CARNIVAL FOR SOULS

In this past season i travelled to berlin for a couple of days for a quick mid week getaway and had such a lovely time. I couldn't resist posting a bit of a photo diary as we did so much over those few days!

I definitely recommend checking these things out if you're in the area or planning a city break away.

Checkpoint Charlie - the photos above were taken from the warmth of a Starbucks near by but this place is worth a look if you're a bit of a history lover like me. The museum is a little pricey (there is a discount for students with ID) but well worth it because of the amount of information that it contains. You could spend all day looking in there with all of the films and writing on the walls. Naturally being into photography and studying it, i was very interested in the photographs. I found learning about the escapees from the east side and how they escaped the most engaging.

Stadtmitte - This is where we stayed and i would totally suggest considering booking a hotel here. Its right in the centre of the city but the back streets are quite enough to enjoy a good nights rest. I stayed at the Titanic Comfort Hotel which was just around the corner from the Metro and also a 10 minute walk to nearest supermarket. We stayed 'Room Only' and ate out most nights. The hotel is very clean and affordable and the rooms are quaint but cosy and well designed.

Tiergarten and the Brandenburg Gate- We walked from one end of the Tiergarten all the way to the Brandenburg gate. It was a great walk with lots to see on either side of the road. We topped at the monument half way down, visited the museum at the base and climbed up to the top to see some great views of the surrounding area, including the Gate. It was a little chilly for us but i can't imagine how lovely it'll be in warmer weather when there are leaves on the trees. We even met Tim busking on an under path, he was really talented and gave of great vibes.

Parks- Berlin has some of the most wonderful parks, they're full of nature and greenery which you wouldn't normally expect from being in a city. If you're visiting in the summer they're extra special, i've heard that you'll find families cooking BBQ's and soaking up the sun whenever they can.

Berlin TV Tower - I'm a little scared of heights but the views from up here were incredible, especially as the sun began to set and everything was given a soft glow. Above the viewing platform there is also a revolving restaurant which would be perfect for a nice meal. I can't imagine how nice the views are in the evening with all of the city light twinkling below.

Potsdamerplatz and the WWII memorial - walking around here and in between the light concrete slabs it made the past a lot more real for me. The huge consequences and the lives lost during the war are almost unthinkable, we learn about it at school and in history book but when there it really sinks in. It was great to go and pay resepects and think about those who lost their lives.

Berlin Wall - The art on these walls are a must see if you're into art and its free so thats a definite plus. Something once so ugly has been turned into a showcase of art for people to enjoy and also remember the past. Most of the pieces on the wall are reflective of the time the wall was up and so gives you an informed visual insight into the artists views of the past.

Hello 2015! Welcome to my first post of the year and hopefully one of many. I've made it my only resolution to post and shoot more for myself this year and not let myself get weighed under by my Photography degree! Maybe i'll cut down on the chocolate too but i'm making no promises..

On the last day of 2014 i photographed the wonderfully lovely blogger, Guna Campbell. Our paths crossed a few years ago when i photographed her and her then clothing line GunabyGC and ever since she's been blogging at Et-cetera: and other things, a vegan friendly fashion and lifestyle blog.

I couldn't resist collaborating with her again when i was given the chance and voila, here are a selection of my favourite photographs, i'm sure you'll be able to see more on Guna's social media soon so make sure you take a little adventure over to her pages!

If you've ever wondered what those little yellow flowers which seem to be dancing out in the winter sun this time of the year, they're Jasminum Nudiflorum a Chinese plant that manages thrive between November and March. They definitely brightened our day a little whilst shooting!

Wishing everyone the best for the new year,

Laura x

Two weeks ago myself and Tom went for a short break to the German capital of Berlin. Apart from desperatley wanting to explore again i also really wanted Tom to experince one of my favourite things about Christmas time; Christmas markets. I've been lucky enough to visit many over the last few years in London, Paris and Austria so i know what they're all about and how much fun they can be, enjoying delicious food and buying last minute decorations and gifts. I jumped at the opportunity when i saw some shockingly well priced flights back in September and from then on we counted down the days until the 8th of December, it all added a little more to the excitement that takes hold at this time of the year. We were in Berlin for four nights and visited a market every evening, and with that being said i couldn't quite resist taking a few snaps to show how lovely they can be.

I would definitely recommend visiting a Christmas market if you haven't already, at least once, just for the experience. We delved into roasted Chestnuts, Mulled Wine and some very yummy Nachensteak for dinner. As well as exploring all of the independent stalls and pretty festive decorations.

If you ever decide to visit a market abroad, i'd definitley recommend doing some research and finding the traditional markets where you are staying as some can be quite tourist based in the cities and i feel if you want the cultural experience the traditional markets are where you'll find that. Oh and don't forget to wrap up cosy and warm!