STEPS, STAIRS, & STAIRWELLS

As mundane as it might sound, this subject is totally open to creativity. Let your imagination run wild. There are two overriding lessons here. First, remember the “Big Three:” 1) Get your composition right. Make it interesting, intriguing, unique. 2) Get your depth of field right—choose the best f/stop to get everything sharp. 3) Get your exposure right (not correct). Does the lighting capture your intent, message, or the mood you’re trying to convey? Secondly, choose the right focal length for what you’re trying to capture. Decide how much area you want to cover (this is part of your composition), then decide what focal length will cover that area. Don’t work backward by asking, “What focal length should I use?”

With that short introduction. below are a few examples to give you some ideas and, hopefully, inspire you to take a second look at simple subjects like steps, stairs, and stairwells. These are just eight of the several images I have in my collection. 

This is the most unique spiral staircase I have ever seen. And there are no nails holding it together! Put the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on your to-do list. My tripod was low to the floor. My focal length was 10 mm. 

The shapes and the design of this stairwell are what grabbed my attention. I shot it from above to emphasize its artistic design.

The Utah State Capitol is the most breathtaking capitol I've seen, especially its interior. It's like an art masterpiece. See for yourself. Just look at those steps leading to the second floor. 

When it snows, I'm out there! I saw these great old steps leading to the house above. The snow  added an exclamation point to the scene. 

Graceland. Elvis' mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. I took tons of shots during our tour, but this one stands out from the rest. The mirrors on the walls and on the ceiling gave this stairwell a carnival House of Mirrors feel. These steps lead to the basement.

Anywhere you go in quaint and historic Eureka Springs, Arkansas, you will see steps, stairs, and stairwells! And some are very long and steep, as these below. I loved this mural-like painting on these steps. I found out later that the painting was a gay pride theme. Artistic and colorful for sure.

Victor, Colorado was a mining town in its heyday. Remnants of those mines are sprinkled throughout, as are the old, abandoned houses that housed its mining residents. I carefully approached this grand three-level house and was immediately attracted to this bare-bones staircase that led to the second floor where, I assume, they had their bedrooms. I loved the remaining and peeling wallpaper. 

I looked over the railing of this historic 8-story hotel and got this Escher-like view. Are you going down or coming up?

 

 I encourage you to walk around your town and be curious. If there is a two-story building or house, you're going to see stairs. Look behind buildings, in the alleyways, for those cool fire escape staircases. Look. Look. Look. Remain curious. 

If you need additional ideas, shoot me an email: vegaphotoart@gmail.com.