FOTOTOURMONTREAL an >FI3200/ bLOG: Slums & other unattractive subjects : dwellings, hope and waste

What would you describe as an attractive subject? are slums and garbage attractive for photography subjects? Well, if this question was to be formulated in a public opinion poll we would get an overwhelming answer in the negative I'm sure. But what is the true role of photography? Is it necessarily a role of picturing beauty? or creating beauty? Both are objectives in its role no doubt about that ; but its essence is to communicate first and foremost. Photography is the art of capturing essence and communicating a message, a dream, or a reality. So, what if you go out to your local alley and capture the reality of hidden facts. Slums and garbage are an extension of us after all.

In today's blog I feature a few images taken in the back alleys of my home town Montreal. They are images of reality, of life of people and businesses. They are hidden in the back alley for purposes of aesthetics, of dignity and pride. Cities have rules and laws to ensure this human behavior is respected. Like us, cities like to show their good side to the public, and hide their downside. Exploring alleys gives us a peak into the combat of real people and businesses, into their efforts, dreams and failures, into their impact on the environment. Ultimately, alleys can reveal success and happiness or tragedy if you decide to go in close. Here, I kept out somewhat, maybe I will go in deeper next time.