Volksbad Abandoned Sauna in Nuremberg Photoshoot
Whenever an opportunity to do a photo shoot comes along, I JUMP at the chance. I get even more excited when it’s in a cool new location, with beautiful new models, and on my terms. I can direct however I want, try new styles, and get as crazy and fun as I want. After a few debates with Ana (Not only one of my gorgeous models, but the inspiration for this fun shoot) over location, her magical Googling turned up an abandoned sauna in Nuremberg that could be rented for photo shoots. Location Acquired.
History of Volksbad Nuremberg (according to trusty Wikipedia): Finished being built in 1914 to the cost of 1.8 million “Marks” (Old German Currency), it consisted of 3 swimming pools for both genders, 66 tubs, 14 showers, a steam room, a hairdressing room and refreshment room. This gem of Art Nouveau was a huge attraction, even having rumored to be a favorite of Hitler himself. In 1933 the city council forbade Jews from all amenities except the showers and tubs and during WW2 70% of the building was destroyed and did not finish reconstruction until 1959. After its reopening, it was only open until 1994, and since then has only been rented for parties, shoots, and gallery openings.
This building was not only beautiful but also terrifying at the same time. We arrived overzealous at 6am to a pitch-black stone building with electrical panels that have seen much better days. With no instructions and only a cell phone light to guide us to where we needed we found one working light switch every 30 minutes. The really scary part was all of the pools were of course emptied out, leaving them without guardrails and a 30-foot drop. We had to be extremely cautious of every step, and every turn had to be slow and calculated. I must say we all figured it out pretty quickly considering, and no one was electrocuted or fell to their deaths, which I say is an amazing success!
Oh did I mention it was -8º Celsius (18º F)? No? Well I unintentionally schedule the shoot on one of the coldest days in Nuremberg, and my models were in next to nothing of course. We figured out that is my [wonderful] assistant wore the coat of my model as she stood freezing while I took her photos, when I was done or they were turning blue from the cold, Sara would put their now nice and warm coat back on them. Note to Self: Get a space heater for shoots.
I would like to send a special thanks to all of the women who helped me out: Brittny, Sara, Ana, & Sylvia. You are all amazing and welcome to join me on a shoot anytime!
Oh and dont forget the BLOOPERS!
