20 Stanwix

someone recently asked me what I like to shoot better, landscape or architecture? I answered landscape without a second thought. But I’ve been giving it a lot of thought lately. I like landscape because it reminds me to slow down. It leaves me with my thoughts and offer counsels I don’t often hear in everyday busy life. Everything about shooting landscape requires thought. Thought to location, weather, light, time. Architecture allows me to explore something different. I admit shooting architecture is a little intimidating. Not because of what or how I’m shooting, but because it opens me up to the world. It gets me on the streets! I might be photographing a building or a unique feature on a building. But I also have to deal with the inquisitive people wondering what the heck I am doing and why I’m carrying ‘that thing’ (My tripod) around. I can’t so much lose myself in making a photo. I’ve got to be aware of my surroundings. It’s an experience and maybe one I need at the moment. Last I was out making pictures, I was walking around downtown Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh has many unique architecture styles and one thing I’ll tell anyone coming here…look up! You won’t see Art Deco style downtown…you will see a gothic style and got to be on the look out for those pointed arches, and the ornate designs both inside and out, not to mention Gargoyles…yes we have those! Anyway, I was setting up a shot when an older gentleman stopped and asked if I was an art student. I was a little surprised or well maybe unprepared for conversation. No, I told him and he then asked me what I found interesting about the building I was about to photograph. I really liked the lines the awnings created across the top. But I didn’t tell him that. I mumbled something which he didn’t hear and he kind of made up his own story and proceeded to ask if I saw the fire escape on the other side of the building. I nodded that I had with that, he bid me a good day and walked away. I admit…asking what I found interesting was a great attempt at conversation. I wish I was up for a bit more talking, I just might have stumbled onto a great conversation. But I just wasn’t looking to talk. Those are the differences for me when shooting each style. This whole architecture thing is new to me. My creative interests are piqued! I’m not leaving landscape one bit just want to explore this new avenue. It’s refreshing to be able to grab my bag and tripod and walk out the door.

This photo is of 20 Stanwix. The building here has been called many things in the past. Currently I think it is being dubbed PNC Center Building. I know it as and worked in the building when it was called National City Center. It was built in 1982. This isn’t one of the Gothic buildings I talked about earlier, this is from a more modern era. When I worked here my office had a lovely view of the Monongahela River. I remember arriving early in the morning. I’d get to watch ice float down the river and early morning fog rise before anyone else came into work.