Kolja Eckert
PHOTOGRAPHER & DIRECTOR
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PHOTOGRAPHER & DIRECTOR
On the following pages,I’m sharing a selection of work that reflects how I see and feel moments through photography. My focus is on creating imagery that feels cinematic but still honest.
My name is Kolja Eckert. I’m a photographer focused on cinematic, story-driven imagery. My work centers around people, lifestyle, and transportation, where I use light, color, and composition to create emotionally engaging visuals inspired by film and music.
MOVE IT
I’ve never really considered myself a studio guy, but I’m super excited and happy to finally share what we created in Cape Town this year.We started with one sports theme in mind and ended up building three: The Cyclist, The Runner, and The Swimmer.All shot in the heart of Cape Town at Bigtime Studios. The aim was to create a modern, clean aesthetic with a strong focus on lighting and movement.
Kneipp
Had the pleasure of photographing a five-day campaign for Kneipp in South Africa, produced by the amazing Blacksheep Production.Five different locations, five days of shooting, and an incredible team throughout.
Mercedes S-Class
Earlier this year, I photographed the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class together with BWGTBLD in Cape Town. We placed the car in clean, minimal urban environments, using modern architecture and graphic lines to complement its refined design. The result is a mix of dynamic driving moments and quiet details—modern, cinematic, and never overly staged.
Skoda Fabia
I craft visually compelling stories. Whether it's a creative campaign, a Lifestyle editorial, or a brand identity, each project has its own unique myth that I either create or adhere to.
N26
Earlier this year, I had the chance to shoot the new major campaign for N26 in Cape Town. Together with the amazing team at Steel Production, we created 55 images across seven locations and 20 different lighting setups, all within five intense but incredibly rewarding shoot days. A fast-paced production full of variety, energy, and great collaboration.
FourZed
FourZed is a brand built around better sleep. I had the chance to photograph and direct their new campaign as part of a complete rebrand of the visual identity. After two months of planning, developing ideas, and bringing everything together, the campaign is finally out. What a ride and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
Kylian Mbappe for Loewe
Set in a stunning modern and minimalistic house just outside Madrid, Kylian Mbappé takes center stage in Loewe’s Home of Excellence campaign. The sleek architectural space, bathed in natural light, perfectly complements the brand’s latest collection—where innovation meets timeless elegance.
WICKED MOTOCROSS
In Dezember 2025, After I shot a big campaign in Cape Town I extended my trip and realized a personal shooting project - a city defined by contrasts, where untamed landscapes collide with raw urban structures. Towering mountains, open horizons, concrete surfaces, and industrial textures coexist within minutes of each other, creating a unique visual tension. Within this setting, A Motocross Bike became the natural focal point of the series: machines that reflect power, precision, and an unapologetic attitude, perfectly positioned between nature and city.
Mini Cooper
We created a personal Mini Cooper campaign in the Cape Town countryside, shot at a secluded lake to which we had exclusive access. The story follows two close friends escaping the city, sharing unfiltered moments and the simple joy of being on the road together. Set against calm water, open landscapes, and natural light, the project celebrates friendship, freedom, and the understated pleasure of slowing down—capturing the Mini Cooper as a quiet companion to genuine experiences rather than the center of attention.
OAKLEY
Earlier this year, I set out on a personal photo journey through South Africa – a country that offers an incredible range of textures and moods. From dry desert plains to rugged stone landscapes and dense forest areas, the goal was to explore how environment and gear interact visually and emotionally.
RIMOWA
For our passion project in Berlin, we chose iconic urban locations that reflect the brand's blend of timeless elegance and modern adventure. The shoot captured the suitcase in various scenarios, highlighting its functionality and style for the contemporary traveler. Our aim was to convey a sense of seamless travel and refined aesthetics, celebrating the spirit of exploration and the distinct charm of Berlin.
SONY - APACHE 207 - FOR THE MUSIC
The campaign focuses on the feeling of connection through music and the song "Ein letztes Mal", which the artist has released on his new album. It's all about how words and sounds bring people together.
Bose
Bose unveils an engaging photo shoot (personal Project) for the QuietComfort 35 II headphones, set against the vibrant backdrop of Berlin's urban landscape. Through this campaign, Bose illustrates how the QuietComfort 35 II headphones can turn any cityscape into a personal oasis of sound.
BVB
Had the pleasure to shoot the main set for the new pumafootball x Bvb09 home kit together with pitchthis & produced by bluum.tv
Bumble Friends : What If ?
Through "Love in the City," celebrates the joy of meaningful connections, inviting users to take the first step towards finding their perfect match amidst the urban energy.
Bosch
shot this campaign for Bosch on a massive construction site in Estonia, and it was truly a special project.The best part was being fully involved in the process from A to Z. The final result is a strong combination of cinematic storytelling and product-focused photography. A huge team, excellent planning, and an all-around great production—produced by Bonaparte.TV.
