Time and again, I realize that one of the photographic elements I am most passionate about  is the representation of a dynamic aspect in a static image. Traffic light trails on the crowded roads of big cities are a perfect topic for this idea. The first images and the development of a “standardized” way of photo-shooting them was discovered in Japan.

From one trial to another, at one point, I came up with the idea of ​​creating a collection of such images in different cities around the world.

So, when I arrived again in Bucharest, I have tried to capture this aspect of the “Little Paris”. From the composition versions, I chose, for the first time, to go on a large boulevard (Magheru), to sit in the center, next to a traffic light pole

Traffic light trails in Bucharest, Romania.

and to record the red and white light trails of the cars’ flow passing next to me on one side and the other. In the background, I had to “place” a building specific to the city. That’s when I chose the Intercontinental Hotel. This setting involves a fairly high risk because cars pass at a short distance, and if there are motorcyclists in traffic, the proximity is even higher. So you need to pay close attention to everything that’s going on around you.

Once installed, with a tripod of course, you start to photograph and capture some continuous trails as close to perfection as possible. This is not always easy, often occurring unforeseen events that turn upside down the initial concept, carefully constructed beforehand. That evening, the most annoying thing seemed to be the buses passing quite frequently and confusing my plan development. This meant showing only rows of small cars that fail to obscure the street aspects on the sidewalks. However, I was forced to record the movement of the buses and I managed to refrain myself from deleting those frames.

When I got home and processed the images, I was very surprised. The high light trails left by the buses created an extraordinary effect. And in this way, I discovered how night traffic images can be enhanced by capturing tall vehicles that create an extremely attractive multicolored light curtain. Of course, I could have thought about this before I took the pictures, but I’ve actually discovered this idea there, on the spot.

And so I’ve learned once again, that when you go to photograph something is good to have a clear idea of ​​the images you want to make but you also need to stay open for observing and capturing the unexpected element, often enriching a story carefully prepared and well-thought in advance.