Abandoned Berlin: Exploring Spreepark

Given the task by Urban Outfitters, I started my mission of photo documenting abandoned places around Berlin. The adventure started by taking the S-Bahn to Treptower Park, and walking through the park, finding the way to the fence enclosing the abandoned theme park, Spreepark. The excitement kicked in upon seeing some empty rail tracks and discarded carts, knowing we'd reached the park. The next step was entering. My exploring companion scaled the fence flawlessly, dropping to the other side with ease. However, my attempt was not so graceful, losing my strength and balance at the top causing the skin of my hand and fabric of my leggings to catch the spikes and tear as I fell back down. Luckily my next attempt was a success, as I found a small gap under a gate that I was able to shuffle underneath, and run off into the park.

We were greeted by a dirty, graffiti ridden tea cups ride, with the control box to the side completely smashed up. You really get the sense of how the place was once used, but now left empty. We continued along a path, trying to keep quiet as we took photos of the twin swan boats, and came across little caricatured cars. We decided it'd be best not to use the official pathways, as we knew guards liked to roam around looking for trespassers like us, so we made our way through the shrubs and bushes coming across a huge broken hall, and catching our first glimpse of the huge ferris wheel.

Out of the bushes led to what was once a river, with mechanical devices still planted to the ground. We assumed this may have been the swan boat ride, as the cogs in the ground were all linked to one another, and must have been used to pull the boats along. We dropped down into the empty crevice, and crept along the side of the wall. A loud, distorted creaking was coming from around the corner, and we could make out the ferris wheel was very slowly and eerily moving. After peeking round and making sure no one was about, we walked over to the big wheel which was encased by another fence with a sign reading 'MORTAL DANGER'. The carriages were tagged with spray paint and again you could sense how this ride was once full of life and fun, and now just rocking slowly in the wind. Next to the wheel was a huge wooden boat, washed up and broken. This was maybe the real ride for the river.

I stepped round to the other side of the boat to be greeted by a little old man on a red bicycle. His words were repeatedly "Kein problem!" (no problem). He took our hands and helped us up out of the empty river bed and asked us if we had any ID. My first instinct was to say no as I'd fell for the trap of giving ID previously and resulted in a fine. He led us round to the exit, letting us stop and take photos of things we passed along the way. We then made our way round to the security area, where we were welcomed by three other guards and two very excitable dogs, one being an adorable husky puppy. They were incredibly friendly, and said they needed some form of identification or they'd have to call the police. At that point of course we gave in, and they offered us coffee whilst taking our details down saying, "The first time is no problem. But a second time, big problem." and then they guided us out. We were very tempted to hop back in and go in the opposite direction to see the rest of the park but didn't want to risk getting caught again straight away. It was a real shame as we were both excited to see the broken dinosaurs and roller coaster tracks, but maybe I can head back one day in the future in try a little better to be more discrete!

All in all I'd say it's worth a visit, but don't attempt to go over the fence unless you are an experienced climber or have good upper body strength. I, of course, lack in both. It was a very interesting visit despite being short lived, and I hope one day I can return.

See the post by Urban Outfitters here.

Evergreen

"Lay by me, evergreen

Catching stars to keep"

A little trip to Potsdam a few months ago whilst child minding. Don't underestimate a 10 minute break with a camera! I'm obsessed with little intricate details.

Photos: Molly Caitlin Baber

Quote: Broods - Evergreen

Begin Again

You be the moon, I'll be the Earth

And when we burst, start over

Oh darling, begin again

Photos: Molly Caitlin Baber

Model: Maria Luisa

Quote: Purity Ring - Begin Again

Grunewald

Photos by Molly Caitlin Baber

Model: Olf G Aus B

It was a bright, hot, sunny day in Berlin, and I met Olf at Grunewald S-Bahn Station. Together, we walked through the forest to find little spots to photograph in. The light was very strong and bright as we started the shoot midday, so I knew I'd have to edit the exposures and colours to suit the mood I wanted to create with the images. I wanted to portray a sense of home in the forest, feeling at one with the surroundings, as if it was a natural habitat, whilst at the same time creating a soft, dark, sombre atmosphere. I, myself feel very comfortable being in nature, and it became very apparent that it was the same for the model.

Behind The Scenes: Nichelle Singer & Elle Peril

Model: Elle Peril

Photographer: Nichelle Singer

Photos by Molly Caitlin Baber

I am forever inspired by other people, and a part of learning more about your craft is observing and helping others working in the same field. Nichelle Singer not only models but also does her own photography (Nichellesinger.com). I was invited to come along to her shoot with Elle Peril last weekend in Frohnau, Berlin, to assist with puppy watching and behind the scenes photos.

The most rewarding part of watching photo shoots is seeing the differences in how each photographer and model works. There's so much to learn simply from listening to how photographers phrase the way they want their model to pose, and realising how they put their vision into action.

It really inspired me and got me full of ideas for my next shoots coming up. I am now so excited to see how Nichelle's photos turned out! And also excited to work with other photographers in the future.

Wild Youth

"We are the wild youth, chasing visions of our futures."

Since arriving in Germany, I have had all of these thoughts whizzing around my head about what the future here will hold, and how I'm going to be as productive as possible, not wanting to waste a minute of time. This first photo session that I did since arriving has really given me the boost I needed, to show myself that I have the ability to produce work that I can fall in love with (with a huuuge thank you to Nichelle for being such a wonderful, natural and graceful model), and really get myself, and others, excited to keep doing it and see what the future will bring.

Photos by Molly Caitlin Baber

Model: Nichelle Singer

Quote: Daughter - Youth