I couldn’t tell you how many trade shows I’ve been to over the years, but there is one thing in common about my trips - I spend half a day or maybe a full day at the show, and then I spend the rest of my time out exploring and taking photos.

So that got me thinking… 

With Photokina coming up in May 2020 in Cologne, Germany, what other things can I see and do in the area.

Here’s a few things I think would turn a trip to Photokina into a photography adventure of a lifetime.

Photographing Cologne’s Architecture is a Must

^{Princeton Photo Workshop: North Rhine-Westphalia-Photokina Photography Tour & Workshop}

Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city, and its mix of ancient and modern buildings is beautifully unique.

The Cologne Cathedral likely sits at the top of the must-see building list in this city, with its twin spires rising above the surroundings like a beacon to parishioners.

Aside from the incredible details of the building’s Gothic architecture, there are many things inside to see, from 15th Century stained glass windows to the black marble high altar from the 1300s.

In fact, the cathedral houses so many precious antiquities that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also the most visited landmark in all of Germany.

Quick Tip: Don’t miss the gilded shrine dedicated to the Three Kings. The sarcophagus is adorned with scenes from the life of Jesus, his apostles, and prophets. The reliefs were done in the 12th Century by Nicholas of Verdun and are one of the most celebrated works in the cathedral.

Take Time to Visit Cologne’s Old Town

^{Photo by SeanPavonePhoto via iStock}

The Old Town area of Cologne is an historic, hundreds-year-old residential and commercial area that offers many different opportunities for taking photos.

There’s street scenes that harken back to the old days with cobblestone streets and open plazas. Likewise, you’ll find 19th Century fountains, like the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen, that depicts Cologne’s gnomes, where were believed to have done all the work in the city at night so its residents could rest and relax.

Perhaps even more interesting is that the majority of Old Town (and the rest of Cologne, for that matter) were destroyed in World War II. Seeing the rebuilt city thriving today is a testament to humankind’s ability to overcome incredible obstacles. 

Learn More:

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Photography Locations in Germany You Have to See
• Top Photography Workshops to Attend in 2019-2020 

Be Sure to Experience German Cuisine (and Beer!) 

^{Photo by kabVisio via iStock}

From Michelin-star restaurants to local mom and pop eateries to vendors on the streets of Old Town, there is no lack of superb food to be found in Cologne. 

While you’re out exploring the city with your camera, why not pick up a bratwurst with sauerkraut as you stroll?

Or, you can sit down in a restaurant and enjoy a full meal, featuring German classics like schnitzel (a breaded cutlet), kartoffelkloesse (potato dumplings), and apfelkuchen (apple cake)

^{Photo by MoreISO via iStock}

And though I’m not much of a drinker, you can bet I’d be searching for a pub to grab a stein of German beer. After all, though the Germans didn’t invent beer, they’ve been making it for over 1,000 years, so it stands to reason that German beer has a long-standing tradition of being some of the best in the world! 

In fact, since 1516, German brewers have worked under the Beer Purity Law, which mandates that beer must be made from barley, hops, and clean water - and nothing else. And while more liberal beer laws have since been passed, many brewers continue the strict tradition of using no more than the three allowed ingredients.

Maximize Your Time at Photokina

Princeton Photo Workshop: North Rhine-Westphalia-Photokina Photography Tour & Workshop

In addition to knowing what to photograph, where to go, and what to eat and drink, perhaps the best tip you can use to get the most out of your Photokina 2020 trip is to maximize your time while you’re there. And to do that, why not join a photography tour of the area?

I’ve had an opportunity to get to know the folks at Princeton Photo Workshop over the last month or so, and their passion for photography and dedication to providing top-notch experiences for their clients is truly inspiring.

Princeton Photo Workshop: North Rhine-Westphalia-Photokina Photography Tour & Workshop

On their North Rhine-Westphalia-Photokina workshop (which runs May 24-30, 2020), you’ll get to experience out-of-the-way locations that many tourists don’t get to see.

From the breathtaking architectural wonders of abandoned industrial complexes in the Ruhr District to medieval villages like Aachen, where you can explore the gorgeous Aachen Cathedral, to the cobblestone streets of Monschau, a tiny village that has changed little in the last three centuries, you’ll have all kinds of opportunities to explore and photograph this unique region of Germany. 

^{Princeton Photo Workshop: North Rhine-Westphalia-Photokina Photography Tour & Workshop} 

Princeton Photo Workshop, together with their local photography expert, has devoted a lot of time and effort to ensuring the best experiences for photographers to get the most out of your time. 

Speaking of time, you’ll get to spend a day at Photokina, where you’ll witness the unveiling of the latest and greatest photography gear and gadgets. Likewise, you’ll have time to explore all the Cologne has to offer.

Princeton Photo Workshop: North Rhine-Westphalia-Photokina Photography Tour & Workshop 

Throughout the trip, you’ll gather with the other tour participants and the workshop leaders to review images, discuss techniques, and see post-processing demonstrations. This focus on education, growth, and sharing, along with the warmth and support of the tour leaders, is what makes a trip with Princeton Photo Workshop worth every penny.

