Taking photography to the ledge: Dennis Maitland’s vertigo-defying pictures

If you’ve got a serious aversion to heights (and we’re not talking about a couple of storeys, here) you might want to look away now, because Detroit-based photographer Dennis Maitland’s vertigo-defying pictures will put the fear of god into you, and then some.

Shot in Detroit, USA, the Life on the Edge series features pictures of Dennis’ feet dangling over the edge of buildings located throughout the world’s most famous motoring city. The outcome being a collection of astounding images, both beautifully shot with stunning contrast, which we think are the most mindblowing since Charles C. Ebbets’ iconic Lunch atop a Skyscraper. Especially as Dennis appears to have put himself at some serious risk to achieve such awesome results.

Cynics will, no doubt, immediately think it’s a Photoshop trick, because A: Surely it’s impossible to get that high up a building this day and age – especially in a city? B: No one’s got the guts to put their personal safety at risk, have they?

Here at Fotorater HQ, we didn’t doubt for one moment the legitimacy of these pics, but we still felt the need to ask Dennis how he created them and why he was inspired to take such risks with his personal safety. See what he has to say for himself below -¬† then scroll down to enjoy pictures from the Life on the Edge series.

What inspired you do this?

Detroit is seen as a mecca by urban explorers/photographers. People come from around the world to see the beauty in Detroit’s abandoned buildings. Since I live in the Detroit area, I see a lot of the photographs that the locals and “tourists” shoot. While they are all nice photos, they can often become repetitive. That was my inspiration. I knew I wanted to have my photos stand out from the “typical” shots and to show a unique perspective of my city.

Did you take any safety precautions?

I don’t use any harnesses or climbing gear, which some will see as reckless. With that being said, I am very safe and cautious and I never go out exploring alone. If I ever have the slightest feeling something could go wrong, I back down. Most of the buildings I’ve been in are abandoned, so added precaution is taken because of the weakened structure. All of the photos are of my feet and are shot handheld.

Were there any issues over permission/did anyone tell you not to jump?

Permission? Ha! The fun part about urban exploring is the lack of permission. There is an adrenaline rush when I am somewhere I’m not supposed to be.

No one from the streets below has ever noticed me. I only get the “don’t jump” comment on Flickr. People thought I was sending a cry for help or something. Not true. I don’t intend on proving anything with these photos, except to myself.

You’re based in Detroit, and it appears that you do a lot of your photography around the city. What makes the city so great to photograph? And, how come you’ve never felt motivated to move to London, New York or LA – where a lot of successful photographers base themselves?

Detroit is special, its hard to explain. Besides the great people and architecture, the city is beautiful in its own way. Our economy was hit hard, the population declined and therefore buildings were abandoned. The beauty that can be found in the decaying structures is amazing.

London, NYC and LA are all great. I’m sure when the time is right, I’ll eventually need to move away from Detroit, but right now its my passion and that’s important to me.

What does the future hold for you?

That’s a touchy question because I don’t know the answer. I’ll go with the wind and where my passion takes me (he laughs).¬† I’m given constant motivation to put together a photo book about this series, so that’s a possibility.

Could you tell me about any future projects you have coming up?

I have a few projects I’m brainstorming to start in the spring, but I’d prefer not to go into detail.

I’ll continue the Life on the Edge series once the weather gets warmer. I have some new ideas for camera POV’s to keep it interesting. I’m also considering combining my photos with video to make short 2-3 minute, high energy behind the scenes videos of what I encounter in Detroit. We’ll see what time allows for in 2012. Happy shooting!

All images copyright of Dennis Maitland 2012.

Scattered About

The Phog

Sorry for your Irony

In Illusions of Order

Dreaming of Fiction

From Farwell with Love

Rooftopping Rabbit

Farwell’s Shaft

Balance

David Whitney Building Dangle

Full Moon Rising

Life on the Edge

18th Floor Fast Lane

Boblo