What is a staircase? Which are the types of staircases? How do you photograph stairs?
There are many questions concerning staircases on Google, and I understand why. Staircase photography has always had a mysterious effect on me.
I perceive the staircase designer as an artist. No matter how one looks at the creation, the streamlining of the composition always leads to a dream. Even when looking from different angles. Using a staircase as a photographic background or as its main topic will lead to an unexpected result. It will shine bright like sunlight or fade like sunset, add a tremendous contrast between the surrounding elements, or emphasize a detail of the favorite part of the location.
How about my staircase photography?
My staircase photos usually variate. I try to find an intriguing viewpoint and tell a different story through my camera, as the design has various aspects. Indeed, although they differ of just a few years, Art Nouveau stairways, for example, have other forms and shapes than Art Deco steps. Their history and air du temps are different; the emphasis is elsewhere, as they experienced other happenings and events. The home decor of the two streams will be mesmerizing yet unique. The first will actually be curly, whereas the second will be composed of straight lines and curves.
As a photographer, I am intrigued by the details in an architectural composition, such as modern cubes adding light to each step of a classic grand staircase or a spiral stair. The final image usually turns into a magical space where color, angles, and the wood on the floor seem to be dancing an improvised waltz.
Why do I love shooting staircases?
- I like the contrast between the architecture’s horizontal and vertical lines and the unexpected curves of spiral staircase photography. The sudden change of shape, incorporated by the architect, to achieve a perfect balance between the forms in his design, is usually enchanted and photogenic.
- I love shooting a staircase as it has so much to tell. It connects one part of a place to another, and links one story to another.
Stairs are the thin line residing amidst two worlds. The stream of their passage usually leads to true beauty as its movement draws fascinating forms and shapes. A spiral staircase reminds me of our existence. It is unpredictable and surprising while waltzing endlessly around, as time is ticking everything away to the following chapters of our lives.
My staircase pictures are on my website; click here to discover more about my stereo blind photography.
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