Balint Alovits is a photographer based in Budapest, Hungary who created a showcase of Bauhaus and Art Deco caracoles. He calls them "Time Machines." He assures me that these stairways really exist and that they aren't computer generated. He found their location online at first, but then developed a special sense, knowing if he saw the ornate front doors or large glass paneling, there was a good chance there was a special stairway inside too.
He needed about two to three hours within these building, so he always went through the motions of asking permission for entry. This gave him the opportunity to enter the buildings multiple times so he could see what the light did with the shadows at various times of the day. The Sunseeker app also came in handy, so he could be sure to arrive at the right time.
His work has a sense of minimal simplicity to it with strong lines in the compositions. He uses a Nikon D810 and shoots with three Sigma Art lenses: the 24mm f/1.4 Art lens, the 35mm f/1.4 Art Lens and the 50mm f/1.4 Art lens. He let's the camera rest on a Manfrotto Tripod. Two of the staircases were too dark at the bottom, so he triggered a Broncolor Siros 800S from the top of the staircase.
I've attempted shooting some stairways, but this surely inspires me to improve my work. The color, the angle and the compositions are so simple, yet so powerful, while at the same time, the photographs appear so gentle and calm. Time Machines, indeed, as if time stands still for the moment spent embracing them.
He's keeping his next project a secret, but I'll definitely be checking out his work on his social networks. You can too on Instagram, Facebook and his website.
All images used with permission of Balint Alovits.
I've always loved unique stairways. I don't find them very often, but when I do I always photograph them.
Great article and really fascinating images.