Last fall I took the photograph above at an immense outdoor parking lot at a mall in Arlington, VA. With its bright blue painted railings and golden metal steps I couldn’t help but think how there can be beauty in a run of the mill, boring space such as an old mall. But then again, rusty old farm and industrial equipment also carry a beauty all their own.

What comes to mind when we see steps? Challenges, goals and, hopefully, attainment. Like a path through the woods or st a crossroad, they are filled with symbols. inspiration, persistence, endurance and achievement. When it comes to photographing architecture I invariably gravitate towards staircases and ladders. Steps, be they of steel, granite, marble, wood or even rope come in all sizes, shapes and textures. They inspire as they lead toward the sky or take us back to solid ground. Or we trip and sprain an ankle…

Unlike the two rather grandiose staris above from a famous theater and a super luxury hotel in Buenos Aires, we can visually enjoy this outdoor metal one surrounded by primal colors also located in Buenos Aires - reminiscne of New York City’s —

When it comes to more mundane materials such as wood and rope we need only look at a sail boat:

One might say that ladders carry a similar, more utilitarian function like the ropes for a mast