It’s always interesting to see how places sort of de-evolve when left alone for decades. Sometimes, like here in this former mess hall, the randomness of the decay makes for a quite interesting display.

The decayed red box grabs your eye first. Your gaze then trails upward, where the ceiling has deteriorated to the point of allowing insulation and whatever else had been lurking up there to spill down into the room. Then you can take in the other interesting details – the open window trying to keep the air fresh, the broken tables, and the random placement of the chairs. The idea I had here was to transform this chaos into an urban, gritty scene that wouldn’t look out of place in a modern horror movie. Washing out some of the colors, intentionally blowing out some highlights, and using strong contrast all help to create the dark mood of this scene. It is a picture that I really enjoyed working on, transforming it from a somewhat drab scene to one with a distinct story to tell.

Some photographers would have you believe that all of their best shots are done on purpose, or that each click of their camera results in a masterpiece. Don’t believe it. This picture helps explain why:

The shot of this stunning Lamborghini was actually taken at an auto show. Auto shows are notoriously hard to get good shots at – people walk in your way, the lighting sucks, etc etc etc. Or sometimes (like in this case) it’s your own fault and your camera settings are wrong. This photo was actually taken with a way too slow shutter speed. However, when reviewing the shot the dim look adds to the mystery and wonderment that already exists anytime Lamborghini’s flagship makes an appearance. The added benefit was that it also deleted the usual auto show ‘bad’ stuff – people in the way, lights blowing out highlights on the car, and so forth.

This picture reminds me to experiment, to think outside of the box. “Technically” perfect isn’t always best. And so it is with so many other things, even outside of photography. Play around a little bit at whatever your job or chosen craft is. You might be pleasantly surprised at the results.

Here is Michigan Central Station – one of the greatest urban ruins in the entire country. This structure is amazing in countless ways. Built in 1913, at a cost of $15 million, no detail or expense was spared in its construction. The workmanship is unlike anything made today, from the plaster work inside to the solid marble walls on almost every floor. MCS was designed by the same firm who designed Grand Central Station in NYC. This building has been a personal photo project of mine (see more of MCS here) and you’ll see it make more than a few appearances on Lens Artwork. You’ll also notice the opposing daytime shot is used as the leading picture for my urban decay category.

Unfortunately, both natural and unnatural elements have taken their toll on this incredible building for the better part of two decades. Yet, there is still a haunting beauty about this place that gets magnified at night. Most of the time, the street lights around the station aren’t in use. But this night, one of Detroit’s signature blue-green streetlamps illuminated the front of the station, revealing details usually hidden in the darkness: the chain link and razor wire fence surrounding the perimeter, adding to the city reflections in what’s left of the front glass, the different color stones used in the construction of the main lobby and tower, the steam rising into the chilly night air from Zug Island, and the words “save the depot” added to the top by the conservation group dedicated to preserving this storied structure. Ironically, at the same time, the light also seems to deepen the foreboding darkness emanating from the inside.

Whether you’re approaching Detroit from the suburbs or from Canada, this 18 story monument is plainly visible for miles in any direction. It stands alone outside the clutter of buildings that make up the downtown area, a reminder to all that pass of what Detroit used to be and a physical representation of the decline that the city has seen. Yet even in its decayed state, MCS has the power to captivate your attention. You cannot help but stare at this marvel and wonder just how could things have gone so wrong for this once great building and the city that it sits in.

Now you can enjoy its powerful beauty for yourself. Offered in 14×10 size for $395. Ordering prints

Taken inside an abandoned military fort in San Francisco, the sun was poking through the window at just the right time and just the right angle to light up a sliver of the floor, making this scene look like something straight out of the Twilight Zone. On its own the building was interesting enough, but this adds a whole new dynamic element to the environment.

For those that dare, this is available to you for wall mounting in 10×14 size for $345. Ordering prints

Ordering prints

While of course this doesn’t appear as the designers originally envisioned, decades of decay and graffiti artists have inadvertently created this for me to capture and for you to enjoy. The bright colors from the spray paint contrast nicely with the muted earth tone colors originally in place.

Offered in 10×12 size for $325. Ordering prints

More pictures from around Michigan Central Station here

Support the effort to save MCS here

This picture was actually taken atop the abandoned Michigan Central Station – 18 stories up and 230 ft in the air. My friend is standing on the roof of the building and taking his own scenic picture, just as the sun is about to duck down below the roof edge. In the distance, steam is rising from Ford’s River Rouge plant into the chilly air. This peaceful moment is in stark contrast to the decay all around us as the station loses its battle with time. Watching the sun go down and the lights come on all over the city, plus enjoying the serenity, made the effort to get up there completely worth it.

More shots from Michigan Central Station here

Support the effort to save MCS here