My 6 hours in Frankfurt were… let’s say, eventful.
Before my solo day trip, I wish someone had given me a heads-up: Frankfurt is one of the most dangerous cities in Germany. Depending on the statistics, it ranks either first or within the top three. I found this out the hard way when a man started following me as I walked from the Frankfurt central train station toward the city center. It took some quick street smarts to get out of that situation. Despite being in fight-or-flight mode the entire day, I still managed to capture some great travel photography shots!
Travel Tips for Frankfurt
• I am sure other travellers may have a great time here… but my suggestion would still be: if you can, avoid Frankfurt and head to Heidelberg instead. It’s just a one-hour drive or train ride south and offers a more peaceful, scenic experience for travellers and photographers.
• If you do end up visiting Frankfurt—be cautious and stay alert especially if coming via the train station. It can be dangerous, especially for solo travellers. If you’re carrying camera gear like I was, be mindful of the attention it may attract. Once I put my hood up and put my Sony a7iiil camera in my bag, I felt safer.
Positives from My Day in Frankfurt
• I can officially say I ate a Frankfurt in Frankfurt!
• Despite the chaos, I managed to capture some great street photography shots to add to the portfolio and this blog.
Photography & Camera Setting Tips
All the images in this post were taken on my Ilford Sprite II film camera using Kodak Porta 400 film and developed by the fantastic Safe Light Berlin (check them out here). Seriously, this is one of the coolest film shops I’ve been to, and I highly recommend it to all film photographers. They accept international postage for film development, so no need to worry if you aren’t located locally.
In terms of editing, I kept things simple. All the photos had minimal white balance and exposure adjustments in Lightroom. The only significant change was a black-and-white edit I added to one shot. If you know me, you know I love a good black-and-white edit.
Stay safe out there, my fellow explorers, especially when you’re solo traveling and carrying photography gear. If you’re looking for other destinations, consider day trips from Frankfurt, like Heidelberg and the Rhine Valley, for a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.
Comments