Like many old-time New Yorkers – we didn’t think much of the World Trade Center in terms of looks. Just these huge boxes with none of the panache of the Empire State or Chrysler Buildings. You know what I mean. Giant cartons spelling power, but without any graceful touches. I really only went to photograph the WTC twice. The monumental interiors that were like cities in themselves – you had to be somewhat impressed by it, but again – these interiors were just utilitarian.
So I’m walking around the exterior with it’s modern sculptures that mean nothing to me, and some temporary space for artists – which on this particular day has a piece of curved steel which if you stand in the right place reflects back the sun and the buildings. So, on this film roll, I went out of my way to take some shots of the World Trade Center, and I returned with exactly one WTC shot, which is shown below.
Photography, by it’s nature, is of course documentary. No matter what you’re photographing – there is a good chance that it will be disappear, and some chance that it will disappear due to historical reasons. Because of the distorted reflections, with strange shapes and glare of sun – that give it (for me) the feeling of an oracle. Or to put it another way, if the oracle of old spoke in images rather than words – it might have spit this image out.
If this is not already in your print gallery it should be by the end of the weekend!
Bwian
Bwian – she’s in the store now:
http://www.beckermanphoto.com/world-trade-center-reflection-wtcr.html
I’m willing to put up $5 that it doesn’t sell unless I put it into a gallery show. A general rule to go by, if a professional photographer likes an image that I post here – it will never sell. This is esp. true for some photographers that will go nameless.
The WTC photo you took with the tiny church is and always has been one of my faves…Does it ever sell?
Bruce – no. It has never sold.
Maybe I’ll buy it…
http://www.beckermanphoto.com/world-trade-center-and-church-wtcac.html
This picture, as you display it here with the yellow rim, looks absolutely incredible. If it were similarly displayed on your site, it would show better and perhaps sell. The yellow rim against the black border adds a dramatic flair to the photo that makes it pop.