The Berin-based photographer J. KONRAD SCHMIDT portrayed David Dastmalchian. The images appeared in INTERVIEW Magazine alongside an interview with the actor and Trent Reznor (NIN), as well as in Variety, Soundsphere Magazine, and other publications. The portraits recently won Silver at the Prix de la Photographie Paris 2024 and received an "Honorable Mention" at the IPA Awards 2024.
David Dastmalchian’s face is instantly recognizable – and hard to forget. The 48-year-old actor and writer first came into the spotlight in 2008 with his portrayal of the Joker's henchman in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. Even then, his distinctive look and compelling performance left a lasting impression. Since then, Dastmalchian has become a go-to actor for filmmakers who want to infuse their films with a sense of darkness or subtle unease.
With his intense gaze and unique ability to bring depth and complexity to even the smallest roles, Dastmalchian has secured a strong place for himself in Hollywood. It is particularly his portrayal of ambiguous, often sinister characters that has earned him a special niche in the film industry. The actor is much more than just the “bad guy” or supporting character: he is a master at drawing the audience in with just a few scenes. Dastmalchian has appeared in Oppenheimer, Dune, The Dark Knight, Blade Runner 2049, The Suicide Squad, and many other films.
J. KONRAD SCHMIDT, a professional photographer & visual consultant, was born in the same year George Orwell famously wrote about and Steve Jobs introduced the groundbreaking “Macintosh.” Raised in a family of architects in Germany, he was immersed from an early age in a world of design, structure, and creativity. After finishing school, he seized the opportunity to unite his greatest passions: compelling photography, refined aesthetics, and meaningful collaboration. He completed his photography studies with distinction and, since 2010, has been working as an independent photographer based in Berlin. His work takes him across the globe, capturing images for international clients as well as pursuing his own artistic projects.
Konrad’s work is recognized for its unique blend of timeless elegance, raw perfection, and an unflinching eye for the human experience. In his personal projects and published books, J. Konrad Schmidt often turns to analog black-and-white photography—a deliberate choice that allows him to tell powerful, intimate stories through imagery. Away from the lens, Konrad surrounds himself with the quiet rituals of fine tea and piano-based music.
"Film and still photography are increasingly converging, blurring the lines between motion and moment. In recent years, I’ve worked closely alongside film productions, contributing to major projects in Los Angeles, Barcelona, Cape Town, Scotland, Las Vegas, Switzerland, Johannesburg, Slowenia, Venice, Norway, Vienna, etc. During these productions, I created ATL campaigns, artwork stills, CGI-images, social media assets, classic film stills and audio interviews." J. KONRAD SCHMIDT.
GoSee : jkonradschmidt.com
