BIO

Elza Jo Tratlehner is an Amsterdam-based photographer and filmmaker working at the intersection of documentary, fashion, and visual art. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (KABK), her practice is defined by a strong visual signature combined with an intimate, human-centered approach.

Her work moves fluidly between commissioned and autonomous projects, often portraying artists, musicians, and cultural figures with a raw, close-up sensitivity. She is particularly interested in stories that foreground new female perspectives and emerging voices, capturing them at eye level rather than from a distance.

Elza Jo has collaborated with a range of international brands and cultural platforms, translating identity, subculture, and contemporary aesthetics into striking visual narratives. At the same time, her practice increasingly leans toward documentary filmmaking, where she explores broader social themes through personal stories.

She directed her first documentary, Jolene (2018), and is currently developing new film projects that examine global systems through intimate, character-driven storytelling.

Alongside her independent work, Elza is represented by 100% Agency, where she works on commercial campaigns and editorial productions.

CV / SELECTED WORK

Name
Elza Jo Tratlehner

Based in
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Representation
100% Agency

Education
Royal Academy of Art (KABK), The Hague

Latest Selected Projects & Collaborations

Patta Magazine – Kleine Crack
Editorial shoot featuring Belgian artist Kleine Crack, styled by Tirino Yspol.
Elza contributed to the visual concept and created custom costume elements,

Vjeze Fur – Album Campaign
Creative direction, artwork, and a trilogy of music videos for the latest album by Vjeze Fur.
Responsible for the overall visual identity and leading the full creative process from concept to execution.

Theater Oostpool
Lead campaign photographer for the past two years, working closely with artistic director Daria Bukvić to shape a cohesive and overarching visual language across productions.

Film

Jolene (2018)
Short documentary marking Elza’s directorial debut, establishing her interest in intimate, character-driven storytelling.

Famke Louise (Videoland)
Director. Documentary project exploring the public and private dimensions of a contemporary pop figure, navigating fame, identity, and media perception.

Amira (Videoland)
Director. Documentary focusing on a young woman’s personal story within a broader social and cultural context, approached through an intimate, character-driven lens.

Approach

Elza’s work is characterized by a tactile, close-on-the-skin visual language that blends documentary realism with stylized, fashion-driven imagery. Her projects often emerge from long-term collaborations and are rooted in trust, proximity, and a strong sensitivity to cultural context.