James Fancourt profiles some of the best Berlin-based Instagram users…
Instagram is often regarded as a platform for vain selfies and vacuous images of lunches. But amidst the more self-indulgent material can be found many great photographers—amateur as well as professional.
Below we present seven Berlin-based ‘grammers whose work has inspired us in some way, and ask them a few questions about their motivation and methodologies…
(Note that we haven’t included the most obvious one, Berlinstagram, since he already has his own Q&A here)
juancamiloberlin
Juan’s work is often minimal, relying on bright colours and strong composition to show us the brighter side of Berlin.
When and why did you become interested in photography?
It probably started when I bought my first digital camera 10 years ago, but the interest for taking photographs the way I take them now, taking into account the framing, colors and the forms in the composition is relatively new. It started approximately two years ago, inspired by the feeds of Instagramers like lindaberlin and berlinstagram.
Why does Berlin inspire you?
Berlin inspires me because it gives me the impression that its motifs are endless and it keeps me looking around for them. Behind many doors, facades and walls you can find motifs which surprise you.
What are your favourite photography apps? Do you have a set process for editing your photos, if any?
My favourite apps are VSCO Cam, SKRWT, and I like the built-in editing options which Instagram offers. The process for editing my photos is very simple as I don’t use filters. I take the picture with my iPhone (from the beginning in square format), if it’s necessary to straighten any lines I do it using SKRWT and then I transfer the picture to Instagram where I often use the LUX tool or I modify the brightness and/or the contrast of the photo.
Who is your favourite Berlin-based IG-er?
If permitted I would like to name two: konaction and lindaberlin.
jn
Whether it’s a park, abandoned building or U-Bahn stop, Joerg’s feed captures the atmosphere of the city and illustrates the sheer variety of shots that can be found across Berlin.
When and why did you become interested in photography?
I have been photographing since the age of 12. When I turned 16 I was given a simple SLR, and this was the start of me taking more and more pictures. I discovered mobile photography with my first iPhone. Shortly before that a friend had shown me [the photography app] Hipstamatic, and trying Hipstamatic with my iPhone made me realise its potential.
Why does Berlin inspire you?
Berlin is a city in motion. It’s obviously an ideal place to get a very varied view of city life.
What are your favourite photography apps? Do you have a set process for editing your photos, if any?
I use VSCO Cam and SKRWT for editing my pictures.
Who is your favourite Berlin-based IGer?
konaction
With striking composition and strong lines, Konrad plays to the strengths of the square-cropped photos of Instagram, often employing striking symmetry with his photos.
When and why did you become interested in photography?
I wouldn’t actually call it photography because technically and educationally I am not a photographer. I started to take pictures with my iPhone and upload them on Instagram in August 2013.
Why does Berlin inspire you?
Berlin has a good variety of different urban motifs. The history is very diversified, you can still see and feel that in the cityscape and that makes it interesting I think.
What are your favourite photography apps? Do you have a set process for editing your photos, if any?
On almost every picture I use VSCO and Snapseed, no surprises. 😉
Who is your favourite Berlin-based IGer?
I think there are quite a few talented and entertaining instagrammers, but when it comes to the whole set of consistency, productivity and of course photographical skills I would say Linda (lindaberlin).
thomas_k
Thomas’ street photography, often in black and white, shows a more personal and gritty side of Berlin, through both candid shots and the use of light and shadow.
When and why did you become interested in photography?
It was shortly after Instagram was released. Before that I wasn’t interested in photography at all and I really can’t believe how much it has changed my life ever since.
Why does Berlin inspire you?
For so many reasons but mainly because of the contrast of old and new that we have here. Sometimes walking the streets of Berlin feels like a tour through modern history. Also I’m inspired by the people who live here. Nobody cares about who you are and where you come from, nobody judges you. That’s what I love about this city.
What are your favourite photography apps? Do you have a set process for editing your photos, if any?
For editing I mainly use Snapseed, VSCO and Noir. I don’t really have a set process though. My edits often depend on my current mood.
Who is your favourite Berlin-based IGer?
Naming just one would be too difficult. So I’ll go with my three old friends – jn, uwa2000 and berlinstagram.
vispalberlin
Jolanta shoots a great mix of subjects and places around Berlin. Some locations are obvious, like this shot of Warschauerstr., yet the more obscure images often have little clues as to their whereabouts.
When and why did you become interested in photography?
I have been interested in taking pictures since I was a teenager. Photography has always been my hobby, and when I came across Instagram I was very excited about it, because I don’t always carry my SLR around the city. Because of this I got to know Berlin a lot better.
Why does Berlin inspire you?
The city enchants me every day. There’s something incredibly interesting to see in almost every corner. My favourite quote is, “Paris is always Paris and Berlin is never Berlin”.
What are your favourite photography apps? Do you have a set process for editing your photos, if any?
Often I edit with the app VSCO Cam first, and sometimes with SKRWT.
Who is your favourite Berlin-based IGer?
Berlinstagram and jn. These are two people who have inspired me a lot, and motivated me to start using Instagram.
berlintensiv
From architecture to people, Benedikt’s gallery covers a diverse range of Berlin scenes that capture the unique spirit of the city.
When and why did you become interested in photography?
When I started to go to parties and to travel during my teenage years, I needed something to hold memories. I learned the artistic part of photography a bit later. Art has been an important part of my life since childhood.
Why does Berlin inspire you?
I grew up in Frankfurt am Main and always wanted to move to Berlin ever since I was 13 years old. 10 years later my dream became true. In Berlin I can put my ideas and wishes into practice.
What are your favourite photography apps? Do you have a set process for editing your photos, if any?
I only use Afterlight and SKRWT. It’s possible to create your own filters in Afterlight, so I use my own filters named after people who mean a lot to me 🙂
Who is your favourite Berlin-based IGer?
ofeneck
A combination of filters and shots of old cars and buildings allow Jochen to capture the vintage side of Berlin that you can find beyond the flea markets.
When and why did you become interested in photography?
I always have been. My interest increased when friends gave me a polaroid seven or eight years ago. I liked the speed of the whole process – and that’s probably what I like about Instagram.
Why does Berlin inspire you?
It’s not just one city, it’s at least ten different ones. From Dahlem to Neukölln, from Prenzlauer Berg to Tegel: So many different things to see!
What are your favourite photography apps? Do you have a set process for editing your photos, if any?
I use Afterlight quite a lot. Sometimes I put an Instagram filter on in the end. It varies.
Who is your favourite Berlin-based IGer?
There are so many good ones around. Can I choose three? That would be massju and juancamiloberlin.