Berlin through the photographer's eyes

Irrenhouse is one of Berlin’s most popular and crazy drag parties, held once a month by cult personality Nina Queer. It is one of the scenes that inspired photographer Paolo Zardo during the recent Berlin Fotomarathon. The 350 participants were given 12 hours to take 12 photos of Berlin, each on a different pre-selected theme. This was Zardo's contribution to the theme "Plunge."

This interpretatio nof the “Plunge” theme comes from photographer Marcy Snook. Dark waters turn into light and fire here at the Club der Visionäre, a chill hangout not too far from the Spree River that is one tiny part of the city's legendary nightlife.

Here is Amy Walker’s interpretation of the theme “Meandering." The Spree River winds through Berlin, and boat cruises are a popular way to drift around the city. (www.amyfotos.com)

Many people come to Berlin just for the Fotomarathon. It’s a great way to discover the city. Actually, even Berliners might need to check a map once in a while, as the different stations the participants have to reach throughout the day are located at various points across the city.

During the Fotomarathon, many people work with friends, trapsing around the capital together and sharing ideas. Here, Paolo Zardo’s muse serves as a model for the theme “Blurry.”

Many Fotomarathoners chose to brainstorm on the 12 given themes with a dose of caffeine. Some were even inspired to document the tasty milk foam on the latte that energized them for the strenuous day.

Marcy Snook also knows what “Blurry” feels like. Those are her glasses, and that’s what her world looks like without them. Participants' photos, including Snooks, were on display over the weekend at the Stadtbad Wedding, a cultural event space.

Some 30 participants decided to take the challenging route. Sticking to analog photography, they had just one chance to take the right picture for each theme.

The Friedrichstadtpalast has the biggest theater stage in the world and has been nicknamed “Las Vegas in Berlin.” For Amy Walker, that made it a natural choice to illustrate the theme “Jackpot.”

This modern building is part of a church commemorating World War II, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. In the background, you can see a small part of the spire which was bombarded during the war and kept in its damaged state as a memorial. The image lends multiple facets to the theme “Cursed,” as presented by photographer Amy Walker.

Here's another “Cursed” entry by Paolo Zardo. Without headlights, this flashy car flashes no more. Germans tend to favor German car brands, so this model can be spotted frequently in Berlin, but how it lost its countenance remains a mystery.

Some of the participants were lucky enough to stumble upon ideal photo ops during the Fotomarathon. When it was time to take a picture for the theme “Fate Takes Its Course,” Amy Walker bumped into this newly married couple picturesquely observing swans.

Oh, the many things which are “Easy Come Easy Go”: a shot of alcohol, your sorrows, the love of your life - and, in this fancy liquor store, the money in your pocket. Paolo Zardo managed to capture a meditative still life in a buzzing metropolis. The Fotomarathon takes place regularly in cities all over the world. Visit www.fotomarathon.de/en for more.