Tim Kestel on Capturing Berlin’s Streetstyle Beyond the Obvious

The fashion week season is in full swing, moving from Berlin, New York, London, and Milan to the grand finale in Paris. What has turned these weeks into global spectacles, captivating audiences far beyond the fashion crowd, is above all street style photography. This genre has created its own stars – models and editors who became famous not just for their work but for their style, and photographers inspiring millions by showing fashion as it is actually worn.

Street style became its own ritual: hundreds of photographers waiting outside venues, competing for the best shots, which would then be shared across blogs and websites. With the rise of social media, the phenomenon has leveled somewhat, as everyone can now become their own publisher. Yet street style photography remains a true art form, demanding empathy, spontaneity, and a distinct point of view.

During Berlin Fashion Week in January 2026, Fashion Council Germany celebrated this art form with a Streetstyle Competition, seeking out a new talent capturing the spirit, energy, and creativity of the city. On the jury, alongside Inga Klaassen, Neslihan Degerli, Nina Suess, and Per Appelgren, was also Fräulein Editor-in-Chief Ann-Kathrin Riedl. They all agreed: Tim Kestel took the win. Fräulein spoke with him about his approach, his favorite BFW moments and what makes Berlin such a unique backdrop for fashion photography.

Ann-Kathrin Riedl: Tell us about your background and how you got into photography. Was there an initial moment?

Tim Kestel: If I think about it, I’ve actually always loved taking photos. It started with my first phone camera, then digital cameras, and eventually professional gear. When my parents gifted me my first DSLR, that definitely felt like a turning point – I could suddenly experiment on a whole different level. I was shooting and filming everything: skate videos, weddings, cute Instagram pictures. But I didn’t immediately think of photography as a career, which is why I never pursued formal training or studied it.

At the same time, I became more and more interested in the fashion industry. After spending some time living in London post-school, I moved back to Germany and studied fashion management. Through a few detours, I ended up working at a publishing house in Munich, where I spent around four years as a Social Media Manager. Right now, I’m in the process of relocating to Berlin to refocus more seriously on photography again.

Who or what has influenced your photographic development the most?

Juergen Teller is definitely one of my all-time favorites. His work has shaped my style and sense of aesthetics in a major way – and still does. While I used to find most of my inspiration in magazines, films, and brands, today I often look toward more “classic” street photography, architecture, and music as part of my research – and, of course, celebrity culture.

Tim Kestel

What makes street style photography special to you compared to editorials?

For me, it’s all about the dynamic nature of it. With editorials, you can plan every tiny detail endlessly. Street style, on the other hand, relies much more on intuition. The time window to get “the shot” is small – especially when you consider the number of events and locations in the schedule. And street style happens in real life, in everyday settings. That’s what makes it exciting.

What are three defining characteristics of your street style photos? And where do they overlap with your overall style?

I often get DMs saying that my street style shots have an “editorial feel” because of the color grading – some people even think they were shot on film. I take that as a huge compliment, especially in times of AI. Motion blur is also very important to me. It adds dimension and captures the atmosphere of the moment more authentically. I mean, that’s what Fashion Weeks are for, right? To see fashion in motion.

That said, I’d argue that the actual looks sometimes play a secondary role in my images. I care more about composition and context than about the street style itself – and that definitely overlaps with my other work as well.

How do social media and its mechanisms influence your work? How has the “self-empowerment” of recent years – everyone being able to share their own content – changed the genre?

There’s an overwhelming amount of content and engagement out there. It’s hard not to compare yourself to other creatives. Social media has pushed the photograph itself into the background, while the numbers it generates have become more relevant. That obviously shifts the perception of what makes a “good” image.

With the rise of AI and constantly changing algorithms, there’s an added layer of uncertainty within the fashion industry. Still, I strongly support the democratization of the industry through social media.

Who is your personal street style icon?

LISA ZIRNGAST!!!

Which visual details catch your eye first – and why?

When I’m shooting street style, the first thing I notice is how someone walks. From there, I scan the background for interesting shapes and structures and try to quickly place the person into a strong composition.

What’s the biggest challenge during street style shoots?

In Berlin, definitely the weather – and the cold. Show guests naturally didn’t spend much time outside the venues. Operating a camera when you can’t feel your hands is… interesting. Losing three pairs of gloves in four days didn’t really help either. Sorry, Nico.

What makes a successful image for you?

“Successful” doesn’t necessarily mean “beautiful.” A successful image sparks interest. For me, that often happens when there are contrasts, irony, or an unconventional kind of beauty.

How would you describe Berlin street style and BFW in one sentence?

Berlin’s everyday street style feels authentic, undone, and full of contrasts – something I’d actually love to see even more of during BFW.

Where did you spot the best looks this season?

In my opinion, SF1OG and Dagger delivered the strongest street style moments this season.

Out of all your photos, which is your favorite shot – and why?

With so many images, picking a favorite isn’t easy – and self-praise is always tricky. But my favorite portrait of the season is one I took of Annabella Bierendt (@bella.bdt) after she walked the Kasia Kucharska show. The blur in her hair, the makeup, her gaze – she’s a stunner.

My favorite full-body shot is of Ceval Omar (@Ceval) right in front of the Kraftwerk entrance during the Reference Studios intervention. You can literally feel her attitude through the screen. I love her.

One moment or encounter from this season that stayed with you?

Fashion Weeks are always special because you run into friends and familiar faces – that’s part of what makes it what it is. On the first day of BFW, just before the Ioannes show, I randomly ran into Super Bebe Dustin Hanke (@DustinHanke) at a café in Mitte. We first met during a press trip in fall 2023, and I’ve been obsessed with his personality and work ever since. I once described him as “open-minded, free-spirited and authentically creative” in a caption – and I’d still stand by that. Always a pleasure.

What’s exciting and/or challenging about Berlin as a backdrop?

Berlin isn’t beautiful in the classical sense. People think of construction sites, trains, and concrete – and many don’t find that appealing. But I love ugly. I try to integrate those elements into my street style shots and other work, sometimes even making them the focal point. In Berlin especially, you also have the diverse social backgrounds of the people you photograph. That makes it even more interesting.

Tell us about your work for the independent magazine Vakuum. What does it represent for you?

My connection to Vakuum Magazine is still pretty new. Toward the end of last year, I attended the launch party for their fourth print issue at Studio1111 in Berlin. It’s becoming rare to meet people in this bubble who are involved in projects for the right reasons. That night, I met the right people. I was genuinely impressed by what a relatively new publication without corporate backing was able to create. Since January 2026, I’ve been supporting the team as Social Media Editor.

What would you tell your younger self about courage and taking risks?

Told you. Well done. Hihi.

What promise would you make to your future self?

I promise my future self that I’ll do my best to get enough sleep. Lol.