Birkenau

Posted by DarkElf (Perth, Australia) on 7 November 2008 in Lifestyle & Culture.

this is a shot taken from the main rail ramp at the second and larger part of the camp - Birkenau, which was built a little later than Auschwitz... this is where the trains with people arrived and where first selection took place... the trains were made up of cattle carriages and often not many people survived the journey itself... you can see what the carriages looked like in this photo: final destination

once again this is a colour photo rather than the usually taken b&w - the reasons for it i explained in response to comments in my previous post... i do take on board, however, the comments about b&w being more appropriate and I have post processed one or two photos in b&w and will post them here soon...

in reality, it is a tragic and sad place regardless of whether it is portrayed in colour or in b&w...

thanks to everyone for visiting and commenting... please critique at will - i am looking to learn so any comments and tips are appreciated...

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Comments (18)

Ronnie 2¢ from London, United Kingdom

Yes, I have re-read your earlier Response about the color and agree with you. When those poor souls arrived, the sky was, indeed, blue, the grass green and the brickwork cheerfully red. As you have expressed, that makes the dark, evil intentions seem all the more despicable . . if that is possible.

7 Nov 2008 4:57pm

Calusarus from St Sorlin en Valloire, France

Now word can explain how special is this place. And not only for Jewish people, but for the whole human kind.

7 Nov 2008 5:22pm

Ted from South Wales, United Kingdom

What an eloquent defence of colour and commentary(previous) that also transfers to this shot. I understand why Ian would argue for BW (as one of his biggest fans) and I have often told him his best shots are in colour.
In this shot though I am not sure that BW would add value. (IMHO)
However what I really like here is the fabulous perspective and composition that leads you to such a dreadful place, so perfectly described.
Quality!

7 Nov 2008 5:30pm

Jean-Michel from BRUSSELS, Belgium

Hi DarkElf,
You've taken this image exactly the same way as one of mine, I mean for the railroad !
Mine was much, much less terrifying memories.
Very good image !
Cheers
Cheers

7 Nov 2008 7:49pm

dj.tigersprout from San Bruno, CA, United States

hmm -- a beautiful shot, but with such powerful and dark secrets overtones... the composition is very impressive -- the rail running straight through the center is striking indeed! i too would be interested in a b/w version -- but i will wait to you post them!! cheers to you Maciek -- and bravo!!

7 Nov 2008 11:59pm

San G. from Encino, California, United States

I imagine B&W would evoke in me more of the nightmare of it all. The color is so well lit with a warm sun that I imagine it's more like "having woken up from the nightmare." ... a nightmare none the less. The direct rail helps evoke this feeling, it puts me in the same position, visually.

8 Nov 2008 1:50am

Kurt from San Francisco, United States

I'm glad to see this in color, since we're so used to seeing these scenes in B&W. Great composition here.

8 Nov 2008 1:56am

Monique from Koh Samui, Thailand

Without reading your comment at first, I already knew what I was looking at even the colors can't hide the fact what happened here. Strong composition with the rails leading your eyes to that horrible site!

8 Nov 2008 3:24am

Laurie from New Jersey, United States

So evocative. I have to say even on a beautiful day there is such darkness here.

8 Nov 2008 4:36am

MontereyJohn from Salinas, California, United States

A famous, infamous, view of that dreaded gate. Well done.

8 Nov 2008 4:55am

Jeffster from Long Island, United States

Thank you. A beautiful capture of a truly sad place. I can only try to imagine the feelings of the poor souls on the train, and the horror awaiting them inside. I knew some people who survived the camps, and decades later, still woke up screaming in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, mankind doesn't seem to learn from the past..

8 Nov 2008 4:56am

Alun Lambert from cheshire, United Kingdom

cracking shot, love the line leading you in

8 Nov 2008 3:21pm

Tracey from White Hall, United States

Excellent low perspective and great choice of leading lines.

9 Nov 2008 8:05pm

Walter from Watkinsville, United States

I really like the perspective angle given along with the focal point which helps drive home the feeling of this place. For those traveling to this place, the end was not so clear, but in retrospect as we walk towards his place we are all too aware of what happened. In this instance, I feel the photos in color today keep our eyes open to the reality of the situation and that it should never be repeated again. This photo was worth the stares you received from those around you as you lay down on the ground to get the right perspective.

10 Nov 2008 2:44am