A Day in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
I've been living just 6 miles from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for the past 12 years, but it’s only recently that I’ve started to truly discover its charm. Even though I've passed through Harrisburg countless times, I never took the opportunity to really explore its streets and appreciate its unique blend of history and modernity.
One particularly sunny summer day, I decided to grab my camera and venture out to see the city in a new light. As I wandered through a six-block radius, I was struck by the contrasts—historic buildings with their storied facades nestled alongside sleek, contemporary structures. This mix of old and new provided the perfect canvas for my photography.
I focused on capturing the less noticeable details: the way the light played on an aged brick wall, the intricate ironwork on a modern balcony, and the vibrant life buzzing around corners not usually observed. My aim was to capture scenes and angles that others might overlook, bringing a fresh perspective to familiar places.
This exploration was not just about photography, but also about connecting with my surroundings in a way I hadn't before. Despite the brutal summer heat that eventually forced me to retreat, I left with a newfound appreciation for my near neighbor, Harrisburg, seeing it as a city of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
I even ventured beneath the Hilton Hotel Harrisburg, to explore the hidden spaces, which presented a raw and intense aspect of Harrisburg. The dark concrete and the echoing sounds created a stark contrast to the polished exteriors above. This underground perspective allowed me to capture the less polished, more authentic side of the cityscape. It felt like uncovering a secret layer of the city, one that lives and breathes in the shadows of the towering buildings above, giving me a unique opportunity to document a side of Harrisburg rarely seen by most.
I then turned my focus to the parking garages...which have always fascinated the hell out of me.
As I walked along the riverfront, I focused on capturing the juxtaposition between the city's natural beauty and the harshness of urban homelessness. The contrast was striking—lush greenery framing the harsh, improvised living conditions. These images were powerful, evoking a deep sense of empathy and a call to action. It was important for me to portray these scenes with sensitivity, aiming to bring awareness rather than exploit the struggles of those photographed.
This exploration along the riverfront was a sobering reminder of the different realities that coexist within the same city spaces. Documenting this aspect of Harrisburg added another layer to my understanding of the city. It underscored the urgent need for community solutions and support, highlighting how even the most picturesque settings can hold stories of hardship and endurance.
It also made me really want to showcase more cases like this to bring more awareness to this growing situation.
