Grain Elevators and Photography Passions

I live in Calgary, Alberta.  Yes, the Calgary that is just down the road from Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park.  I love photographing the Alberta Rockies. 
However, over the past little while I have gotten into the habit of photographing the vanishing elevators of the Canadian prairies.  And I had some time to sit and think, which doesn’t happen often and I started to ask myself why I have been photographing grain elevators recently.
I thought I would share some of my thoughts on this topic just in case it inspires you to get out there and photograph these prairie sentinels yourself.


Grain Elevators are Photogenic

In truth, grain elevators are very photogenic. And like fine wine, elevators seem to get better with age.  The more they decay, the more the potential for remarkable photographs.
And so not all elevators are created equal.  The old wooden elevators, particularly if they have a little lean in them, are my favourite.
But don’t get me wrong, I have seen amazing photos of brand new shining silver metal and cement elevators and I have tried to get my own snaps of these modern beasts.


The Landscape is equally Photogenic

If grain elevators look good, then the landscape around these buildings is even better.  In fact, the prairies are hauntingly beautiful.  And when you put these two beautiful subjects together, you do get something unique. Even spiritual.

Few other Photographers

Nothing against other photographers, but Banff has become very busy and photographers abound.  I once showed up at Two-Jack Lake for sunrise and there were already 11 photographers there. Tripods galore. 
Out on the prairies however, there is some solitude.  For those of us shutterbugs would prefer to be alone with our subjects and enjoy the quite then there is some real appeal to photographing grain elevators.


More Information on Grain Elevators

For a big list of Canadian elevators to get you started then check out this amazing website.
Thanks for reading!

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