A Few Days In Berlin.
I’ve been to Berlin multiple times. Its cold, dirty, big, not a lot to see. It’s not Paris, Rome, Vienna, Amsterdam. If you have had one Jager Schnitzel you don’t need another one for the next ten years. I never go because the city is beautiful, or because the food is so good, or even because it offers a lot to do. I go because the people are so unique. Below you will find a few I’ve been intrigued by. This trip was all about me and the people that make Berlin what it is (not what its not).
Mauer Park Selfie.
Its hard for me to fight the urge not to take a selfie when I see a large mirror..
Mystery from the UK.
I followed her for a few minutes knowing I wanted to photograph her. She, I thought, undeniably would be a perfect visual ambassador for the city of Berlin. That was the thought until I found out she was just here visiting. We had a quick chat and I wished her well. As I walked away I thought about what made me think she represented the city so well. Was it the sense of rebellion she has with the multiple buttons on her leather jacket, or maybe her hair style which seems to be pretty popular in Berlin. In any event, it was worth the engagement.
Two Friends at Mauer Park.
I found myself having one of the most exciting conversation I’ve had in weeks in just under five minutes with these two women. What about the people in Berlin make the city what it is? Trendy clothes? Prada bags? No. It is the open spaces that Berliners take advantage of (like Mauer Park) and make them extensions of their homes and apartments. These two women, though not originally from Berlin, met here in the city. One of them said something that sat well on my conscious. After asking why Germans seem so willing to speak to you in English, even if you (as a foreigner) speak German, she said “…its their impulse to help and be supportive”. Thats what Belin is as well. I walked away wishing my country had such an impulse.
A Photographer’s Photographer.
A father and a photographer that I had to grab a photo of. He took one of me too. Where I am from, usually when you are filled with tattoos with a long beard, its probably an indicator that you have been to prison. Generally those types aren’t the most approachable. Not him. He was awesome. I observed him for a while playing with his daughter in the park before mustang up the confidence to ask for a photo. I’m not the most photogenic man but he asked me for a photo in which I said yes to.
Berlin Herrvoneden .
A casual stroll led me to Mr. Hervoneden himself. A man way more dapper than I could eve be. He had 15 minutes before styling a client that he was more than willing to give me for a casual conversation and a pair of photos. His style, like the city, is somewhat eclectic with a twist of funky. His store, inside color with dark tones felt warm and welcoming, also like the city, with many curiosities. look him up at www.belin@herrvoneden.com
Wonderful People, Wonderful Work Space.
When I think about Berlin I think Chanel meets Vivian Westwood. A little chic and a little crazy punk in a reserved kind of way. I meet this woman standing outside of her building and I asked her if she could describe Berlin (other than a city). We chatted for a while and I was off. Before I left I told her she was an awesome ambassador for the city. She was happy.
The Cell Phone Cyclist.
She was being just as nosey as I was. Riding a bike with a huge cellphone in hand taking a picture of a caravan driving by. I have no clue what this caravan was doing and I dont think she had one either. Nonetheless, she stopped to photograph the passes and she noticed me paying a attention to her and we both laughed. I didn’t have to ask for a photo she told me to take it.
Coffee Shop Conversations.
Another very helpful and generous person I had the chance to photograph while in Berlin. I noticed her in one of the cafes I stopped to eat and have a coffee in. I loved the funky feel of the cafe and decided to capture her portrait inside of it instead of outside where there was much better light. We didn’t speak much as she was very shy.