This journey reminds me of some really special and charming moments of 2023! I was so excited, so I decided to make myself a photobook about it... in the process of creating it, few people asked me if I can make copies of it for them, few days later, one of the travel pilots planted me the idea of publishing my first photobook and here we come now - The Heart of Europe photobook is available for everyone of you!
Main work on the project took me about 2 months of work and I released it on January 13 2024! Another two months has passed till I finalise every aspect of the book and levelling it up with some maps and etc.
The book includes 50 pictures, 3 maps, 1 graphic, shooting info and story from Alsace region - France. Hight quality paper book.
Short part of the book content:
This is my favourite picture that I took at the end of my journey, entitled “Where the Liberty was born”. This composition really reminds of the grand original Statue of Liberty in New York City. Here in Colmar the Statue of Liberty’s father was born – one of the greatest sculptors – Bartholdi. He was the architect behind the French gift of friendship between France and America – the Statue of Liberty, which stands proudly in New York today. And now The Mini Liberty is here as Bartholdi’s memorial.
Picture information:
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
1/400s
F1.8
ISO 100
50mm
How did this journey start? Well, it was one of those adventures you never plan. Switzerland – a country which I have never expected to visit. Why? I cannot really explain... This unplanned adventure took me to the bustling city of Basel. It was a quick visit, just two or three hours, but I managed to capture a few fleeting moments of this charming city. Basel is an incredibly busy area in Switzerland. While it's not the classical Swiss Alps destination, Basel has its own unique charm, with its impressive architecture, the majestic Rhine River, and a surprising array of shops. I took a few pictures and saw things such as a teddy bear with Swarovski that you can buy if you are crazy enough or you can go to a Weedy shop for you know what, etc.
After a brief visit to Switzerland, we were back in France, specifically in Alsace, one of the most renowned regions in the country. We also travelled to Strasbourg, and I believe that here is the right moment to share the reason behind my book's title, "The Heart of Europe." The first and most obvious reason is that Alsace and Basel are situated at the very heart of Europe. The second, and more significant reason, is that during our subsequent days in Strasbourg, we had the privilege of visiting the European Parliament, the institution that serves as the beating heart of our European Union. You will never believe how surprisingly swift the journey to Strasbourg was, thanks to the well-maintained straight highway along the Rhine River, which connects Basel and Strasbourg – the home city of European Parliament and the French culture and history. Remember one thing: for sure you will be impressed by Strasbourg. A modern that has preserved its historic charm in its Old Town, it has its infrastructure planned to serve to both its residents and visitors and impresses with its immaculate cleanliness and architectural beauty.
Alsace – flat land, fields, little forests, great arrangement of all of them without any unused space. Every corner is used and even some roundabouts are planted with grape vines. A vibrant artistic hub – Strasbourg, city of France and city functioning as heart of the EU. Ideal transport system, maintenance of the old city and the new one too. The canals of Ill River go through the whole city flowing into the Rhine. That is one very large river passing the whole Alsace region and being “border” between Strasbourg and Germany. The city of Strasbourg is not just an EU city, it is marvel with its architecture projects – the Medieval Catholic Cathedral – Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, high 142 metres, St. Paul’s Protestant Cathedral on the shore of Ill River, the old houses in Petite – France, all bridges, churches and streets. The little Venice in Colmar could join in this list of architectural gems. The people are equally remarkable. Many foreigners, especially from Turkey, have chosen this place as their home, and it is obvious why. Alsace remains a wonderful place for French wine, croissants and leisure strolls, canal cruises, learning about the rich history of knights or simply enjoying the Alsace’s plains or the Vosges mountains.
Thanks to being part of the project, I had the exceptional opportunity to visit not only the Alsace region, but the EU parliament too – the heart of Europe. Massive, and of course, impressively designed building, gigantic and comfortable central hall, elegant interior, a grand tunnel connecting the rooms with bridges adorned with towering grapevines which remind us of the EU’s green future.
Great project, thanks to which, my friends and I saw how the EP works, saw a role model city – Strasbourg, but we also learned about Alsace region and Colmar – the birthplace of NY’s Statue of Liberty, let’s not forget about one of the richest cities in the Europe – Basel, Switzerland and maybe the future district of Strasbourg on the other shore of Rhine – Kehl, Germany. Thank you!
Buy 'The Heart of Europe' photobook here or DM!
Watch my not-professional cinematic video in YouTube:
