David Köster is a Germany based landscape photographer. In his images he stages wild, epic nature sceneries. By means of dramatic perspectives, an atmospheric imagery and the systematic use of natural light Köster creates works which often appear to be paintings rather the photographs. For his artistic pictures David has been awarded with several international awards. His works are used by customers who value modern, lively and expressive images including agencies, publishers and tourism institutions. David’s images are presented regularly in exhibitions and published in print and online media worldwide. Since 2015 David is being listed in the renowned compendium “Who’s Who in Contemporary Arts – Fine Art Photographers”.
How did you get into photography?
I came to photography because of my enthusiasm for nature, especially landscapes. As early as my childhood I devoured magazines like National Geographic and nature documentaries. Since then I have been fascinated by the creative power of the elements. One day the desire grew up to express my personal views and feelings being in nature, to tell it in visual tales. Finally I found photography to be the best medium for that.
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
The biggest impact for my photographic work is nature itself. Being outdoors I always feel inspired by the endless interplay of light and colors, shapes and structures. A certain inspiration for me is also the work of Romantic painters like Casper David Friedrich and William Turner with their dreamy, partly sinister interpretation of landscapes. I wouldn´t say that any special photographer has influenced me. Nevertheless I have always admired and followed the work of many other photographers, from “classic masters” like Ansel Adams, Jim Brandenburg, Steve McCurry or Art Wolfe to contemporary photographers like Guy Tal or Marc Adamus.
Which places have been your favourite shooting sites so far and why?
A rather difficult question because there are so many beautiful spots on earth. One of my all-time favorites is definitely Iceland. I don´t know any comparable place in the world where you can find so many spectacular nature monuments in such a relatively small place and where you can feel the forces of nature so close.
Another great shooting site is Kazakhstan, which I travelled last year for the first time. I was thrilled by the vast diversity of breathtaking landscapes ranging from lonely deserts and archaic canyons to the seven thousanders of Tien Shan Mountains. This huge country in Central Asia is like an inexhaustible playground for landscape photographers. The more surprising is that this destination is widely unknown as a travel spot.
What do you do besides photography?
I do photography as a part time job and I am also working in my original profession as a economist, today being employed in the corporate communication field. Most of my remaining time I dedicate photography, but for me also music is essential and sometimes even affects my photographic work. So I really enjoy visiting concerts and festivals.
What is your favourite photography book?
Having a look at my veritable collection of photography books, it´s hard to decide. At the time I love to browse through “Before they pass away” by Jimmy Nelson and “Genesis” by Sebastiao Salgado.
What are your future plans with photography?
I´m always looking for new smashing photo locations which are off beaten tracks. At the moment Iprepare a photo project in the Pamir Mountains for which I will soon travel to Tajikistan and Kyrgystan. In autumn I will start leading workshops in cooperation with a British tour operator. I am also planning new exhibitions and am working on several publications. In the long run I pursue my vision of devoting myself solely to photography one day.
Website: www.davidkoester.de
FB Profile: facebook.com/davidkoester.de
