Selby by Streetlight
Original Artist Statement (2006)

My most recent photography project “Selby by Streetlight” is a continuation of sorts from my project done last semester when I photographed St. Paul architecture emulating the style of French photographer Eugène Atget.  This semester I decided to experiment photographing at night.  In the beginning I went around St. Paul and photographed whatever struck my fancy, but I soon realized that my scope was too large.  After photographing the intersection at Selby and Western, I decided that Selby Avenue would be a good subject.  I was drawn to photographing it because of its dichotomy.  Upscale restaurants and barbecue joints, clothing stores and Laundromats, stone relief sculpture and murals painted on brick buildings are all located on a single street.  It is often difficult to find such diversity in a limited area, but that is what gives Selby its character and charm.  

Photographing at three in the morning gives one a different perspective on a usually busy street.  I could not have come across more than ten people when I was photographing.  Out of the hundreds of images I took, a single image, the ghost of a taxi driving by is the only proof of life present.  At times, the experience felt surreal, like I was a voyeur—a mere witness to a scene; disconnected.  

Although it is clear that Atget’s influence is still present, my personal style is more apparent.  I made no efforts to duplicate the romantic atmosphere of Paris in my photos. I wanted to present Selby Avenue as I see it. I deliberately put the pictures in chronological order and included the lights from the taxi and reflections from windowpanes to draw the viewer into what I experienced. To show them what it would be like to take a stroll down Selby, by streetlight.     

2023 Note: I’m really proud of this early work. Not only because I think it is a successful piece of visual storytelling that immerses you in the atmosphere of the street, but because it captures a moment in time that has now passed. Selby Avenue is one of those streets that is always evolving and has changed a lot over the years, so I’m glad I made this snapshot in time, a historical record for future generations to look back on.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

All photos were taken using Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm film (mostly 400 speed) with a tripod.