A Special Day With Phil Decker: Order From on High


Last week I flew across the U.S., from Oregon to Florida, to visit my father.
 
I was fortunate enough to have clear skies and a window seat.
 
Whenever I fly, I've been fascinated by the patterns down below, the natural shapes in landscapes, such as mountains and rivers, as well as the geometry imposed by people, such as roads, agricultural fields, and buildings.
 
I put down my book, ("On Photography" by Susan Sontag), and enjoyed creating images while staring out the window.
 
As I got close to landing, the patterns accelerated, until we hit the runway.  Then, as I wandered throughout the airport, I was struck by how patterns continued to surface, everywhere ... in shadows, on the escalator, the pop machine.   I think people just naturally gravitate to clean geometry, as we bring order to our worlds.
 
And of course, much like architects who construct patterns in buildings, and farmers who plow patterns into their fields, photographers also impose(and discover) patterns in fleeting slices of life.





Photo © Phil Decker



Comments

Tiberio Fanti said…
A special day indeed! I've been flying so often in recent years that I gradually got so used to the earth seen from above that I fall sleep as soon as I fasten my seat belt!

I hope to see more pics from you asap.
Tiberio Fanti said…
A special day indeed! I've been flying so often in recent years that I gradually got so used to the earth seen from above that I fall sleep as soon as I fasten my seat belt!

I hope to see more pics from you asap.
Phil Decker said…
I fall asleep too, but when I woke up I was pleased to see patterns everywhere. Thanks Ulf for HIGHlighting these pics.
juditny said…
wow!