Bridges represent some of humankind’s greatest achievements, both in engineering and in architecture and art. Those elements that make a bridge structurally sound often also lends the bridge beauty. A proper mix of form with that function makes a bridge stand out as a work of art.
Spokane, Washington has one such bridge, the Monroe Street Bridge. This is the third bridge built to span the Spokane River at this point. The first two, built in the 19th century looked to require real fortitude to cross. This one, when finished in 1911, had the longest concrete arch in the United States and the third longest in the world.
Bridges fascinate me, just as I’m drawn to other feats of engineering and architecture like the Eiffel Tower.
I include this image now as the third example of how different light produces dramatically different moods. First was an example of optimism during the Golden Hour. Next was a feeling of awe during the Blue Hour. And, in this image, a sense permanence enhanced by the light of the night after the sun has completely set; that light coming either from the moon or the lights of the city.
Presenting this as monochrome, I feel, emphasizes the structural majesty of the long concrete span over the rough and snowy terrain on the shores of the Spokane River.
My feet are still thawing out from the cold and snow that I walked through to get this image. Ah, the sacrifices photographers make for their art.