South Temple Street in Salt Lake City 1924 - 1926

This is a vintage photograph of Salt Lake City, Utah, by J. Dearden Holmes. It’s an intriguing stereographic card from a bygone era. It captures a street scene with solemn buildings and a long line of parked cars. I can imagine the photographer setting up his camera, carefully framing the shot to capture the essence of the place. How exciting it must have been for him to witness life unfolding before his eyes! The texture of the photograph feels matte and subdued, the colours forming a sepia tone. Each building has a distinct presence and grandeur. I like the balance between the architecture and the natural elements. The mountains in the distance give a sense of scale and perspective. You can see how photography has its own language and formal devices, such as composition and lighting. It offers a way of seeing the world, similar to other art forms, like painting and sculpture. Photography continues to be a source of inspiration for artists who seek to capture and interpret the world around us.