Returning To Prison
A couple of weeks ago I went on a photo shoot to Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, along with some friends. I have lost count of how many times I have been there. This February day it was very cold and we weren’t planning on staying long so I went my own way and got right to work. With each visit it gets a little more difficult to find something I haven’t photographed before, but I enjoy the challenge. I bypassed the popular barber’s chair and Capone’s cell, scanning the cell blocks, looking for something other than the typical images of cells and halls. Displayed are a few favorites from the morning. An old boot I had seen and photographed before turned out better with a second try. I liked that it added a human element and completed the found still life. I noticed a mysterious, mossy wall with a blocked doorway that spoke to me and framed an unconventional composition, juxtaposing the radiator with the doorway. Windows showed their character with exposed stone and plaster and an entrance to the hospital ward cast some interesting shadows. Finally sun streaming in some doorways reminded me of the very different world outside these walls, both then and now.
I enjoy going back to locations I find interesting because it gives me a chance to study a place more completely, fine-tune compositions and discover new ones. Returning to Eastern State Penitentiary on several occasions over the years has been both visually rewarding and a lot of fun!
Filed under: Abandoned, Photography | 50 Comments
Tags: abandoned, decay, Eastern State Penitentiary, HDR, old, philadelphia, photograph, photography, prison, window
So incredible! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Isabel!!!
Such interesting compositions, Denise. Kind of creepy in a way, but compelling to think about it in its heyday. One can hear echoes of the past from these photos.
Thanks Eliza … yes, creepy in an interesting way.
I love your work in abandoned places! Bravo!
Thanks so much for coming to look and the nice comment! 🙂
This set is really good, Denise. The clarity of the textures is terrific and the compositions are interesting.
Thanks Jane. It is definitely a place for texture … with peeling paint, rust and decay everywhere!
Wonderful! Loved it!
Thanks Jeff … I’m glad you liked the images.
Gosh, it even looks cold.
Well it can be darn hot and humid there (which has been my experience every other time) so I actually welcomed the cold! Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment.
Always a challenge to not go with the standard shots – but these places are so large that multiple visits are often necessary. Great shots of this grand place – a model for reuse though tourism.
Thank you Robert. Wouldn’t it be great if more places like this opened up to us photogs!?
Yes – they were VERY photo friendy
Its is nice for me to visit your photo’s again of the prison. I have yet to go there but love seeing your images. Great detail, depth and textures in every photo.
Thank you Beth. You will love photographing there when you go!
Fine photos. Second visits are always more productive even if the excitement is a touch less. Finding new angles and subjects is fun. Choose a lens and stick with it.
I guess most photographers feel the same although I do know of a few that seldom go back to the same place. Thanks for coming to take a look and leave a comment Andrew.
When I read the title I thought the law had caught up with you. Whew. This is a most elegant presentation of Eastern State that I have seen. Considering what the place is, it becomes obvious what kind of a creative challenge you must have faced in order to create these images. Your visual take on abandoned places is always a refreshing one.
Thanks very much for the very kind comment. I’m glad you saw the fun in my title! 🙂
I would love to go here…and to our Mansfield Prison here too! Great shots
Thank you! Does the Mansfield Prison allow photographers and tripods? Eastern does which makes it quite nice since it is a high dynamic range and low light situation. You can buy a tripod pass which is good for a year.
I missed a chance to go last year with my photo club but I know there is some kind of cost for it…and a bunch of other caveats 😉
Beautiful, Denise!
Thanks so much Linda … very nice to hear from you. Hope to see you soon.
Beautiful images, I especially like the windows and Ward Entrance selections. I appreciate your eye for composition.
Thank you very much! I’m glad you like them!
Wonderful images, Denise, overflowing with a sense of sad emptiness. My favourite was Hospital Ward Entrance, with your use of sunlight and shadow adding another dimension to the already present brick wall textures. It must have been a depressing place to do time in. Today, it’s a photographers dream.
Thanks Mary. Yes, this is a favorite among local and even no so local photographers.
They give a certain impression, makes me think that there is beauty everywhere.
Thank you Cecilia. Not everyone finds beauty in decay but I’m glad you do!
Wonderful photos. You really give a great sense of the place. It must be so cool to make photos there.
Thanks Chris. I think there are related links at the end of the post from other visits to this location. This set has a few more close-ups than usual.
I have certainly enjoyed your architectural photographs, Denise. Others, too, but I think I identify with your architecture because my dad loved the same kinds of subjects. Very nice, and thank you for sharing your images.
Thank you Dave. I’m glad you can identify with my images. I have been drawn to these abandoned, decaying subjects since childhood. I am not sure what that says about me!
Beautifully captured!
Thank you very much! Have a nice day. 🙂
This is a fabulous series! The tones & contrast are wonderful and the composition of your images is outstanding. Very well done!
Thanks so much Mark. A nice comment like that, coming from a photographer such as yourself is very appreciated and encouraging.
You are way to kind with your comment however thank you very much.
I’d love the opportunity to explore an old prison like this. You certainly captured some wonderful images.
Thank you so much. Where are you located? If you’re ever near Philadelphia take time to visit … it’s worth it!
Lol… Other side of the pond unfortunately, just east of London. Sure does look like an amazing place though.
Superb photography
Oh, thank you very much!!! 🙂
It’s a unique place that I was at once. The big draw for me was the Al Capone cell and the Steve Buschemi audio tour. Both didn’t disappoint.
I wish there were more places like ESP for us photographers. Good to hear you had the opportunity to photograph there.
Beautiful eye
Thanks very much for your visit and comment!