If you’re excited to explore Photokina, make a true trip of it and add an exploration of the North Rhine-Westphalia area to your list for 2020!

Get more details about the North Rhine-Westphalia-Photokina Workshop.

 

---

^{Monschau, Germany. Photo by Siegmund Bergemann.}

The North Rhine-Westphalia area is one of Germany’s most diverse, fascinating and less-traveled regions.

The post-industrial Ruhr district, north of Cologne, is home to some of the world’s most unusual industrial heritage sites. The Zollverein complex in Essen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the largest coal processing facility in the world. Known as “the world’s most beautiful coal mine”, Zollverein is renowned for its architecture and historical significance and offers intriguing compositions and colors for photographers.

^{The Zollverein coal complex. Photo by Siegmund Bergemann.}

^{The Zollverein coal complex. Photo by Siegmund Bergemann}

In nearby Duisburg, tour Landschaftspark, the turn-of-the-century steel works decommissioned in the 1980s, with its photo-ready blast furnaces, inclined lifts and casthouses. 

^{Landschaftspark, Duisburg, Germany. Photo by Siegmund Bergemann.}

Aachen, west of Cologne, bordering on the Netherlands, is an iconic Westphalian town renowned as the capital of Charlemagne's Frankish empire and a destination for royalty over the centuries. Aachen offers photographers stunning medieval structures, including Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, combined with a lively street scene.

^{Aachen Cathedral. Photo by Siegmund Bergemann.}

^{Aachen street scene. Photo by Siegmund Bergemann.}

In May, 2020, the world-famous city of Cologne hosts Photokina, the world's leading fair for imaging, introducing the very latest in new products, trends and new model announcements.

The famed Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic example of High Gothic architecture set amid a reconstructed old town, is a short taxi ride from the fair location.

^{Photokina, Cologne. Canon Pro Stock Photo.}

^{Cologne Cathedral. Photo by Alan Kesselhaut.}

Approximately 45 minutes south of Aachen sits the quintessential German town of Monschau, with its picturesque narrow cobblestoned streets and traditional half-timbered houses, largely unchanged for over 300 years. 

^{Monschau. Photo by Siegmund Bergemann.}

The area surrounding Monschau offers photographers pretty views of the Westphalian and Belgian countryside. 

^{Monschau area. Photo by Siegmund Bergemann.}

All of these destinations are included in Princeton Photo Workshop’s North Rhine-Westphalia-Photokina Photography Tour & Workshop, May 24 - May 30, 2020.

• Read MORE 
• See the full ITINERARY
• Meet the workshop INSTRUCTORS

Other Tips for Planning a North Rhine-Westphalia Photography Trip

• Where to fly into: Düsseldorf International Airport offers easy access to the North Rhine-Westphalia area.
• Best luggage: For a trip of this length, the Nomatic Check-In roller bag is the ideal choice. It offers polycarbonate construction that stands up to the rigors of travel, silent wheels, low-profile handles, and a three-stage aluminum handle to fit your height. With space for 78 liters of gear, this bag has plenty of room for a 5-day trip or longer.
• Attractions & Things to Do: Take time to explore the many castles in the area, including Schloss Drachenburg and Schloss Nordkirchen.
• Best Time of Year to Visit: Late spring and early summer (April-July) usually offers warm temperatures and great weather.
• Check the weather in the Düsseldorf area right now.

 

---

When one thinks of hot spots to photograph in Germany, your mind might immediately wander to the mountaintop castles of Bavaria or the busy streets of Berlin.

And while these locations are certainly worthy of a visit with your camera, there are some off-the-beaten-path locations that should be on your Germany to-do list as well.

In this guide, we’ll explore some lesser-known areas of Germany that present you with excellent photographic opportunities without the huge crowds found elsewhere in this magnificent country.

Photographing Germany: The Ruhr District

The Ruhr District is teeming with relics of the industrial era - abandoned factories, coal mines, and ironworks whose decaying vestiges are ideal subjects for your lens.

Specifically, the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in the North Rhine-Westphalia city of Essen is an interesting location to shoot.

Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage site, but the complex has acres upon acres of subject matter that you can explore and photograph. This includes all the installations of a coal mine: coal pits, coking plants, pit heaps, and railway lines.

The various buildings of the complex are also worthy of being photographed.

According to UNESCO, the complex’s buildings “are outstanding examples of the application of the design concepts of the Modern Movement in architecture in a wholly industrial context.” 

As you can see in the images above, the small details of these buildings are nothing short of spectacular as well.

Quick Tip: Once you’re done exploring Zollverein, head to Landschaftspark in Duisburg. There, you’ll find a turn-of-the-century ironworks complete with cast houses, lifts, and blast furnaces that still stand testament to the might and power of the German industrial complex of the early 20th Century.

Photographing Germany: Medieval Treasures in Aachen and Monschau

  

Exploring the German town of Aachen takes you back even further in time than the hulking industrial complexes in Essen.

Once the capital of Charlemagne's enormous Frankish empire, Aachen is home to a breathtaking array of medieval architecture, the best example of which is the Aachen Cathedral.

