Pittsburgh tries to reinvent itself with robotics and software. The area remains the specialty steel center of the world, but smoky skies no longer apply. Neither does the phrase “Hell with the lid off,” nor the favorite catch phrase of out-of-down sportscasters, “The Steel City.” People who come here are surprised at the blue skies, the beautiful city, the clean air. Outside contractors and relocated businesses are amazed at the work ethic; to the people who remain, hard work is their heritage. The towns and the way of life I photographed no longer exist as they did. But their afterimage remains. Haunts those of us who choose to live here. Drifting ghost-like along the rivers, vaporous against the hills. Refuses to die. Surprisingly, can fill us still with pride.

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