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Still of the Night

A photo essay by Patrick Joust

What is it about the night that intrigues us so? The darkness, the stillness, the glimpses of interior lives seen through illuminated windows: It all seems so pregnant with possibility compared to the flat brightness of day.

Baltimore photographer Patrick Joust excels at capturing the romance and danger of the Baltimore night with an unflinching gaze and elegant use of chiaroscuro reminiscent of painters like Edward Hopper. 

Like stills from a modern film noir, his shots hint at something ominous lurking just out of frame, as if the heavy calm is about to be broken, but by what is left up to the viewer’s imagination.

PJoust-Balto-Mag-9 LoneBldgs web
A car and two row homes a half block from Collington Square in East Baltimore. One row home is occupied, the other abandoned on this once densely populated street. - Photography by Patrick Joust
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Two alley row homes, one occupied, the other abandoned, in Remington. - Photography by Patrick Joust
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A large American flag hangs from a Formstone row home in Remington. - Photography by Patrick Joust
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“West Side” graffiti in the south Baltimore neighborhood of Curtis Bay. - Photography by Patrick Joust
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“Our Little Spot” just off North and Pennsylvania avenues. - Photography by Patrick Joust
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A lone car in Curtis Bay. - Photography by Patrick Joust
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A skateboarder takes a break in Hampden. - Photography by Patrick Joust
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A corner store in Walbrook. - Photography by Patrick Joust
PJoust-Balto-Mag BurgerGoGoKid web
A patron stands outside Burger-Go-Go Restaurant in Upper Fells Point. - Photography by Patrick Joust
PJoust-Balto-Mag-7 LiquorLight web
A liquor store in Walbrook lights up the street. - Photography by Patrick Joust
PJoust-Balto-Mag BBallNet web
An empty basketball court in Shipley Hill. - Photography by Patrick Joust

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