Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Lifeguard tower 15th Street (Miami Beach, FL)

After the destruction of Hurricane Andrew on Miami Beach in 1992, the lifeguard towers were commissioned to be redesigned in vibrant fashion to uplift the spirits of the town. In the tradition of the Becher's water tower series, this series of photographs methodically examines the 30+ iconic towers that have become symbols of South Florida's revitalization. The photographs utilizes similar framing and long exposures to produce minimal sky and sea backdrops in order to highlight the traits of each tower, inviting the reader to appreciate and compare the electric color palettes and eccentric forms. This body of work aims to celebrate an ephemeral beauty, while transforming these entities into more graphic forms, bringing a fresh perspective on the lifeguard towers of Miami Beach.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2021
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: Miami, Florida, United States of America
Copyright: © Tommy Kwak