Ionity
I always love working with Sandrain.film, who produced this beautiful campaign. IONITY stands for fast charging, but this project was really about freedom, movement, and connection. We followed three girls on a road trip through Italy, telling a quiet, honest story as it unfolded. Shot across four locations and mostly unstaged, it captures the feeling of close friends on the road—driving through the landscape, stopping to recharge, staying flexible, and letting the journey lead the way.
OCCHIO
Wonderful Production Days Somewhere in Sweden. For Occhio the Vision Behind The Campaign Wonderful Production Days Somewhere in Sweden.
"Illuminate Your World" is more than just a showcase of products; it is a visual journey that highlights the essence of Occhio's philosophy.
Sony WH 1000XM4
We built the shoot around the idea of isolation as a luxury. Bold neon light, sharp contrasts, and a controlled, almost cinematic space create a world that feels removed from the noise outside. The WH-1000XM4 isn’t just an accessory here — it’s a tool for focus, mood, and presence. The vibe is sleek, tactile, and slightly futuristic. Sound disappears. Style stays sharp.
Suzuki Jimmy
I recently shot the newest Jeep Jimny in Cape Town, a passion project capturing the spirit of adventure with two friends as they explored the breathtaking landscapes of the region.
Samsung Galaxy
On an unforgettable road trip through the vast landscapes of Cape Town, friends savor each precious moment. Far from the city's hustle, they embrace the beauty of nature, capturing their experiences.
Every photo radiates pure lightnessand the true essence of living, illuminated by Cape Town's enchanting light.
HOLD FAST
We shot this on the move, chasing light and momentum in Cape Town. Dust in the air, sun dropping low, everything happening in real time. A car, a bike, bodies leaning into speed — nothing staged, just instinct and trust. The vibe is raw and sunburnt, apparently reckless but fully connected. Freedom, friction, and that split second where everything lines up. Less about the destination, more about the feeling of being wide open and alive.
Aaron Zeederberg
We shot this in the quiet hours, when the city slows down and the light does the talking. A familiar street, a yellow house catching the last sun, and a friend moving through it on his board — loose, instinctive, unforced. The vibe is calm but alive, somewhere between motion and stillness. No tricks for the camera, just flow, gravity, and the feeling of being exactly where you’re supposed to be. Cape Town as a backdrop, freedom as the mood.
Marshall Headphones
The "NEVER STOP LISTENING" , spotlighting their latest release, the Major IV. This project encapsulates the spirit of unrelenting musical exploration, featuring dynamic imagery that captures individuals lost in the immersive experience of their favorite tunes.
Audi Etron
The photo campaign for the Audi e-tron masterfully captures the essence of this innovative electric vehicle through dynamic shots that play with light and shadow. Each image showcases the e-tron's sleek design and advanced technology, highlighting its bold lines and sophisticated contours.
Brandenburg
Through candid shots of laughter, contemplation, and connection with nature, Next is What? explores what it means to pause, escape, and embrace the unknown together.
Occhio - Light my Soul
This was the fourth major campaign I shot for Occhio. Titled Occhio – Light My Soul, the campaign explores different light themes and emotional atmospheres from around the world. Produced over two weeks in Tuscany and Berlin, it captures a wide range of light moods and shows how profoundly light shapes perception, emotion, and imagery.
Wempe
WEMPE is a brand we all know for fine jewelry, and I really enjoyed working on this project produced by The Shack. The shoot was mostly over-the-shoulder, which made it technically challenging but that’s exactly what I liked about it. I’m drawn to capturing spontaneous, unpolished moments, moving away from the perfectly staged jewelry imagery we’re all used to, and giving it a more real, modern feel.
Three Sixty Vodka
This was my first time shooting for an alcohol brand. As soon as I saw the moodboard, I was in—immediately excited by the project. The visual language was a mix of moody tones and a cinematic aesthetic. The focus was less on the alcohol itself and more on the environment around it. Shot entirely in a studio, the main challenge was to build a believable world that didn’t feel staged—a blend of urban atmosphere and crafted realism.
NEXT IS WHAT?
This personal photo project captures the raw and unfiltered journey of three boys growing up in Cape Town. Through a documentary-style approach, the series explores their daily lives, friendships, and dreams against the backdrop of the city’s vibrant yet complex landscape.
IMMOSCOUT
Our latest photo campaign for ImmoScout24 captures the emotional journey of desperately searching for a new home. Each image reflects the highs and lows of the process—the excitement of possibilities, the frustration of near misses, and the anxiety of waiting for the perfect match.
Gesund.de
MISSING
IONITY WINTER
Bringing the IONITY Santa to life meant a freezing night shoot high above 2,000m in the Dolomites of Cortina.
Representation & an extensive (DE)
Build with Framer by
©
2026
For your upcoming campaign, I would love to help shape a distinctive visual language that feels true to the brand, connects with the audience, and brings the creative vision to life.