SubscribePhoto Project: The Urban Alphabet
by Susheel Chandradhas
Cities provide us with a wonderful resource in juxtaposed objects. Magnificently textured drain covers from a different era next to a modern paving and street markings, an ultra-modern skyscraper freshly sculpted out of the earth, yet forever posed against the immortal sky… they’re all there for the taking.
This project intends to test your skill at seeing these juxtapositions, to fashion shapes that have meaning to us in language, out of shapes (objects) that are intended for other purposes. You could also do variations of this, and create an urban alphabet out of interesting lettering that you see around you in the city.
For this project, you will have to look at lines, outlines, textures, parts of objects, and techniques that you can use with your camera (such as using depth of field) to take shapes that are not quite what you want, and re-shape them into the english alphabet.
Try to find a diverse range of things to work with. Try macro, landscape, square crops, diagonal frames, whatever it takes… The idea is to see everyday objects in a new light.
You can find more such projects at the Photo Project home page.
Pic: maloupictures
7 Comments, Comment or Ping
Brian Auer
Wow, I think creating an entire alphabet would be super slick. I might have to start keeping my eyes peeled for those letters!
Jan 26th, 2008
Susheel
Brian,
It is a pretty slick idea… but also quite difficult if you want to do it well. I’m going to be looking out for them too…
Jan 27th, 2008
Photography Dreamer
I do like the idea ! actually I love it but when does it start end etc… ?
I would also ask you if you would be interested in joining us at PhotoProjectsWiki.com it would be cool to have your projects there with the rest !
Jan 27th, 2008
Susheel
Hi ADIDAP Dreamer…
I’ve been visiting your site now and then for a while now… Thanks for stopping by at Beyond Phototips.
These projects are not really put up as an organised event. They’re more in the order of Do-It-Yourself home projects. I’d love to see things change, and for the projects to turn into something really participatory. That will be up to the readers though… I’m hoping to see some comments come in before taking things further.
Jan 27th, 2008
Maria
This is a great idea..I hope to post something like this on my site in the next week or so but use the letters in my name!
Jan 6th, 2009
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