Photographer Goes Underground to Capture the Architectural Beauty of Metro Stations

Montreal-based architectural photographer Chris M. Forsyth has spent the past year and a half creating stunning images of underground metro stations, and he was kind enough to share his work with us. He began The Metro Project during his daily commute in Montreal’s subway system, and has since moved on to Munich, Berlin and Stockholm.

Forsyth tells us his objective is, “to show people that beautiful architecture, art, and design are accessible and present in all spaces.” With some sage advice for all of us, he says he hopes to encourage others to photograph and share how they perceive the overlooked spaces around them.

Forsyth began sharing his striking images of Montreal’s metro system on Instagram, and almost immediately gained acclaim for the work that was so full of vivid colors, long exposures and interesting shapes. As a result, Montrealers quickly perceived their underground system in a new light.

As he expanded the project to include Munich, Berlin and Stockholm, long exposures and motion blur became more prominent in his images, with people becoming less and less important. He strives to do his work at odd hours when no one is around, and huge, empty metro stations have become the hallmark of his imagery.

Forsyth says he loves losing his sense of time and distance after spending hours pursuing his passion. “I enjoy getting lost and finding new corridors and trying to piece it all back together. I’ve spent days underground just taking photos of what I find.”

You can see more of Forsyth’s impressive work on his website and Facebook page, as well as in the brief video below. After you do, spend some time thinking about the beauty that exists in your own backyard or in places nearby. Then grab your camera and get busy!

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