This summer, I had the opportunity to conduct photography fieldwork in Berlin for six weeks. The focus of our project was the city’s unique playground structures, which encourage independence, creativity, and agency in young children. Our goal was to observe the connection between these playgrounds and Berlin's commitment to mitigating climate change. Observing these spaces closely, I was struck by both the thoughtful design of public areas and the cultural differences in child-rearing. While in the United States there is a strong emphasis on keeping children safe, in Germany the priority is to allow children to take risks. In fact, it is encouraged for children to get hurt and learn through experience. Some playgrounds we photographed even included piles of wood and tools for children as young as six to create with. While my first instinct was to think, “That’s not safe,” I worked to step back and see the value in a childhood that fosters confident and capable adults.
Documenting these structures through photography required me to engage not only with the visual elements but also with the social dynamics of how children interacted with the playgrounds, noting how space, design, and movement intersect to support growth and exploration. Climbing on and under the structures allowed me to reconnect with a younger perspective. I even found some of the structures intimidating, which challenged me to become more confident. On a broader scale, conducting research in a new environment similarly allowed me to develop my own independence and agency, as I navigated unfamiliar neighborhoods, public transportation systems, and cultural norms while managing the responsibilities of the project.
Living and working in Berlin offered me a deeper understanding of community and culture. I observed how public spaces reflect broader values of collaboration, inclusion, and respect for personal autonomy. Watching children play freely while parents observed from a distance, and often not at all, gave me a new perspective on trust and social expectations. Many playgrounds require children to come alone rather than being dropped off, and parents are not permitted inside. I was especially struck by how Berliners integrate play and learning into everyday life, using both the city and nature as a classroom. Many playgrounds were located in urban areas, encouraging children to practice independence in getting there while also teaching them about animals, fire, and even cooking. These experiences required me to step outside my comfort zone, actively observe, listen, and adapt, fostering a heightened sense of cultural awareness.
Moments of discomfort, such as coordinating logistics in unfamiliar neighborhoods or communicating complex ideas across a language barrier, challenged me to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills. Small misunderstandings or missed cues initially caused frustration, such as Germans’ discomfort with being photographed or even being near someone photographing. Even though we never photographed people, I learned to go to public spaces early in the day to avoid making anyone uncomfortable and became more confident in asking for permission to photograph if I thought that anyone around me looked uncomfortable. These experiences also taught me important lessons about leadership. Leading aspects of the fieldwork required balancing initiative with collaboration, supporting my teammates while ensuring that research objectives were met, and making decisions under uncertainty. I realized that leadership is not about directing others but about listening, facilitating, and adapting to circumstances while maintaining accountability.
Beyond practical skills, this international experience reinforced the importance of observation, reflection, and active engagement in learning. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn about photography and feel much more confident in my ability to work on long-term creative projects. Overall, my time in Berlin deepened my understanding of how physical spaces, cultural values, and personal initiative intersect, providing lessons that will continue to inform my academic, professional, and personal growth for years to come. I look forward to what next summer brings and the eventual final product of the field work we conducted!