Posted by Chris Rice on February 3, 2010 at 1:04 AM
Hello RMNP Folks;
At the Shindig I talked to some of you about a rather unusual departure from nature photography that has been occupying my free time as of late, and wanted to share some of the images and observations with all of you. The project that I have started is an urban study that focuses on Denver's outlying industrial areas, attempting to portray the scenes in an evocative manner, all the while being a photographic narrative about the not-so-glamorous but significant part of Denver's historic industrial economy.
The rationalization for such an unusual (and unorthodox for a nature guy) photographic project manifested itself through the principle that there is beauty in everything, and for us that live in Colorado, natural beauty is quite abundant. With that notion, I felt that I needed to be challenged to find a subject that had almost the polar opposite characteristics of the state in which I live and love to photograph. A few drives up Brighton Boulevard in Commerce City last November on quiet Sundays was enough to confirm that I should begin this project, and not hold back. So, I have begun, and I am not sure when I will finish. The end result will be anything it wants to be - a blog, a book, a study - a new appreciation for my once diminishing passion for the photographic arts.
So I hope you take some time to have a look at what I've compiled so far - it's not much, but like I said, this project could last for years, depending on how it constantly changes and my vision is modified over the course of it. Each week I plan on observing and photographing, while adding content to my blog. My intentions are to share with you the simple notion that photography - be it nature, architectural, portraiture, or photojournalism, brings us together in many ways. Many, if not all of you, are inspiration for people to make amazing photographs and to hone their craft patiently and thoroughly. With that, don't hold back, and look around you wherever you are - a photographic opportunity is happening.
Thank you, and hope you all have a productive and fun year behind the camera.
Posted by Rajeev Thomas on February 3, 2010 at 4:38 AM
Chris.... The Birds, Sand Creek Contrasts,Industrial Evolution, Railroad Ties Bind, ..those are my favorites... but you do have an eye for unusual... some very cool compositions.They do convey the subject and the mood well. Really like the choice of tones and vignetting applied... great collection... keep them coming...
Posted by Mel Ladewig on February 3, 2010 at 8:35 AM
Pretty solid set you've put together.
Mel-
Posted by Nick Moore on February 3, 2010 at 8:37 AM
I heard you talking about your new project at the Shindig, glad you posted some examples!. I think you found some very interesting compositions so far, and I really like how you processed them!. Urban/industrial photography is a very worthy and interesting subject, keep us all updated with your latest project!.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on February 3, 2010 at 9:17 AM
I love this type of work, Chris. You have a great eye. I shoot this type of stuff too, but it never occurred to me to put the images together into a body of work. BTW, the tree in the cemetery image is incredible. Keep us posted as you update this project.
Posted by Morris McClung on February 3, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Ditto on what Nick said. Those are a fine start to your project. What is the significance of the 303?
Duh! Never mind, I just found the explanation. Of course it's our area code.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on February 3, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Looks like a great start for your project. The subject will certainly provide endless opportunities. It will be interesting to see how your vision evolves.
Posted by Jesse Speer on February 3, 2010 at 11:33 AM
Love your new direction, Chris. This is a great portfolio. I like the Holga effect of many - esp. lonely truck depot. Enhances the subject matter. I like "Grasslands" from your blog too.
Posted by Brian Jackson on February 3, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Looks like a great start.
Posted by Stephen Weaver on February 3, 2010 at 12:30 PM
A great project Chris!
Posted by D J Kuklinski on February 3, 2010 at 2:00 PM
It looks like you're off to a good start! The best of luck on this endeavor!
Posted by Stan Rose on February 3, 2010 at 3:35 PM
Interesting set, Chris, definitely a worthy subject. Question about your comments--would you call truck stops, grafitti, etc "beautiful"? ("there is beauty in everything...")
Posted by Chris Rice on February 3, 2010 at 5:20 PM
In response, Stan, I would have to say beauty is in the eye of the beholder - of course aesthetics plays into it somewhat. And the purposefulness of the subject matter is in itself quite beautiful as we have figured all this stuff out! How's that for enlightenment!
