In his striking series “Berlin After Dark”, Sebastian Jacobitz, a 29-year-old German photographer interested in the everyday life of his city, captures the Kurfürstendamm or Ku’damm, the most prominent shopping street in Berlin.

Sebastian writes: “Normally, the street is filled with people looking for the newest dress or cellphone. But when the sun leaves the scene, another characteristic is visible. Almost like a blurry dream, my series displays another side of the street. Through the flash and with a longer shutter speed, the characters take a different twist. What is unimpressive, mundane and usual at day becomes extraordinary, gritty and wild at night.” These photos were taken during Christmastime.

The photographer continues: “Often times we feel less motivated during the winter. Especially for photography, there is this prejudice that we need good light in order to create good photographs. I even hear that street photographers don’t want to go out for a photo walk when it is a little cloudy or rains a bit. With this series, I wanted to challenge myself. Street photography is always possible no matter the circumstances. Wherever I go I take the camera with me. A small RicohGR makes that possible. Since street photography is about life and life mostly happens on the Christmas market during that time of the year I wanted to show the different facets. 

“Some people are more joyful because of the delicious hot wine. Others seem more lost in thought. Either way, the light of the festive decorations in the background allowed me to create these blurry images. With the flash in my hand, I am my own master. I don’t need to rely on the sun.”

Links: Website (streetbounty.com) | Facebook (www.facebook.com/SJacobitz)

Images used with permission.