MICHAEL KIEFFER

If you live in Toronto, it’s hard to traverse the city without running into construction. It seems there's always the looming presence of a crane staring down at you. A skyline filled with the long steel arms of the cranes symbolizes a rapidly changing metropolitan. Whether standing alone or in packs, the cranes build and build like a natural instinct. When you live in Toronto you live with the cranes, the Creatures of Construction.

Creatures of Construction is a photography series that documents the many cranes operating in Toronto. The city has more cranes than any other North American city and it’s not even close. At the start of 2024, Toronto had reported 221 cranes which is four times more than the second place city, Los Angeles, which had 50. Creatures of Construction frames the cranes as a symbol of urbanization. With emphasis on composition, lighting, and black and white to create a moody and eerie atmosphere, I highlight the monstrous features of the crane. The glowing lights of their eyes, their long reaching steel arm, and their stiff boxy head, these creatures are alive and represent a changing city.

When you’re walking through the city, it won't be tough to find but, keep an eye open for the creatures of construction. Watch them move and feel how they’re alive.