On the streets of Neukölln

Bastian Thiery

January 21, 2022

Neukölln in Berlin is one of Germany's most densely populated inner city districts. Working with a Leica M7, the photographer Bastian Thiery roamed its streets, capturing unusual and, at times, obscure little stories of everyday life.
LFI: How would you describe Berlin’s Neukölln in your own words?
Bastian Thiery: Neukölln is very diverse and in constant movement. It is full of parallel worlds and stories.

Photographically speaking, what kinds of motifs or situations do you find most exciting, and why?
I'm most interested in absurd and bizarre moments – when people or items that you would not normally connect with each other actually come together. I'm interested in people, in general, and how they present themselves in public.

How do you find working on the streets with a Leica, and what role does the use of a flash play for you?
What I like about the Leica is the speed of the focus, once you get to know the rangefinder. For me, the use of a flash is very important, because it reinforces the situational aspect and directness of the motifs.

What is it that fascinates you about street photography? What does photography, in general, mean to you?
It was through street photography that I discovered my passion for the medium. Looking for motifs and going with the flow continue to delight me. In particular, I find fascinating the possibility of connecting with unknown people and being allowed a glimpse into their lives. In general, photography gives me the chance to experience my surroundings in a way in which I could never otherwise do.
Danilo Rößger
ALL IMAGES ON THIS PAGE: © Bastian Thiery
EQUIPMENT: Leica M7 with Summilux-M 50 Asph

Bastian Thiery+-

© Maximilian Semlinger
© Maximilian Semlinger

Born in Germany in 1990, and now based in Berlin, Bastian Thiery studied at the International Center of Photography School (ICP), New York; and graduated from Prof. Linn Schröder's class at the Ostkreuzschule für Fotografie in Berlin. Thiery's work has appeared in various group exhibitions in Germany, and has been published in national and international magazines, including Bloomberg Businessweek and Zeit Magazin. His book titled Humpelfuchs received 2nd prize in the Vonovia Award für Fotografie 2019. More

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On the streets of Neukölln

Bastian Thiery