Berlin Architecture Tour
Join David Clapp on a five day historical and modern architectural photography workshop based in Berlin, Germany
Price
£1,300.00 / £400.00 deposit
Dates
9th - 13th Jul 2025
Join me on a fabulous architectural workshop in Berlin, Germany. With so many incredible buildings to photograph, this place is a hotbed of superb architectural images, with everything from historical and modern architecture to indulge you.
Based in the centre of Berlin in a reputable hotel just minutes from Alexanderplatz, we have access to all manner of subjects. Using a mix of public transport, trams, buses and the underground, we can get a wonderful array of images in this mature and inviting city. The underground itself is extremely photogenic and also photography friendly, without the usual security issues related to capital cities.
Berlin Architecture Tour 1
Berlin Architecture Tour 1
Symmetry
We'll descend into the city's underground realm to capture the hidden architectural marvels of its subway stations. Berlin's U-Bahn network is renowned for its diverse and often striking station designs, offering a treasure trove of symmetrical compositions. We'll focus on mastering techniques to photograph these subterranean spaces, emphasizing their geometric patterns, repetitive elements, and the interplay of light and shadow.
From the modernist simplicity of stations like Alexanderplatz to the bold colors of Heidelberger Platz, each location presents its own challenges and opportunities for creating visually compelling images. We'll explore how to use leading lines, reflections, and perspective to accentuate the symmetry inherent in these functional yet aesthetically intriguing spaces. This underground excursion will not only enhance your architectural photography skills but also provide a fascinating glimpse into Berlin's urban design philosophy that extends well below the surface.
Old vs New
Berlin has a captivating blend of historical and contemporary design. We will capture the intricate details and grand spaces of Berlin's majestic cathedrals, where centuries of history are etched into every stone and stained glass window. In stark contrast, we'll then turn our attention to the sleek, modern office buildings that define Berlin's skyline, showcasing the city's evolution into a global business hub.
This juxtaposition of old and new will allow us to create compelling compositions that highlight the architectural journey of Berlin, from its rich past to its dynamic present. We'll focus on mastering techniques to photograph both evocative interiors bathed in natural light and striking exteriors that reflect the changing face of the city, providing a comprehensive exploration of Berlin's diverse architectural landscape.
The Reichstadt
The trip will incorporate a booked visit to the Reichstadt, which is one of the most remarkable modern architectural features, mixing history and form. This is a brilliant subject for a wide angle lens and has superb potential for silhouettes.
We will be working mostly without a tripod, as this really inhibits our pace, but we will return to get them in the evening for low light photography. We will also not be shooting at dawn unless we have a very good reason, as this makes the day incredibly long and exhausting.
I will also be giving tuition on tilt shift lenses and their perspective power, making this an ideal workshop to increase the potential of these useful optics. These are not essential for the trip but can greatly enhance your photography if you want to bring one along.
Berlin is a very safe and mature city, without all the hassle of many modern places, mostly devoid of social media influencers too!
Additional Information
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Where do I meet you?
There are so many ways of getting to Berlin, as this destination is covered by many airports of all sizes. Meet at the hotel at 12pm on the first day. Recommend flights information and tour notes after booking will give you everything you need.
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Is Berlin safe?
Very safe. The centre will be where we spend most of our time and you will be relaxed throughout. It makes London seem very different indeed.
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What lenses shall I bring?
Bring a super wide angle, medium zoom, longer zoom, fisheye and tiltshift if you have them. Architecture is a very creative subject, so expect to use them all.
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Am I going to be able to manage all the walking?
We will take rest stops thoroughout the day, as Berlin is full of cafes. We will also take the underground, buses, trams and indeed anything to make the walking easier. You will be on your feet, so I suggest taking regular walks before the tour begins to get yourself in shape.
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What kind of clothing shall I wear?
July temperatures in Berlin typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), but can occasionally reach 30°C (86°F). With this in mind, pack lightweight, breathable clothing that allows for easy movement while you’re composing shots.
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are essential for navigating Berlin’s urban landscape. You’ll likely be on your feet for extended periods, so prioritise comfort and support. Consider bringing a pair of sandals for warmer days, but ensure they’re suitable for extended walking.
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Do I need to bring a computer?
Although not essential, its a great idea to bring a laptop computer with you so you can discuss imagery with myself and others in the group. It really is a great learning experience, so I highly recommend bringing a laptop to learn.
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What computer support do you give?
I make a point of tutoring all my clients on digital photography to help complete the learning process. I am renowned as a leading digital professional and I will be screen recording my sessions so the learning continues. I have extensive knowledge to communicate on all levels and I spend time with all my clients helping them to process their images to a high standard. It really helps to have a computer session when tiredness takes hold, or inclement weather persists.