Exploring the Intersection of Progress and Nature in Atlanta’s Changing Landscape Through Aerial Photography

Exploring Atlanta’s Evolving Landscape Through The Eyes of a Photographer

In the bustling city of Atlanta, change is always in the air. With construction cranes dotting the skyline and new developments rising at every turn, one photographer has captured this transformation in a way that’s both beautiful and thought-provoking. Peter Essick, an award-winning photographer known for his work with National Geographic, turned his camera towards these construction sites and discovered an unexpected allure.

A New Perspective

During the pandemic, Essick found himself commuting from his home in Stone Mountain to work on a project at the prestigious Fernbank Museum in North Druid Hills. It was this daily drive that opened his eyes to the sheer number of construction projects taking root along his route. “From the road, all that construction wasn’t that visually interesting,” he recalled. But then, an idea struck him: “What would it look like from a drone?” This spark of inspiration led to the birth of his latest project, Work in Progress.

Shifting Landscapes

Released by Fall Line Press, Work in Progress is more than just a collection of photographs; it’s a meditation on nature, the environment, and the ever-changing landscapes around us. Essick’s aerial images, taken from above with a drone, reveal the raw beauty of construction sites, where upturned earth and vacant machinery transform into abstract art. “The images evoke more painting than photo,” Essick remarked, as he aimed to blend reality with a touch of the abstract.

The Artistic Edge

Essick, recognized as one of the top outdoor photographers by Outdoor Photography magazine, typically documents severe environmental impacts across the globe. In stark contrast, Work in Progress zeroes in on the environmental changes occurring right at home. “One big warehouse development might clear-cut 40 acres or something, that’s not that bad,” Essick stated. However, when these projects accumulate, it becomes a “death by a thousand cuts.” His admiration for Atlanta’s changing landscape led him to explore the local consequences of development, particularly the city’s declining tree canopy.

The Duality of Progress

While construction can have profound effects on the environment, it also represents the growth and development of Atlanta, a duality that is perfectly captured in Essick’s work. “Progress can mean different things to different people,” he explained, prompting viewers to reflect on the true nature of progress. This sentiment is embodied in his book’s title, highlighting the multifaceted implications of urban development.

A Nod to Home

Essick’s photography doesn’t just focus on commercial developments; his final image features a residential single-family home construction. This serves as a homage to the enduring American Dream, where personal space and home ownership are intertwined with the broader developments reshaping the skyline. “That last picture is a code,” he shared, emphasizing that at the heart of this progress lies a deep-rooted desire for our own homes.

Continual Transformation

The collection, Work in Progress, is a reminder of the ongoing changes that characterize our environment. As Atlanta continues to expand, the landscapes we know will morph and evolve. “Artists think about their projects as ‘works in progress,’” Essick remarked, reiterating that the land we inhabit is constantly shifting, just like our lives.

Essick’s work not only highlights the stunning visuals that can be found in everyday construction but also invites us to ponder what progress truly means for both individuals and the community. His aerial snapshots echo the sentiment that each construction site is not the end of a story but just the beginning of another chapter in our collective journey.