Rick Okon wears
full look. Karl Lagerfeld
What happens when you have a dozen of actors all together at a film festival? Photographer Sarah Storch puts them in a blue box. “In my career as a fashion and portrait photographer, I have worked extensively with professional models for many years.” she explains. “Eventually, my interest grew to also photograph personalities from the music and film industry, and my then agent suggested that I start working more frequently with actors & actresses. I expanded this segment of my photography, and over the years, many good contacts were established.”
The shoot, which happened at the recent Berlin International Film Festival — or better known as the Berlinale — is a major international film festival held annually in Berlin, Germany. “During the Berlinale 2024, my friend and actress Peri Baumeister asked me if we wanted to collaborate again, and thus the idea arose to take photos of several actors before they walked the red carpet,” Storch says. “Peri decided to ask some of her actor colleagues, and I asked my agency colleague and superb photographer Maximilian König if we wanted to implement this idea together in his studio near the red carpet. Two sets, two photographers, one meeting point for everyone, and the idea was born. We called it Open Studio Days, and anyone who had the time and desire was warmly invited. Each photographer devised a set and lighting setup, and I was inspired by a different fashion shoot for this blue box.”
As part of the organisation process, Storch planned everything and established a specific time structure, meeting with actors and actresses in a short amount of time — anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes with each. Although it was tricky, the short time made them work more intensively and focused. “I tried to be absolutely present for each of the actors.”
“I hope that this project will lead to many more great collaborations and we can continue this project next year,” she muses. “I was able to continue growing as a photographer and see myself continuing in this segment in the future. I also believe that the industry is increasingly interested in working with actresses and personalities on fashion editorials because there is a lot of depth in the images.”
Luise von Finkh wears
full look. Sportmax
opposite
Aaron Hilmer wears
full look. Chanel
Peri Baumeister wears
dress. 032c
shoes. Jimmy Choo
jewellery. Messika
opposite
Sonja Gerhardt wears
full look. Ivy Oak
earrings. Rian
Jeanne Goursaud wears
full look. Miu Miu
earrings. Messika Schmuck
opposite
Sebastian Urzendowsky wears
full look. Talent’s Own
David Schütter wears
full look. Tiger of Sweden
bag. Montblanc
opposite
Aaron Hilmer wears
full look. Herr von Eden
Peri Baumeister wears
full look. Dior
Sonja Gerhardt wears
full look. Riani
opposite
Rick Okon wears
full look. Karl Lagerfeld
Vladimir Burlakov wears
full look. GANT
opposite
Taneshia Abt wears
full look. Lala Berlin
left to right
Taneshia Abt wears
full look. & Other Stories
Jeanne Goursaud wears
full look. Miu Miu
opposite
Jeanne Goursaud wears
full look. Oudewaag
jewellery. Glue Ven
Peri Baumeister wears
feather top. Lovestories
trousers. Malaikarais
jewellery. Cartier
opposite
Luise von Finkh wears
full look. Prada Vintage + Comme des Garçons Vintage
Taneshia Abt wears
full look. Lala Berlin
opposite
Daniel Donskoy wears
full look. ETRO
Jannik Schümann wears
full look. Haderlump
opposite
Peri Baumeister wears
dress. 032c
shoes. Jimmy Choo
jewellery. Messika
photography. Sarah Storch @ Double T Photographers
hair + make up. Theo Schnürer @ Kult Artists working with Chanel Beauty + Barbara Sturm, Vivien Berenice Mangin + Maria Madzharova @ Luise von Finkh
studio + concept. Sarah Storch + Maximilian König @ Double T Photographers
retouch. Lina Scheffran
assistant. Filianna Karamanli
