On your journey through life, you've probably been reminded several times to look up at your surroundings.
But one photographer reminds us that sometimes, looking down can also reveal a world of beauty that we might miss.
Like many artists, photographer Sebastian Erras uses his talents to show us what happens when we change up our perspective on the world, but instead of creating surreal, alien worlds through digital manipulation, he simply looks down.
In his hometown of Paris, Sebastian captures the unique, artistic, and historical mosaics that make up the floors of restaurants, cafes, shops, and landmarks all over the city.
Some are antique and some are modern, some are whimsical and charming and some are impressively austere. But they're all incredible in their own ways, and they're also overlooked by the hundreds of people who walk right over them every day.
By snapping these photos, Sebastian hopes to make people more aware of their surroundings, whatever they are, and to help them see the beauty in unexpected places.
[H/T: My Modern Met 1, 2]
Sebastian likes to capture images of the many amazing tiled floors that can be found throughout Paris maintains.
As you can see, he also likes to include his feet into the shots to provide scale.
Not only does this show how large the designs are (and show off his shoes), but it also makes you immediately aware that these beautiful, colorful designs are actually floors.
Though his Instagram focuses on Paris, the idea actually didn't originate there.
Sebastian first started noticing — and photographing — the beauty of tiled floors while on a trip in Marrakech.
He saw some of the same detail in floors back in Paris, and so decided to document them.
And the floors don't have to be old or intricate to capture his attention. Plenty of modern floors, like this boldly striped one, are just as fascinating.
And they don't have to be colorful, either.
It's amazing to think of all the planning and care that went into creating these floors, all while people barely notice them.
Luckily for us, though, Sebastian is carefully cataloguing these gorgeous floors, so they can be appreciated by people all over the world.
The floors are not only pleasing to look at, but the represent the rich history and heritage of Paris.
Another part of the fun of his Instagram is trying to imagine what the rest of these rooms might look like!
By looking down, Sebastian shows us that there is more than one way to appreciate your surroundings, and that beautiful surprises are lying in wait.
He especially wants people in Paris to view their city in a new way.
It also might inspire some viewers to get adventurous with the flooring in their own spaces!
In addition to photographing floors, Sebastian also photographs nature and animals, and various locations around the globe.
Of Paris, Sebastian says, "There’s not only the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and other monuments…the city has a lot more different angles and things to be appreciated. You just have to see and notice them.”
He also recently went on a trip to Venice with his camera pointed downwards.
Not only did he capture even more amazing tile and mosaic work, like this floor, but he also says that he captured scenes of that historical city that many would miss.
"I would have never noticed [these details] if I had kept my nose stuck up in the air," he says.
You can see more of his photography, including other things besides floors, on his website, and be sure to check out even more amazing flooring on his Instagram.
Please SHARE if you love to observe all of life's little details!
