As the creator of this series of 15 photographs, titled “Photography Is Magic | time matters” I set out to capture the essence of a city in a manner that goes beyond traditional urban photography. What distinguishes these images is the intentional utilization of long exposure times, leading to the absence of any sign of passing pedestrians or vehicles. They moved too swiftly to be captured by my lens, leaving behind an eerie emptiness in their wake.

In my vision, this deliberate choice of exposure time reveals an entirely different facet of the city – one that is deserted, devoid of its usual hustle and bustle, and somewhat alienated. The resulting images provoke a sense of disquiet and raise a multitude of questions. What has happened to the vibrant life that typically fills these streets? Where have all the people gone? This deliberate void challenges our perceptions and forces us to contemplate the transient nature of urban existence.

This project is an homage to the early days of photography, harkening back to the daguerreotype technique. One particular example comes to mind: Louis-Jacques Mande Daguerre’s “Paris Boulevard,” captured in 1839. This seemingly vacant Parisian street, with its wide avenues, tree-lined sidewalks, and charming buildings, is bathed in daylight. Yet, the absence of people in a usually bustling cityscape prompts the same question – where have they all disappeared? The answer to this enigma lies in the daguerreotype process itself. Early photographs, like Joseph Nicephore Niépce’s famous “View from the Window at Gras,” required approximately 8 hours of exposure time, yielding grainy, indistinct images. Daguerre was fascinated by these early experiments, forming a partnership with Niépce from 1828 until Niépce’s passing in 1833. Daguerre tirelessly refined the photographic method, ultimately birthing his revolutionary technique.

In “Photography Is Magic | time matters,” I aspire to recreate the sense of wonder and intrigue that these early pioneers of photography must have felt. While deeply fascinated by the legacy of photography’s forefathers, I have harnessed the capabilities of modern technology to embark on this creative endeavor. By embracing extended exposure times and employing contemporary techniques, I strive to capture not only the visual elements of a city but also its elusive soul – a city caught in a timeless, almost surreal moment, where the absence of life speaks volumes about the transient nature of our urban world.