Capturing Europe on Digital & Film with Justin Sorensen

Justin Sorensen, an avid photographer and storyteller, embarked on a ten-day train journey through Europe with his trusted Hasselblad camera in hand. ‘Iron Tracks’ is his personal narrative of exploration and discovery, capturing the vibrant scenes of cities like London, Bordeaux, Barcelona, Marseille, and Paris. Through his lens and words, Justin shares the experiences, challenges, and beauty he encountered along the way. This journey blends photography with travel, fashion, and culture, offering a vivid account of life on the road and the stories found in unexpected moments.

Iron Tracks

by Justin Sorensen

A European ramble by train with a moon camera from KEH and a capsule collection from Ornot.

As the clock struck 6am in Marseille, the sun slowly rose over the eastern horizon, marking the start of our second day in this vibrant southern French port city. With camera in hand, I was eager to dive into the city’s morning hustle. Unlike the tranquil starts of our previous stops, Marseille greeted me with a whirlwind of activity—speeding cars and motorbikes weaving through narrow streets, challenging my romanticized view of European life. This burst of chaos was a powerful reminder of how travel can shatter stereotypes and offer new perspectives, all seen through the lens of my camera.

I embarked on a ten-day journey across Europe by train in March 2024, visiting London, Bordeaux, Barcelona, Marseille, and Paris. Throughout the trip, I averaged walking about 14 miles per day, using every step as an opportunity to frame the unique scenes I encountered. My travel capsule, provided by Ornot, was designed for versatility and adaptability, and my camera gear—comprising a Hasselblad 500 c/m with a film back and a 907x 50c digital back—was selected to capture the essence of each location.

Ornot generously provided me with a travel capsule perfectly suited for my journey. Their versatile garments were ideal for springtime in Europe. Packing light is my mantra, so I needed to know if these items would hold up under constant use and remain fresh throughout the trip.

I brought along my Hasselblad 907x 50c digital back, complementing my existing 500 c/m setup. I was excited to see how these analog and digital systems would merge and function together. KEH’s commitment to sustainability through camera reuse resonated with me, aligning perfectly with Hasselblad’s integration of past designs with modern technology.

Here’s what I packed for my gear:

• Hasselblad 500 c/m
• Hasselblad 907x 50c
• Hasselblad 80mm f/2.8 CF
• Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/3.

My journey was documented with GPS maps of the routes I walked and images I captured along the way, providing a visual diary of my travels. Interspersed with these visuals are my reflections on the Hasselblad camera.

As an avid runner and cycler, I have to find other ways to stay active with traveling constraints. So I embraced walking — and lots of it. Walking offers a unique chance to fully absorb a place, appreciating its atmosphere at a pace that allows for deeper observation. It’s in these everyday moments that I find my curiosity piqued. How do locals in cities like London or Marseille go about their daily lives? What lies between the tourist hotspots? Carrying a manual camera like the Hasselblad 500 c/m adds another layer to this exploration, encouraging a slower, more deliberate approach to capturing the essence of each place.

When you think of Bordeaux, you might envision wine and a lifestyle akin to Napa Valley. But the reality might surprise you. Bordeaux was edgy, diverse, and down-to-earth, with its beautiful, walkable streets offering something for everyone.

Barcelona’s lively streets felt like a sensory feast. Each corner revealed a vibrant mix of colors, shapes, and textures, embodying the city’s eclectic spirit. Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical creations, such as the undulating curves of Casa Batlló and the towering spires of Sagrada Família, stood out amidst the bustling cityscape. Observing the city wake up in the El Born district—locals at cafes, children heading to school, commuters pedaling to work—fuelled my passion for capturing the common threads that connect us all.

Marseille, with its vibrant street art and frenetic energy, was the most color-saturated city of the trip. The art covering its buildings seemed like a statement from its diverse and eclectic residents.

As the trip wrapped up in Paris, I questioned the purpose of this project. Had I truly experienced the full spectrum of this journey? As a photographer, I often seek out the perfect shot, but travel teaches us to embrace imperfection and celebrate raw, unfiltered moments. “Iron Tracks” became a journey of discovery, capturing the nuances of emotion and excitement in unfamiliar surroundings. It was about finding beauty in the unexpected and making the most of fleeting moments.

My reflections on this trip are deeply connected to the tools I used — the Hasselblad camera and the Ornot clothing. The camera’s manual operation allowed me to participate in the environment, not just as a tourist. It encouraged me to push my compositions further, distinguishing between taking a picture and creating an image. Ornot’s clothing simplified decision-making, kept my suitcase light, and ensured comfort across varying temperatures.

Through this journey, I gained a newfound appreciation for movement, both physically and artistically. Longer shutter speeds became a tool for capturing the constant motion around me, reflecting the essence of my experiences. By actively engaging with my surroundings and using my camera as a conduit, I sought to understand people and places more deeply.

Justin Sorensen a seasoned commercial and editorial photographer, based in New York City. His passion for creating images stems from a love of connecting people, places, and objects with timeless authentic storytelling through the medium of sport, movement, and active lifestyle.

 Follow Justin on Instagram @justinsorensen_

Edited by Terez Turner