So often a city is defined by its dramatic skyline, the majesty of its tallest buildings. But a city is so much more than its celebrities, both in its inhabitants and architecture. The dilapidated building or faded sign rendered poignant by time and the elements, the alley that everyone recognizes but no one can place, and the drab wall momentarily illuminated by the sun and made brilliant — Each has its own beauty and history.

And under our noses, all but escaping notice, nature takes its stand against the encroaching cinder block structure, and the vandal’s paint defiles or beautifies. Daily drama played out quietly beneath an untroubled sky.

To me this type of photography is a great adventure, a photo safari in our own backyards. These urban landscapes are often invisible at first glance, revealing themselves on the double take, and then perhaps only if the sun is just right. Photographing them eludes planning. The photographer must always be ready for the opportunity to capture them.

Concrete Jungle (2006)

Michael Singman-Aste
Postdiluvian Photo

Tags: Postdiluvian Photo, urban landscapes

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 at 6:33 am and is filed under Musings. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.