These five stories have been our most memorable
Over 150 articles have been published on hellozurich during 2018. Five photographers and authors reveal their personal favourites – from a visit to a brothel to a conversation with an angel and a photoshoot in the suburbs.
‘I was free to move around the brothel and take the time I needed for the photoshoot.’
First visit to a brothel
Christian Schiller, photographer
‘Before my visit to meet madam Mona at the brothel, I was nervous: how would the prostitutes and clients react to the camera? What should I actually take pictures of? At that point, I had only been to shops and bars as part of my work for hellozurich. But my concerns quickly evaporated. Mona showed me around the whole brothel and introduced me, so I was free to move around and take the time I needed for the photoshoot. It was strange when a woman disappeared into a room with a client, and even more so when the prostitutes came out afterwards as if nothing had happened.’
‘I had so many questions: Where do you come from? What do you do all day? Who makes sure you look so pretty and fresh?’
Travellers are watched over by a voluptuous angel with golden wings
Luisa Aeberhard, author
‘I was waiting for my colleague on the concourse at Zurich main station, beneath the fat woman – that’s what we call the enormous polyester angel. I looked up at her: “Why fat? All you’re doing is showing off your feminine curves, right?” I had so many questions: “Where do you come from? What do you do all day? Who makes sure you look so pretty and fresh?” But the angel remained silent. And so I had to make do with the information superhighway where, after much research, I found the answers to my questions.’
‘In total, I spent seven hours on the shoot and the photo editing.’
Holzerhurd – from somewhere to nowhere
Cemil Erkoç, photographer
‘The photoshoot for the article about the terminus of the famous number 32 bus line took a whole four hours. I set off on the bus from Helvetiaplatz and took photos of Langstrasse, Limmatplatz and Kornhausbrücke so the readers could join me on the journey to Zurich-Affoltern. When I got there, I photographed the estate, did a portrait of two locals and made a film using a drone. At home, I then spent another two-and-a-half hours editing and processing. But the investment was worth it: the article was one of the most successful since hellozurich started in September 2017.’
‘I know Leo, 69, from when we used to go to what was the Dachkantine electro club, and many private parties.’
‘I must have been a monk in a previous life’
Jasmin Frei, photographer
‘The article about Leo Ineichen was part of our “A visit to” series. The extensive photographic reports show the exciting lives of the people who call Zurich their home. We made a conscious choice not to portray celebrities in their mansions. I know 69-year-old Leo from when we used to go to what was the Dachkantine electro club, and many private parties. Homes and their furnishings say so much about a person. It really fascinates me. In Leo’s apartment, for example, it was clear straight away that he also has a spiritual and tranquil side.’
‘While browsing I thought: “I just have to find out more about this unique concept and the owners!”’
Marta Flohmarkt
Barbara Hefti, author
‘On my way to an appointment, the cutely named Marta Flohmarkt shop caught my eye. Curious, I went back the next day incognito as a customer, and while I was browsing I thought: “I just have to find out more about this unique concept and the owners!” With their flea market store, the founders are making a stand against the throwaway society and showing courage with such an innovative idea, which isn’t driven by profit. For me it was a story that simply had to be told.’
