It is generally not advised to hang around old and derelict industrial sites. After all, there are a number of hazards just waiting to cause injury to the non-alert visitor. Most items found within these sites are rusted, sharp, most likely illegal, and truly uninviting. Uninviting, that is, if you are not a curious photographer. Industrial sites are a gold mine for those who have a keen eye and a sense for creativity. The valve illustrated in this article was the remnant of an irrigation system located in Baghdad, Iraq. Despite the hazards associated with the location to start with, I found this valve to be quite intriguing. I wondered who would have installed the valve and how long it had been there. I was curious about the functions the valve served and how often it had been operated. After a few moments, I learned to appreciate the circumstances by which this seemingly benign valve and I had crossed paths despite the circumstances which brought me to the location in the first place.
Like my Baghdad valve, there are many interesting photographic opportunities to be found in industrial sites. You don’t need to travel to Baghdad to find industrial ruins, and I would have to strongly urge against it if at all possible. Similar shots can be achieved just about anywhere. Old buildings also create photographic opportunities as well, but caution must be exercised not to trespass onto restricted areas.
For those who enjoy shooting perspective shots, industrial sites are a target rich environment. Oftentimes, there are train tracks, above ground pipes, tall buildings, and metal stock lying in precarious configurations just waiting to be revered as a thing of beauty…or at least interesting.
Industrial sites often present ideal conditions for finding abstract patterns. Abstract photographs are photographs that contain unusual patters often found in routine locations. For instance, an end shot of a stack of pipe creates unusual patterns when shot from steep angles. The same stack of pipe may take on the appearance of honeycomb when shot directly from a ninety degree angle. Sometimes all it takes are a few test shots to find unusual patterns all around you.
Industrial sites are often best shot or processed in black and white with a heavy grain or digital noise. The cold appearance coupled with heavy shadows present a Gothic appearance that is often coveted by contemporary designers. These prints are presented well when placed on a simple, black frame with a white matte. Some abstract designers also find industrial collage prints very appealing.
Although I admittedly used some creative post-production enhancements to create a more interesting effect, I find this photograph to be quite appealing. Industrial influenced photography can be looked at as a method of preserving the past. Like the valve illustrated above, many of these objects are replaced with more efficient devices and the originals will never be replicated. Try not to look at repulsive pieces of metallic debris as unappealing hardware, rather look at them as potential pieces of art.
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