ATL by Mark Steinmetz

Between 2012 and 2019, American photographer Mark Steinmetz embarked on a captivating exploration of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, capturing its people and its surroundings. His work focuses on the serene, transitional moments within this bustling hub, presenting a series titled "ATL" that features 64 black-and-white photographs.

These images reveal "the more introspective moments" of travel, highlighting travelers of all ages as they navigate the junctures between chapters in their lives. Steinmetz also turns his lens toward the everyday scenes of airline pilots, ground staff, flight attendants, and janitors—individuals integral to the airport's operations, yet distinct from the travelers.

Beyond the immediate human activity, Steinmetz explores the expansive, often untamed spaces surrounding the airport. These vast, quiet areas starkly contrast with the busy inner workings of the airport, emphasizing solitude and stillness. From aircraft windows, he captures striking scenes of clouds, light streaks, and jet trails, imbuing his work with a sense of levity and mystery.

Spanning several years, this collection evokes the timeless essence of air travel, capturing the ordinary yet captivating human dramas that unfold across the airport’s public spaces. Through his photographs, Steinmetz invites viewers on a poetic journey into the profound, often overlooked moments that resonate deeply with the transient nature of life.