About Ostkreuzschule für Fotografie
The Ostkreuzschule is one of the most important schools for documentary photography, artistic photography and photojournalism in Germany.
We define photography as a language and photographers as authors who face the world with a clear vision, exploring and portraying social, societal and political contexts. Together we constantly reflect and discuss the basics of our photographic work. In addition to this lively culture of debate, our teaching is based on a sound technical training, theoretical foundations and a strong practical focus.
Our teachers and graduates publish worldwide in the most important media, exhibit in major museums and galleries and are honored with the most prestigious awards.
The private school emerged from the renowned Ostkreuz agency. It was founded in 2004 by Werner Mahler and Thomas Sandberg, and its program was influenced by Prof. Ute Mahler, Sibylle Bergemann and Prof. Arno Fischer, among others. Since 2023, it is headed by Lia Darjes and Jörg Brüggemann.
Located in a lively backyard in Berlin-Weißensee, surrounded by artist studios, our campus provides classrooms, professional workshops, a photo studio and a beautiful auditorium. Here teachers and students can meet eye to eye in a personal and concentrated atmosphere. In addition to the three-and-a-half-year photography program and the one-and-a-half-year photography master class, we also offer the one-year photo editing program as well as a variety of seminars for those interested in photography.
Framework program
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Photography Masterclass with Prof. Linn Schröder and Ingo Taubhorn
Over the course of two years, photography graduates can create a new extensive work and sharpen their photographic and artistic approach.
Application deadline Masterclass: Feb 8 Mar 29, 2026
Period: Apr 2026 – Mar 2028
Fee: 3.900 €
Seminars with Tobias Kruse, Sven Marquardt, Anne Schönharting, Mirjana Vrbaški + Portfolio Development with Betty Fink
Photography enthusiasts, students or professionals can work on a free project with their class over the course of a year or develop and sharpen their own portfolio over eight months.
Application deadline Seminars & Portfolio Development: Jan 11, 2026
Editor’s note: The application deadline for Anne Schönharting’s seminar has been extended until Feb 1, 2026.
Period: March 2026 – October 2026 respectively Februar 2027
Seminar fee: 980 € / 1300 €
For more infos please visit the website of Ostkreuzschule für Fotografie!
