Fernweh- Trans Asia Express (Istanbul to Tehran), January 2009 In German there is an expression "Fernweh", which means "ache for the distance" when translated literally into English- the longing for being on the road and movement, the longing for being in far away places and immerse oneself in other cultures. The train journey is the way of traveling that represents this feeling most to me- as the train weaves slowly through the landscape, this longing, and the romance & adventure of traveling is reflected in the tender early morning light, the soft colours and hues on the landscape and the calm yet mysterious darkness of the night.

Streatham High Road is located in the South London borough of Lambeth, and it is what is locally believed to be the longest High Road in the UK and a contestant to be the longest High Road in Europe. In addition, it was voted as Britain's Worst Street in a 2002 poll by CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment). Being part of the A23 from London to Brighton, Streatham High Road for many seems to be just a traffic choked drive-through road on their way to their final destination, and a road with little appeal. However, by slowing down to observe, experience, and capture this part of London with my photography, I am hoping to show that it is, in fact, a perfect microcosm of multicultural Britain where an incredible mix of ethnicities happily share their living space.

Streatham High Road is located in the South London borough of Lambeth, and it is what is locally believed to be the longest High Road in the UK and a contestant to be the longest High Road in Europe. In addition, it was voted as Britain's Worst Street in a 2002 poll by CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment). Being part of the A23 from London to Brighton, Streatham High Road for many seems to be just a traffic choked drive-through road on their way to their final destination, and a road with little appeal. However, by slowing down to observe, experience, and capture this part of London with my photography, I am hoping to show that it is, in fact, a perfect microcosm of multicultural Britain where an incredible mix of ethnicities happily share their living space. ALL PICTURES ARE FOR SALE - PLEASE GET IN TOUCH FOR PRINT PRICES

In the 1930s many outdoor swimming pools called "Lido" opened their doors and were very popular in the UK. However, over the years many closed and only some remain open (many only after local campaigns by dedicated swimmers). Brockwell Lido, which has been in the heart of Brixton since 1937, is one of those lidos with a very dedicated following. As a regular summer swimmer at this Lido I have been impressed by the many regulars who come no matter what the weather is like. Being used to heated outdoor pools in my native Germany it took me a while to be brave enough to swim a whole season in the unheated Brockwell Lido pool. In admiration of the regular swimmers I created a series of portraits of those who came on the last weekend of the 2010 season. As the water temperature dropped from 14.8oC on Friday to 13.8oC on Saturday and 13.4oC on Sunday people posed mostly patiently for me in the freezing cold water. Only when looking closely, though, one sees a few details, which give away the chilly water temperatures. Set against the calm blue of the water and the red brick walls, which surround the lido the portraits are synonymous for the oasis of calm this place presents in the midst of bustling and multicultural Brixton.