Commentators and academics often distinguish between two large, general types: indoor and outdoor or street prostitution. But both these categories come in many different shapes and sizes, and many of the indoor variety are rather ordinary looking. These images from Germany, Denmark, Switzerland and Belgium show how commercial sex sometimes looks in the daytime, without garish signs or lights. Those shown here have some discreet indication of what they’re about, but many others have none and don’t need any because they don’t rely on passing trade.
Munich, Germany
Lüneburg, Germany (Photo by Claus Petersen)
Munich, Germany
Melano, Switzerland
Flensburg, Germany (Photo by Claus Petersen)
Ostend, Belgium
Arhus, Denmark (Photo by Claus Petersen)
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Very interesting. Thanks for posting these.
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Beautiful photos and so important to make the idea of “brothel” real to people. Thank you for all the work you do to help people better understand the realities of migration and commercial sex.
They are interesting pictures. I might think about a similar feature for my own blog. Scottish brothels in Edinburgh during the day, and during the night.
Only trouble is they are semi legal in Edinburgh, and though everyone knows they exist and they advertise, one feels that publicity should not be excessive.
Much sex work happens in the daylight hours in apartments in any kind of buildings. Some women start their working day about noon and work for 6 – 10 hours. Others take the night shift. Depending on personal preferences and the laws, the women work on their own or in groups in an apartment / brothel.
The clients fit their visits at a brothel into their working day or after work. All the better places have showers. The clients find the women usually in ads in the local newspaper or on the internet.
@ Steve, as a client and photographer I’m very careful only to publish photos of places which are clearly identifiable or well known as brothels. The photos would be more interesting if they were populated with people and cars. But maybe a little too indiscreet.