Charlemagne ordered the cathedral built in the late 700s and it served as his burial location when he died in 805. His throne, a relatively plain seat, was installed in the cathedral in 796 and was used throughout the 10th-16th centuries for coronation proceedings of many Holy Roman Kings.

Because of its rich history and incredible architecture, UNESCO has deemed it a world heritage site as well.

Quick Tip: Just steps away from Charlemagne’s throne is the golden reliquary known as Karlschrein. Built in 1215, it stores Charlemagne's exhumed skeleton. It’s just one of many gold features in the cathedral, along with the Barbarossa chandelier, the Pala d’Oro (an altarpiece from the 11th Century), the Ambon of Henry II, and the Marienschrein, a shrine to Mary that was consecrated in 1239.

Another medieval site to explore is Monschau, a tiny village that looks as though it’s right out of the 1600s.

Little has changed in Monschau over the centuries - cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses dot the area, and the turreted Monschau Castle stands guard over the town.

If architectural photography is your passion, you must visit The Red House, an enormous home built in 1752 for a wealthy cloth manufacturer. The home’s period furnishings are ornate and beautiful, as is the carved oak staircase that winds its way from the first to the second floor.

Quick Tip: For landscape photography enthusiasts, the nearby Eifel National Park is a must-see. There, you’ll find deep blue lakes, unmolested forests, mountains, wildlife, and more.

Photographing Germany: Cologne

Though Cologne isn’t off-the-beaten-path, if you’re in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, you’d be remiss if you didn’t visit this bustling 2,000-year-old city. 

Full of incredible street scenes, landmark architecture, arts, culture, and history, Cologne is a photographer’s paradise.

The highlight of the city skyline it Cologne Cathedral, a stunning example of High Gothic architecture with two spires that pierce the sky.

Like the Aachen Cathedral, the Cologne Cathedral has many examples of gilded medieval reliquaries that are as massive as they are beautiful.

Situated on the riverfront, there are spectacular views of the Rhine as well.

Quick Tip: Be sure to visit the Museum Ludwig next door to the cathedral. Inside, you can explore a massive collection of art that spans hundreds of years, including many examples of work by Pablo Picasso. The museum also has a permanent photography exhibit, including FOTO LAB, an area where you can experiment with various devices, including a camera obscura, the first type of camera.

If you plan to visit Cologne, do so in May, when Photokina, the world’s leading imaging fair, takes place.

Photokina represents a unique opportunity to explore as-yet-unreleased photography gear and witness some of the latest innovations in the world of photography. What’s more, the fair draws thousands of photography enthusiasts so there is a chance to meet photographers from around the globe and share your common passion for photography together.

The Best Way to See Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia Region

With so many locations to explore in this region of Germany, it can be a little overwhelming deciding where to go, when, and for how long.

What’s more, making travel arrangements, figuring out where to stay, and booking local tours can be a time-consuming task that makes the prospect of travel seem more like a job than an adventure! 

That’s why a photo workshop is the best way to see this area.

All of the locations discussed above are included in Princeton Photo Workshop’s North Rhine-Westphalia-Photokina tour.

This seven-day, six-night tour takes place May 24-30, 2020, and coincides with Photokina.

Beginning in the Ruhr District, moving to Aachen and Monschau, and culminating in a visit to Cologne, this tour provides ample learning opportunities for photographers of all skill levels. 

With art, architecture, street scenes, and landscapes to explore, you’ll be able to expand your horizons as a photographer and put new skills to practice in a variety of settings.

Throughout the tour, workshop leaders will provide feedback on your images and the group will meet for discussions of critical photography topics, including lighting, composition, color, and post-processing.

Aside from the gorgeous settings and a small-group experience, what’s of note about this tour is the expertise of the tour leaders. 

This is not a hands-off tour, by any means. Leaders are involved from moment one, guiding you, helping you put your learning into action, and providing constructive feedback so you can become a better photographer. In that supportive, welcoming, and warm environment, you’ll find your creative voice! 

Visit Princeton Photo Workshop today to learn more about this photography adventure in Germany!

Take an Adventure Stateside Too!

If the timing doesn’t work for you to head to Germany with Princeton Photo Workshop next May, why not take a photography class in the U.S.?

With classes in New York City, Philadelphia, and New Jersey, there is no lack of fodder for your camera.

In New York, explore the Highline and Hudson Yards, Grand Central Terminal, or the New York Public Library and Bryant Park.

Touring Philadelphia, you can photograph the Boathouse Row and Art Museum area at sunset, the Cherry Street and Race Street Piers, or Eastern State Penitentiary, a haunting monolith that was at one time the largest and most expensive prison in the world. 

In New Jersey, you’ll find that Princeton University is the ideal location for learning about composition. Get exclusive access to the inner workings of a boatyard at David Beaton & Sons in Brick or head to Bluestone Racehorse Farms in Hopewell for a lesson on lighting in the picturesque New Jersey countryside. 

Whatever your pleasure, Princeton Photo Workshop offers the professional guidance and support you need to elevate the quality of your photos. That’s just one of the reasons why we’ve named Princeton Photo Workshop as one of the top photography workshops to attend in 2019-2020.

 

---