Using photomontages to envision urban and suburban revitalization. (page 1 of 3)

Urban Advantage is a strategic marketing firm based in Oakland, California and Washington, D.C. It provides services to a wide range of clients in both the public and private sectors. A central theme of the firm's work is that urban places offer advantages that are more marketable than suburban areas. Unfortunately, such advantages are frequently overlooked.

The firm makes extensive use of photo montage techniques in its work. From a "base" photograph, partner Steve Price uses photo-editing software to realistically portray the transformation of a place. Steve begins by adding buildings, trees, transit vehicles, and people. Frequently, cracks in the pavement and other deteriorated infrastructure elements are removed. Then by retouching edges, placing shadows, and adjusting lines of perspective, the image is brought to a level of realism that is convincing.

Using this technique, public discussions about development alternatives can move beyond the fairly limited scope of what people can imagine about a place to more far-reaching visions about the potential of a place.

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