I was born in 1985 in Germany to Czech-German parents. When I was 11, I became fascinated by classic photography — especially the chemical process behind silver gelatin prints. That early curiosity quickly turned into a passion.

The origins of my work and process lie in color theory and the technical aspects of film photography. Over the last 20 years, my focus has shifted from fast work and multilevel output toward creating durable and lasting artwork.

As I got more serious, digital photography was becoming mainstream. I worked with a digital camera for a while, but something essential was missing — the craftsmanship, the slowness, the uniqueness that analog photography offers. I realized I needed to return to my roots and focus on rich portraiture, on film.

Today, I shoot all my portrait work on film in my Berlin studio. The portraits I create are used for actor headshots, unique lifecycle prints, sedcards, editorial series, and more.

My entire process is analog and handmade. From preparation to development to the final print, every step is done by me — no outsourcing, no shortcuts. I do offer digital copies when requested, but my heart is in the print.

In addition to my photographic work, I also design tools to improve the analog process itself. In 2018, I developed Paper Exposer, a mobile darkroom app that replaces the traditional enlarger. Acting as light source, timer, and contrast filter in one, it makes high-quality silver gelatin printing accessible to a wider range of photographers — especially those working with large-format negatives. This project reflects my broader interest in analog innovation and product design.

Alongside my studio work, I also sell limited edition travel photography prints. These film-based images offer a personal window into the places I’ve explored and the moments that moved me.

Enjoy. Jakub.