Four days in Berlin with the Leica M10
My recent trip to Berlin proved to be a rejuvenating escape from a rather uninspiring winter.
I rarely take many photographs during the winter months as I prefer not to be outside in the cold and wet weather. Towards the end of January though, I was starting to feel that I had been neglecting my camera, so this trip away was exactly what I needed. Spending a few days in new surroundings is the perfect antidote for getting out of a creative rut and the city's vibrant streets offered an abundance of opportunities for street photography.
I took the Leica M10 with a 50mm, a 28mm and a 15mm lens. The 15mm Voigtlander is tiny enough that I can afford to carry it around on the off chance I find a rare scene that benefits from the ultra-wide angle. I am still getting used to the 28mm field of view on a rangefinder but I am trying to use it more often, especially for interesting interior shots. As usual though, the brunt of my favourite photos from this trip were produced by my beloved 50mm Summicron.
The first day began at the iconic Hackesche Höfe area in Hackescher Markt. The walls are covered in graffiti and street art with small galleries dotted in-between. I wandered around the streets just before sundown to get a few interesting shots of the architecture and one friendly street saxophonist.
The next morning I visited the Berlinische Galerie, a bright and spacious art gallery featuring some outstanding paintings and photography displays. The exhibition by Rineke Dijkstra particularly impressed me with her portraits of young Bosnian girl Almerisa growing up in front of her lens.
Certain parts of Berlin I found more photogenic the more I passed through them. I loved the pastel colours of Alexanderplatz station and the television tower that could be seen from seemingly any street I went down.
Visiting the Jewish Museum was definitely the most poignant memory of my time in Berlin. The striking architecture and thoughtful exhibitions offered powerful imagery, the room full of cast iron faces especially moved me more than any other art display in recent memory. A very quiet and profound place, and somewhere I would recommend everyone visiting while in Berlin.
That evening I visited the Reichstag building, an architectural marvel that seamlessly blends historic significance with modern design. We took a lift upto the glass dome on the roof, and were treated with views of German parliament in session below us..
The next day, I ventured to the remnants of the Berlin Wall. The street art along the wall tells powerful narratives of both division and unity. I was impressed by how much of the wall was still intact and how many different art styles were represented.
I also visited the Brandenburg gate, where I wanted to get an original photograph of such a famous landmark. Noticing a street performer with a large rope and bucket of bubble mixture, I motioned him to throw some bubbles my way so I could attempt to line up the monument inside a bubble. Not easy with quickly changing wind, but I managed it eventually.
Finally, the Futurium Museum struck a different chord, with its focus on innovation and sustainability. The sleek designs and thought-provoking installations invited my imagination to wander. Photographing the interactions between visitors and the exhibits I was able to create a few interesting compositions, as well as a couple of great self-portrait opportunities.
Overall, I really enjoyed my short time in Berlin. This trip not only revitalized my creative spirit but also offered me new perspectives on city life and history. The blend of past and future, juxtaposed with the vibrancy of its streets, has left me inspired—a reminder that even in the quietest of winters, stories await just beyond the next corner.
