Inside Kathrin’s ‘der Darkroom’: Photographing the Gray Areas of Human Existence and Fantasy Worlds

Kathrin Kolbow is a German artist with a passion for photography. She goes by ‘der Darkroom’ when creating her mesmerizing images. After studying photography in Cologne, Kathrin earned her diploma and jumped into the world of art photography. Kathrin shares her journey in this interview and what inspires her to click such unique photos. From exploring human feelings to diving into imaginary worlds, Kathrin’s art is about sharing her personal journey and what goes on in her mind. Let us get into Kathrin’s fascinating story and discover the beauty and depth of her art.

Kathrin Kolbow, also known by the pseudonym ‘der Darkroom,’ is a German-based artist born in 1987. After studying photography at Fotoakademie-Koeln, she received her diploma and has since been actively engaged in the world of art photography. Kathrin has published three photo books, and her work has been featured in various magazines, books, and exhibitions. One often encounters the gray areas of human existence and strange fantasy worlds in her artistic creations. The focus of her photography lies in subtly conveying information and emotions. Her work is deeply autobiographical and frequently reflects the complexities of the human mind, influenced by her interest in psychology.

1. Kathrin, what inspires you to take pictures of deep, mysterious moments, and how do you think people connect with the feelings you capture in your photos?

Life inspires me. My photos reflect how I perceive and engage with the world and how this interaction shapes and transforms me. From an early age, I was a keen observer, drawn to the fantastical and the dark.

Before I could write, I told little horror stories to entertain my friends. Picture it: huddled under blankets at night, flashlight beams illuminating tense faces as I spun my tales. Later, I committed these stories to paper. Eventually, fiction gave way to reality, and images replaced words—primarily photographs. Instead of conjuring stories entirely from my imagination, I began to closely examine life, its people, and its intricate interactions.

I’m not one for the spotlight; my place has always been in the background. Yet this vantage point offers advantages. Because the less the voice has to do, the more the eyes can work. People unwittingly reveal so much—their subtle nuances, the layers beneath their exteriors. Each person carries a unique story.

My nature rebels against conformity; I’ve always had an independent mind. I exist on the edge of everything. And that’s exactly where you realize what’s actually wrong. All the dysfunction and entropy are written into every cell of life. The chaos. I love all of it. For me, there is no corner more exciting than the human abyss. And all of this finds expression in my photographic work.

Embracing imperfection and celebrating uniqueness resonates with those who appreciate my work. Through my photographs, I create safe spaces where otherwise silenced topics come to light. These are often challenging subjects that deserve attention and discussion. I hope to alleviate some of their weight by capturing them in images and words, allowing the viewer’s soul to breathe a little easier.

2. Can you share a special moment in your career that meant a lot to you, with all the awards and features you’ve had?

The most important moment in my career thus far was most likely when I first held my diploma in my hands. The course of study itself was eye-opening. For the first time, I felt truly seen and accepted for who I was and am. This gave me the confidence to develop both photographically and personally. Obtaining my diploma represented a step toward a certain level of independence and the confidence that, no matter what obstacles life throws, everything is possible if I don’t give up on myself and my goals.

Embracing imperfection and celebrating uniqueness resonates with those who appreciate my work.

Kathrin Kolbow

3. Your quote, “I am what you discover within yourself,” is powerful. How do you think your photos connect with people, and what do you hope they take away from seeing your art?

I hope my works allow viewers to express their unspoken thoughts. To emotions that would otherwise be just below the threshold of perception but never receive the attention they deserve in everyday life. I hope that my works, in which I mostly appear as the protagonist but always as the narrator, convey a sense of normalcy in the abnormal. It is okay not to be okay, and it is not only acceptable to face your flaws, but it can also be a form of liberation to exist a little more individually in this mass of people. Everyone has a dark side and chaos in their hearts and souls. In the best-case scenario, my photographs connect with this turmoil and render it tangible, touchable, and, most importantly, acceptable.

4. With all the places you’ve been published, from fancy art magazines to specialist books, how do you decide where to share your work? And does being in different places change how you see your photography?

The medium through which I present my art must be appropriate for both me and my art. That means I start by looking for an overarching topic to which I can contribute. If this is the case, I like to see how the magazine or website has previously presented the artists and their work. If I like that, I’ll try to learn more about the publisher or initiators. A quick search on social media or the internet can provide useful information. Nowadays, you must be cautious about who you share your art with, especially when tenders have an entry fee. There are definitely black sheep who only fund themselves through the artists who participate in the respective tenders, but in the end, they don’t do anything good for the artists shown. If that is not the case, I am willing to pay an entry fee to cover all of the work that the editors or organizers of a call for applications must do. If I have a positive feeling about the situation after conducting research, I submit my work and hope for the best.

Seeing my photographs in various books or magazines is always a strange sensation. The fact that they are printed there distinguishes them from the work phase preceding their conception. They are finished works of art, ready to be seen and exist worldwide. I doubt I’ll ever get used to this feeling.

Life inspires me. My photos reflect how I perceive and engage with the world and how this interaction shapes and transforms me.

Kathrin Kolbow

5. What advice would you give to other photographers just starting? What’s been the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?

In my career so far, I’ve gleaned two essential lessons. First, create art for art’s sake. When you chase money or fame, you risk losing sight of your true self and original intention. An initial spark always draws you to your art—a driving force that gives everything you create its unique style and signature. Hold onto that essence. It makes setbacks feel like mere steps along the journey, not life-altering losses. In this manner, you acquire the capacity to pause, take a deep breath, and recover from setbacks rather than give up entirely. Secondly, don’t hide your art even though it can feel vulnerable to expose your entire being, especially if your work is autobiographical. Art demands visibility. The courage to share pays off—whether through connecting with like-minded individuals or receiving valuable feedback. This openness fosters personal and artistic growth.

Kathrin Kolbow’s photography shows how powerful images can be in expressing the unspoken and exploring our inner lives. She celebrates imperfections and individuality and helps viewers connect with their deepest feelings and find comfort in shared human experiences. As she continues to explore the play of light and shadow, her work offers a guiding light to those who seek to understand themselves and others. To learn more about Kathrin, click the following links to visit her profile.