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.
Website: www.stevengreaves.com
The Siq by Steven Greaves was photo of the day on Saturday, 30th August 2008. It is tagged Petra. You can leave a comment below.
15 Comments
Katherine Lee Strassburg
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
Very interesting subject.
Malta Photography
Balanced shot well composed and waited for the right moments to shoot. Hidden and exposed at the same time. nice angle.
Pauline Jones
I’ve hear that Petra is amazing; i would love to go there.
Anurag
A shot with the Indiana Jones feel of mystery and adventure.
Sparts
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
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
From Darkness into Light! I would have liked to see more of the Treasury building . The architecture looks fantastic.
Chamika
Beautiful! The architecture seems very intricate and full of details. I’d love to see Petra some day.
Ariel
Peek-a-boo.
a.
Fantastic! I love the different textures and lighting!
Petra Koristkova
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.
Su
Looks a fantastic place.
Rajib Singha
Only a bit illumination of the silhouetted cart could lift up the mood! But its my personal view anyway.
Renee
Wow, I like this shot! Congrats!