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This Guy Sneaks Onto Rooftops To Take Dizzying Photos Of Nighttime L.A.
(Photos courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
Los Angeles is definitely one of the most stunning photos to see from above—as several photographers have demonstrated—but Michael Escobedo's photos are definitely the most dizzying.The 20-year old photographer travels the world (he's currently in China) capturing a variety of subjects, but what gives him the most thrill is scaling skyscrapers and looking down on the city. "I started [rooftopping] because I started getting bored of seeing the city from the same vantage points over and over again," he tells LAist. "I wanted to bring something, new, fresh, something that people hadn't seen before. I wanted to show everyone how beautiful and different the city that they've lived their whole lives in can be, by changing their perspectives."
Several of his photos often feature the photographer or his friends in the frame, with their legs or toes dangling over the ground dozens of stories below. Not recommended viewing for those with vertigo. And if you don't have it yet, you will after seeing them.
As you'd imagine, Escobedo isn't exactly getting permission to scale these buildings at night and snap these incredible photos. "I have gotten in trouble before, but up to this point nothing more than just a ban from the property with a warning that if I returned I would get arrested," he said.
See more of his work on his website or Instagram.
Enjoy these stunning views and try not to look down!
(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
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(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
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(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
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(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
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(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
(Photo courtesy of Michael Escobedo)
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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