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Dec, 2015Views
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Creative Winter Award
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People's Choice in The Abstract Abandoned Photo Challenge
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken at Fort Meade in Maryland. It was my first trip to the Asylum and my nerves were shot not knowing if or how I would gain access.Time
After exploring the area and pinpointing areas of security, we finally gained access to what is known as Forest Haven Asylum. Abandoned in 1991, we stumbled across a large campus of empty buildings just waiting to be explored. It was the last building of the day, the Offices, and it was one of the largest on the campus. We took each step with caution as we trampled thousands of personal files both of the staff and patients. This was a corner room that had the typewriter sitting there as if the user had just run to the bathroom. It was early afternoon, light was fading and it had been overcast that day.Lighting
The scene almost screamed out to be captured. The light coming through the extremely large vertical windows with shredded curtains, and bars traversing each sill, was perfect for the heavy dust and rust that covered every inch of the room. The early evening light coming through the windows intensified the contrast of the objects.Equipment
The equipment I used was my Nikon D610.Inspiration
I have always been drawn to abandoned buildings and especially asylums. I have returned to Forest Haven a second time and am in awe and fascinated by not only the asylums themselves, but the abruptness at which they were abandoned. These buildings, along with furniture, beds, machinery, files, equipment, and patient records, were all left to rot. I plan to return a third time, and to explore countless others in an attempt to try and capture the history and mystery that surrounds these long forgotten institutions.Editing
I keep my post-processing work to a minimum. However, I try to enhance the photograph in the original color version and then, since I mostly use my Macbook for all my photography needs, I find Tonality to be an excellent app for converting most of my images to black and white.In my camera bag
I always carry at least 2 lenses in my bag at any one time and of course my Nikon D610 body. The first lens is a Nikkor 28-300 mm lens for all my zooming needs. The second is a Sigma 35mm wide angle lens that I fell in love with after attending a lecture by Platon. The third lens, which I do not always carry with me, is a 50mm lens. I always carry four fully charged batteries and two chargers. I carry cleaning wipes, several memory cards, and of course pepper spray for the scarier explorations.Feedback
Exploring abandoned asylums can be both fascinating and scary at the same time. More often than not access is not permitted and the landscape can be filled with pitfalls. I once fell in an abandoned elevator shaft that appeared to be a floor but was in fact standing water. It is not for the faint of heart but it is definitely rewarding and possible. I would always make safety your number 1 priority in every way. Go during the day, call the police station ahead of time and possibly ask permission, bring items for your personal safety and the most important thing is to not go it alone. Stick to your partner as much as you can and always make sure your phones are charged. Wear shoes that can endure a lot of treacherous and dirty terrain and wear clothes that will cover your skin as you will come across many unusual items and situations.