Posted by Brent Murphy on February 3, 2010 at 6:37 PM
If you haven't already done so, I'd recommend a trip on the Platte River bike trail from downtown heading north. Before I had to take kids to daycare and school every day, I would ride this trail into work from 104th Ave. down to Park Ave. I'll bet you could find a lot to shoot along this path. Maybe you've already been there, since it runs right past Riverside Cemetery.
Posted by Bill Brennan on February 3, 2010 at 6:40 PM
Chris, I like what you are doing. If you are near the Working With Artists gallery, Zack Singer has several images, from other area codes, hanging that evoke similar emotions. Will look for more of 303.
Bill Brennan
Posted by Kurt Bowman on February 4, 2010 at 12:56 AM
Chris, I really like what you have done with this topic. BTW, I actually do some volunteer work for Riverside (shooting nature photography) and if you would like more history on their decline I have a terrific person to speak with that runs the Heritage Foundation. I was reading part of your blog and yes, funding has hurt them, but even more of their decline has to do with poor planning. They do not own any water rights. She might shed soome more light on the topic fo ryou. If you would like to talk with her, just send me an email.
I like what you are doing with your project. The shots are very interesting to view and contemplate what it says about the evolution of the metro area. Keep going!
Posted by Kalin Wilson on February 5, 2010 at 1:23 AM
Great start, Chris. It looks like a great exercise to strengthen all aspects of your photography. I think there will be benefits all around. Enjoy yourself and keep em coming!
Posted by Chris Rice on February 8, 2010 at 11:00 PM
Everyone;
A huge THANK YOU for the kind words. I was a bit hesitant to post this in a nature photography forum but am happy I did so - and grateful for all of your positive feedback. As mentioned already this project has allowed me to branch out and envisage much different subject matter while remaining true to photographic technique and composition. It has also opened up my eyes to a hidden, mysterious, and gritty landscape that is unknown to many. Stay tuned to the website and the blog, as I continue to research and photograph up there.
Discussion
18 repliesAt the Shindig I talked to some of you about a rather unusual departure from nature photography that has been occupying my free time as of late, and wanted to share some of the images and observations with all of you. The project that I have started is an urban study that focuses on Denver's outlying industrial areas, attempting to portray the scenes in an evocative manner, all the while being a photographic narrative about the not-so-glamorous but significant part of Denver's historic industrial economy.
The rationalization for such an unusual (and unorthodox for a nature guy) photographic project manifested itself through the principle that there is beauty in everything, and for us that live in Colorado, natural beauty is quite abundant. With that notion, I felt that I needed to be challenged to find a subject that had almost the polar opposite characteristics of the state in which I live and love to photograph. A few drives up Brighton Boulevard in Commerce City last November on quiet Sundays was enough to confirm that I should begin this project, and not hold back. So, I have begun, and I am not sure when I will finish. The end result will be anything it wants to be - a blog, a book, a study - a new appreciation for my once diminishing passion for the photographic arts.
So I hope you take some time to have a look at what I've compiled so far - it's not much, but like I said, this project could last for years, depending on how it constantly changes and my vision is modified over the course of it. Each week I plan on observing and photographing, while adding content to my blog. My intentions are to share with you the simple notion that photography - be it nature, architectural, portraiture, or photojournalism, brings us together in many ways. Many, if not all of you, are inspiration for people to make amazing photographs and to hone their craft patiently and thoroughly. With that, don't hold back, and look around you wherever you are - a photographic opportunity is happening.
Thank you, and hope you all have a productive and fun year behind the camera.
Officially signing off,
Chris
http://www.the303project.com
Mel-
Duh! Never mind, I just found the explanation. Of course it's our area code.
Bill Brennan
I like what you are doing with your project. The shots are very interesting to view and contemplate what it says about the evolution of the metro area. Keep going!
A huge THANK YOU for the kind words. I was a bit hesitant to post this in a nature photography forum but am happy I did so - and grateful for all of your positive feedback. As mentioned already this project has allowed me to branch out and envisage much different subject matter while remaining true to photographic technique and composition. It has also opened up my eyes to a hidden, mysterious, and gritty landscape that is unknown to many. Stay tuned to the website and the blog, as I continue to research and photograph up there.