, 3x3 Directory 2018, 3x3 Directory 2017 and Freistil Book 2017.

ADRET - Advertising Retouching is a high-end digital retouching studio focused on still life, luxury, jewellery, beauty and fashion. The company is based in Hamburg.

In this Showcase, ADRET shows the results of successful and inspiring work with outstanding fashion photographer Thomas Kettner.

The experienced team takes the raw materials and give them a perfect form, setting the mood and correcting lighting and colours along the way. ADRET creates outstanding visual effects and generates images of the highest quality.

ADRET's goal is to support clients with their projects. Visit the website for more information.

Nitty Gritty is a Berlin-based studio for contemporary photography, retouching, colour grading and creative consultancy.

The studio recently worked on campaigns, editorials and look books for Céline, Double Magazine, Nike, Google, Asics, Martin Grant, SSAW, Wall Street Journal, Dries van Noten, Purple Magazine and many many more.

Digirox offers high-end digital photographic support and post-production. Up-to-date equipment and experienced digital technicians provide an expert service and streamlined workflow. Backed by many years of experience, the post-production department sets the highest standards for retouching.

Recent productions include:

• Armin Morbach for Schwarzkopf and Catrice.
• Blasius Erlinger for Peruvian Connection.
• Karsten Koch for Vitamalz.
• Seregel for Marc Cain and Deichmann.

Operating for over 10 years from locations in Hamburg and Munich, Knackscharf Rent is a reliable partner for national and international photo and advertising productions of all sizes.

The team always delivers the right solution, even when faced with complex tasks. In-house equipment covers all indoor and outdoor production needs and includes DSLR and medium format systems, lighting technology, grip and consumables, digital equipment and even production vehicles from all major manufacturers.

Knackscharf satisfies all customer needs in terms of logistics by organising equipment transport both within Germany and abroad. Additionally, the innovative K24 dropboxes are available to clients, allowing for easy pick up and/or return of equipment 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In addition to equipment rental, Knackscharf operates five rental studios in Hamburg and Munich under the name Highnoon Studios. With simultaneous booking of studio and equipment, customers benefit from an additional 10% discount on equipment.

Through its extensive network Knackscharf also supports clients in their search for photo assistants, digital operators, location scouts, stylists and other production team members. As the motto goes: "We love service!" Visit the website for more information.

Emphasising the company's close cooperation with all the hidden stars behind the camera and on set, with a wink of an eye FGV Schmidle claims "We are 'Making of!'"

FGV is deeply rooted in the international film industry, and with vast experience and an impressive inventory has been providing leading production services for decades. Consistent cooperation and communication is a vital part of the company’s knowledge base. As a result, clients are able to do their jobs better, be it with the latest high-tech equipment, through the team's technically demanding solutions, or even its own developments.

Established in 1972, and with home bases in Munich and Berlin, FGV Rental provides services including camera systems (digital, film, and photo), lighting (daylight, tungsten, LED, tube, photo), grip (from cranes to dollies, tripods, stands and more), and vehicles, all with a 24/7 rental pick-up and return policy.

A 700 m² / 7,500 sq.ft. studio located on the Munich premises benefits from great transportation connections. Features include a ceiling height of 12m/40ft, motorised green- and blue-screens, three motorised rigs for loads of up to two tons each, a 7x14m (24x46ft) ceiling reflector, a Cyclorama covering two walls (24x29x11m / 79x95x36ft), production offices, an industry standard kitchen and parking lot.

TeamVan is the leading rental agency for Mercedes-Benz Sprinters in Munich, featuring nine seaters, three seater Transporters, Vito (up to eight seats), with all vehicles ideally suited for the needs of media productions and filled with smart equipment.

In co-operation with Knackscharf München, Munich's leading equipment rental company, clients can pick up their pre- packed vehicles.

Teamvan offers a smooth procedure for every production. Vehicles can be delivered to a location and picked up directly from clients.

Email or get in touch with Teamvan for more information on +49 89 54804640.

Production Paradise has launched the Production Paradise Spotlight Awards for Photographic Excellence 2018  – a competition with a unique focus on advertising photography talent.

No other awards have created a judges’ panel that is solely filled with potential clients for commercial photographers. From agency CDs and art buyers to client creatives and marketing professionals to editors at some of the most well-known magazines in the world – this competition might just be the best and most global online portfolio review a photographer could ever have.

Photographers may submit imagery in 13 professional categories and two special categories: Shot on Mobile and Student.

Each category will have a single winner and all 50+ judges will choose a Grand Prize winner from the professional categories. There are over $60,000 worth of prizes, throughout 15 categories, with a chance for one photographer to win over $19,000 in prizes, including $5000 cash.

More information about our awards is available on the Spotlight Awards for Photographic Excellence website.

Take the opportunity to show your work to our impressive panel of judges and win the great prizes – enter today!

The deadline to submit your work is 17th July.