photographer
Chicago Sunset
This photo of a lakefront view of downtown Chicago was taken during my rust belt tour earlier this year. Although most of the trip was focused on finding the beauty in the decayed and neglected industries, we would take moments like this one to see the beauty in the modern city as well. This is a high dynamic range (HDR) shot using three bracketed shots combined into one image.
1 1/2 Ton
I love the perspective of this piece. It was taken in an abandoned steel and wire company in Chicago.
Every time I look at this photo, it draws me in, spins me around and spits me out. I love that momentary sensation in my stomach like I’m on a spinning ride at Lakeside.
It’s been so long….
When I was in the rust belt shooting urban decay and the fall of American Industry, I worked on a series of telephones. All the different types of phones stamped a date on the closing of these plants. Each one was unique and told a story. This one was in one of the last buildings we shot in Chicago. The Chicago Steel and Wire company. To see some images that my brother Josh took of the same facility, check out www.ballmultimedia.com
Almost a lost opportunity
This sunset photo was taken just outside of Pittsburgh earlier this year. My brother Josh and I had just finished a weekend of shooting urban exploration photographs in Cleveland and Pittsburgh and were on our way back to Toledo, Oh for Easter. We had waited for the sunset in the city on one of the many bridges in the city until we just couldn’t take the wind anymore. We felt like we had shot some nice sunset shots until we realized that the best was yet to come. Instead of being upset over the lost opportunity, we pulled the car over and took these shots.
Pressure
I’ve always had a fascination with water towers. I’m not sure what it is about them but since I was a kid I’ve been attracted to them. During my trip to the rust belt, I took the opportunity to shoot a lot of water towers. Many of which I’m sure I will post on the site.
The potential energy of these towers is very interesting. Huge amounts of water stored in a tank on top of a building could have devistating effects. At the same time they represent an early technology that provided access to water and water pressure for buildings and whole communities.
This shot was taken in Toledo, Oh at sunset. The building is located right downtown along the Maumee river and serves as a reminder of simpler days.
Walleye Run
The Walleye Run in the Maumee River in Toledo, Oh is a big event each year. It’s so big, Toledo has named it’s professional hockey team, The Walleyes, who are actually in the playoffs right now. Each year the Walleye come up the Maumee river to spawn and it attracts hundreds of fisherman each year. At peak times, you can see fisherman of all ages, sexes and races fishing shoulder to shoulder. Some fish waste deep in the water with their waders, nets and stringer lines and some fish from small boats in the middle of the river. Despite the method, most leave with at least one fish on their line.
It’s also great business for local bait vendors and sports equipment retailers. There is a certain set of gear that it seems all fisherman must have. Those who don’t have the proper gear look awkward and amateur.
This shot was taken at dawn near Sidecut Park in Maumee, Oh.
Ice Painting 3
Ice paintings are one of my favorite rainy afternoon photography project. It’s easy to accomplish. First, freeze a container of water into ice. A disposable food container works great. Then, set up some lights or use natural light if it’s available. Slowly add your favorite colors of food coloring or acrylic paints and take macro shots of the results. You can also change the affect by using salt to create more texture.
Coal Power
This coal fired power plant in Denver is one of thousands in the country. As we shift our focus to more green technologies for creating energies, scenes like this will become more rare. We’ll begin to see more solar panels and wind turbines replacing smoke stacks and huge piles of coal.
