Discovering the Enchanting Desolation of Europe's Forgotten Treasures
Illustrated books about forgotten places have skyrocketed in popularity lately. But among this sea of titles, the "Zwischen den Welten - Verlassene Orte in Europa" photo book by "photo artist" Annie Bertram stands out like a beacon.
What sets these decrepit edifices apart is that Annie captures everything – from villas to places of worship, mental hospitals, theaters, spas, and even remnants of industrial culture. Their unsullied decay, untouched by wanton destruction, makes for breathtaking and eerie vistas.
The Decay's Majesty
Annie's photographs are a testament to her delicate handling of crumbling structures. A browse through her recently published photo book reveals decades of captivating images. When she first took up the abandoned places’ motif, it wasn’t yet a popular hobby or trend.
"I was enchanted by the concept and it held me in its thrall," Annie reveals in an interview with stern magazine. Back in 2000, a small cadre of photographers dabbled in this niche subject. "We were like a close-knit community," she reminisces. "Everybody shared tips and insights back then."
The haunting settings that serve as backdrops for her work – fashion shoots, album covers, and portraits – are not a fluke. Every project required extensive preparation, enthusiasm, dedication, and research. For instance, she meticulously scanned real estate ads in various languages to uncover her perfect canvas.
The Splendor of a Forgotten Era
Many of these once-opulent properties have been desecrated by vandals, their innocence lost forever. Time has transformed them into ghostly worlds, evoking a sense of profoundness that can't be fathomed.
"[Beginning your photo project] was a quest for discovery," Annie shared with stern. "A delving into the past’s remnants and, in some way, an exploration of my own past."
Dig Deeper:
Annie Bertram's photo book reveals the ethereal beauty of abandoned European structures, capturing their charm before vandalism and decay tarnished their fairy-tale appeal. Her fascination with forgotten places led her to explore various countries, perfectly setting the stage for her heart-wrenching and mesmerizing photographs.
Through her diligent research skills and meticulous approach, Annie Bertram was able to transform these once-forgotten sites into the backdrop for her fashion projects, album covers, and portraits. The magic of these places was not lost on her, and she utilizes every opportunity to bring their history to life and share their haunting beauty with the world.
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Enrichment Data:
When photographing abandoned sites, here are some techniques that may be used to capture their ephemeral beauty:
- Create a mood: Utilize natural light to contrast the quiet desolation of the site with its former grandeur.
- Frame the shot: Focus on details, such as peeling paint, decayed furniture, and the site's architectural features, to emphasize its history.
- Sympathize with the subject: Attempt to convey the emotion and the life that once existed in the space by exploring the site's past and incorporating details that evoke memory.
- Embrace the ghosts: Some abandoned places exude an eerie and almost spectral presence. Understanding this and allowing it to seep into the image can create a deeply engaging and captivating photograph.
- Tell a compelling story: Through context from the site’s history or symbolic elements in the image, tell the story of the space and its piece by piece, forgotten remnants.
