The Siq by Steven Greaves

Saturday, 30th August 2008

The Siq

by Steven Greaves

Although there is no agreement on the age of Petra, it is generally acknowledged to have been mentioned in the Dead Sea Scrolls. It was the ancient capital of the Nabataeans and sits on an age-old caravan route in current-day Jordan. In latter years, the Bedouins of the Arabian peninsula have called it home and still cling to it despite having been moved from the site. Made famous by the Indiana Jones movie and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra is a sprawling complex of monumental tombs and rock-cut architecture. Elaborate structures, hewn into the sandstone, dot this site and vary in detail and magnitude. This image shows the most famous of Petra’s structures, the Treasury, as seen through the Siq, a narrow chasm that cuts through the rock leading into the complex. On par with the temple complex at Angkor, Petra is a humbling testament to the ancient world.

Equipment: Canon 20D

Steven Greaves

After wandering for the past 15 years, I now call New York City “home”. Born in England, raised in Bermuda and educated in America, I have spent the last 12 years clutching both camera and passport. Although trained as a lawyer, with an Honors B.A. from the University of Florida and a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law, photography and travel remain my inspiration. There are few things that offer such experiences and it is through the viewfinder of a 35mm and digital SLR that I have seen much of the world. From spectacular sunsets in the Sahara to the advent of dawn over the Indian Ganges to Rajasthani bar-room brawls, my camera has fueled my vision-quest. Photography has made of me a more earnest traveler. Through it, I have learned patience, humility and compassion. These virtues, I seek to convey through my work.
My work has been displayed in San Francisco, New Orleans, Miami, London and New York. For image sales or professional assignment, please contact my studio at 917.573.4311 or email steven@stevengreaves.com.

www.stevengreaves.com

12 Comments

Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
August 30th, 2008 at 2:59 am
Your use of perspective and lighting are precise and very enticing–as if an amazing secret is about to be fully revealed! One can almost feel the cool air of the shadowy entry giving way to the warmth of the sun-lit city beyond. You are so fortunate to be able to travel so widely. Thank you for sharing the beautiful secret!
TomBrooklyn Says:
August 30th, 2008 at 6:25 am
Very interesting subject.
Malta Photography Says:
August 30th, 2008 at 6:58 am
Balanced shot well composed and waited for the right moments to shoot. Hidden and exposed at the same time. nice angle.
Pauline Jones Says:
August 30th, 2008 at 8:47 am
I’ve hear that Petra is amazing; i would love to go there.
Anurag Says:
August 30th, 2008 at 9:13 am
A shot with the Indiana Jones feel of mystery and adventure.
Sparts Says:
August 30th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I’ve seen this same image so many times before. I’d bet this was one of hundreds taken from the same spot on that day.
But I’m willing to bet that you made the effort to catch it in the morning or late afternoon in order to capture the rose glow of the rock.

I much prefer the snaps you have on your site.
jacques bégin Says:
August 30th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Makes me reflect on all the religious walls we erect to protect us from others viewpoints while our unconcious minds aspire to wide horizons. We are born free and in no time, we are chained-up.
Marie Dunphy Harding Says:
August 30th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
From Darkness into Light! I would have liked to see more of the Treasury building . The architecture looks fantastic.
Chamika Says:
August 31st, 2008 at 4:26 am
Beautiful! The architecture seems very intricate and full of details. I’d love to see Petra some day.
Ariel Says:
August 31st, 2008 at 9:56 am
Peek-a-boo.
a. Says:
September 1st, 2008 at 12:56 am
Fantastic! I love the different textures and lighting!
Petra Koristkova Says:
September 1st, 2008 at 10:16 am
It is very amazing place! Even though we are named alike I’ve never been there. I am amateur photograph and I love your picture. I like the composition and the light. Hope one day I will have a chance to make similiar shot.