Beats & Eastern Streets
06
Capturing Ostbam’s
Identity and Roots
Personal Project
Portrait Photography
Artist
Ostbam
Year
2024
Mission
The goal was to craft striking artist portraits that not only promote Ostbam’s gigs but also establish a bold, iconic visual identity—helping her stand out in Leipzig’s music scene and beyond.
Outcome
12 predominantly black-and-white artist
portraits—timeless yet striking, capturing Ostbam’s unique presence.
Polish roots &
powerful sets
Ostbam is a Leipzig-based DJ with Polish roots, known for her powerful sets in the realms of techno and gabber. A recognized name in the city’s club scene and beyond, she continuously pushes the boundaries of sound and energy in her performances. As a visual artist and photographer with a deep connection to electronic music, I saw an opportunity to collaborate with Ostbam to create artist portraits that would provide her with striking imagery that would strengthen her presence in the industry.
The goal was to capture more than just promotional photos—we wanted to create iconic images that connected her music, her heritage, and her presence in Leipzig’s vibrant underground scene. To achieve this, I approached the project with a strong creative direction and a clear vision for how we could bring these elements together.
Playing with the “Ost” in Ostbam’s name
Having grown up in Eastern Germany, I was drawn to the idea of blending Ostbam’s Eastern European roots with the stark, raw aesthetics of Leipzig’s Soviet-era "Plattenbauten" (prefabricated concrete buildings). The concept of placing her in this setting felt natural, playing with the "Ost-" in her name and visually reinforcing her identity.
To ensure the images would have the right look and feel, I carefully scouted the location in advance.
I spent time walking through the chosen area, taking test shots on my phone, and envisioning how Ostbam’s presence would interact with the architectural backdrop. This pre-shoot preparation helped refine my approach, allowing me to think critically about composition, angles, and the overall mood of the portraits.
I also put together a detailed mood board, pulling inspiration from various sources to further develop the visual direction.
For the love of analogue.
A defining element of this shoot was the mix of digital and analog photography. Knowing that I wanted a strong black-and-white look, I opted to shoot on Kodak Tri-X 400 film, pushed by two stops to enhance contrast and grain.
Developing film is a meticulous process requiring precise timing, temperature control, and chemical handling.
Over two nights, I developed and scanned the film myself—an experience that deepened my connection to the images and the project as a whole.
The final images carried a stark and high-contrast mood, emphasizing the intensity of Ostbam’s persona while maintaining a sense of timelessness.
The juxtaposition of Ostbam against the rigid, industrial aesthetic of the "Plattenbauten" further reinforced her artistic identity, creating a compelling fusion of personal heritage and contemporary electronic music culture.
