Humans of Zürich – 10 Fountain Portraits by Michael Lamarra

Zürich, Switzerland is host to over 1200 public water fountains with clean, drinkable water. The locals will drink from the tap while on the go, or you can see them fill up their water bottles.

I knew that I wanted to get to know Zürich past its beautiful buildings and lively lake. That is when I remembered what I had heard from a man: That these fountains were the "Facebook" for the Middle Ages. The fountains is where people would come to meet and interact.

I decided to choose ten different fountains around the city and strike up a conversation with people at these fountains. I uncovered some interesting stories and I really felt like I got to know the city a bit better.

Initially, many were surprised at my request for a photograph of them drinking water, but I rarely heard "no". Here are ten of the wonderful citizens and travelers who went along with my Zürich portrait series:

Fred (Zürich) is a hair stylist with a great salon in the city.

Annada and David (Czech Republic) are wandering the city while Annada visits her sister here and David is looking for a job.

Melinda (Zürich) is walking home from her shift at the Teuscher Chocolate Shop around the corner.

Frank (Stuttgart) is visiting a friend in Zürich, but the friend is working during the day. Frank is just exploring the city a bit while waiting.

Heinrich (Zürich) is showing family around the city while they visit him and his wife.

Nate (US) used to live in Zürich for 5 years, but now he is a retired photographer back for a visit.

Franz (Zürich) studies audio engineering and likes Rock, Electronic, House... Anything but Alpine yodeling folk music!

Bruno (Zürich) works at the Lindt Chocolate Factory as an ERP consultant. He mostly enjoys his work there.

Robin (Glasgow) is on a home holiday visiting family in Zürich.

Florian and Sanya (Zürich) live and work in the city.

About the Photographer

This is a guest post by Michael Lamarra, a New York based photographer and cinematographer. He was introduced to the camera at age 12 by Philadelphia photographer Mike Allebach who mentored him in composition and lighting. Michael now applies his visual ideas to narrative film and broadcast/documentary where he gets to combine his passion in camera work with his love of travel and documenting of various cultures.

(All photographs are copyright by Michael Lamarra)