Storytelling, Babymoons, and Cheesecake with Sven Kleuter

Sven Kleuter is a German photographer dedicated to the craft of creating visual memories with his clients, as well as with his own (expanding) family. We talked with him about how he first fell for the art of storytelling through pictures, his favorite coffee routines at home and on the go, the twins he and his partner are expecting this fall, and his undying love for cheesecake (he is the son of a baker, afterall). Read on and imagine yourself biking through the German countryside, wind at your back, flat white in hand, camera at the ready...smile on your face. 

Where are you located, and what do you love most about the place you call home? 

I live in Bochum, right in the middle of the so-called "Ruhr-Area" in Germany.

When did you first fall in love with photography?

I think on vacation with my parents, while traveling to Majorca, Balearic Islands. They gave me a little 35mm pocket camera and off I went.

When did you decide to make photography your profession, and how did you grow your business? 

After the birth of our first daughter, I quit my full time job and became a self employed photographer, to have better time management and more quality time with my family.

What are some of your favorite types of photographs to make?

Oh, we love traveling, and that's the favorite part as a dad and photographer. I really love homecoming and baby belly shoots. Such lovely memories and happy parents.

Can you tell us more about your family and what you like to do together?

We have a three-year-old daughter, called Hedi, and we love traveling and exploring new places together. My girlfriend runs her own little, sustainable and natural cosmetic business. I love listening to music, when everybody at home is asleep via my headphones. It calms me down a lot. 

(Find some of the music Sven loves listening to here.)

You share that, aside from photography, you’re also passionate about coffee! Do you remember when you first tasted coffee? How do you like to enjoy coffee at home?

I really had far too many bad coffees. I think five years ago a friend introduced to me my first delicious flat white. On the go, nothing can beat a crisp flat white, at home or outside while exploring the countryside by bicycle. I love a good, handbrewed filter or a batch brew at home. My summer favorite is an ice cold espresso tonic. 

Do you have any favorite local roasters or cafes you frequent? 

Yes, I have: "Neues Schwarz" located in Dortmund, a 20 minute ride by car. It´s worth it.

Are there any specific photography projects you’re excited for in 2021? 

We will travel to Majorca by the end of next week, to have our babymoon -- maybe the last vacation as a three-piece family, before becoming a "party of five".

Maybe Hedi and I will do a little van trip, as a "father-daughter" trip, to enjoy the German countryside. 

We heard that you’re a cheesecake aficionado! Do you have a favorite cheesecake recipe, or spot to find the best cheesecake in town? 

YES! I looooooooooooove cheesecakes. I have a favorite recipe, but it's a family secret. DM me...

Instagram: saltysoulsandurbanadventures

Website: svenkleuter.com