JULIUS BERGER

In this interview, we delve into the world of JULIUS BERGER, who share his inspirations and unique perspectives.

Julius Berger

1. Introduce Yourself to the Casawi Community: What drives you? What's your artistic vision, and what sets you apart from the crowd?

Hi, I’m Julius, a photographer specializing in fashion and portraiture, currently based in New York City. Growing up in a multicultural household—half Korean, half German—and constantly moving throughout my life has shaped the way I see the world, giving me a distinct perspective both in life and in my art. I spent my childhood in a small Bavarian village in the Alps, where my father, a passionate hobby photographer, introduced me to the world of cameras. From an early age, photography became more than a skill; it became a way to interpret and reimagine reality.

2. City Inspirations: How has your city influenced your artistic path? Share how its streets, culture, and energy have molded your work.

New York City has been a game-changer for my photography, acting as both a muse and a studio. The city’s energy and diversity have pushed me to approach my work with focus and intent, constantly experimenting and creating meaningful imagery. Its contrasting environments—like the industrial edges of Brooklyn, the iconic skyline of Manhattan, the layered streets of Chinatown, or the sleek modern architecture—provide endless inspiration. Every corner feels like a film set, and the textures, contrasts, and rhythm of the city continuously shape my creative vision.

3. Creative Process: What fuels your creativity? Whether it's a ritual, a muse, or a moment of clarity, we're keen to learn.

My creativity comes from a mix of dreams, conversations, and the everyday moments unfolding around me—especially in New York. This city has a raw, unfiltered energy that deeply influences my work, but it’s the people I’ve met here who truly inspire me. They know who they are, and their presence, stories, and energy have become a big part of my creative process. I strive to capture scenes that feel both grounded and dream-like, blending the mundane with a sense of elegance and mood. My goal is to create work that feels familiar but invites introspection, offering a glimpse into my mind—a balance between reality and something more evocative.

4. City Lifestyle and Art: How the places you lived influenced your career and work?

Growing up across different cultures and constantly moving shaped the way I see the world and approach photography. Living in Germany, Austria, Korea, Italy, and the U.S. exposed me to a mix of aesthetics and perspectives that deeply influence my work. These experiences drive me to explore storytelling that feels authentic and layered. Through my photography I try to create images that convey a sense of connection and a journey toward understanding.

5. Latest or Upcoming Projects: Give us a glimpse into your current endeavors and what lies ahead on your creative journey.

We’ve been working on a project that’s very close to my heart called A State of Melancholy. It’s a photo and video series I started with Waleed Sokkar, where we explore the essence of melancholy—a feeling we both connect with deeply. The series blends this emotion with elements of fashion, featuring portraits of various individuals, mostly actors and models, captured on 16mm motion film and stills shot on 35mm and 120mm film. We’ve shared a small glimpse of the series so far and plan to release more when the time feels right.