Part Two: Exploring the Spaces Within Lynnewood Hall
Explore the intricate beauty of Lynewood Hall’s interiors in Part Two of my blog series. Discover how light and shadow interact with textured walls, peeling paint, and grand staircases to tell the story of a mansion caught between its opulent past and weathered present. This reflection dives into the deeper connection between photography and the spaces we capture.
Walking through the vast and hauntingly beautiful halls of Lynnewood Hall, I found myself immersed in a world of contrasts—decay and elegance, light and shadow, past and present. Each room told a story, shaped by time and abandonment, yet somehow still brimming with the echoes of the grandeur it once held.
The interior spaces were a photographer’s dream. Peeling paint clung to ornate moldings, creating textured surfaces that begged to be captured. Light filtered in through broken windows and fractured walls, dancing across cracked tiles and weathered wood. It was as though the mansion itself was offering glimpses of its soul, one room at a time.
The interplay of light and shadow was especially striking. In some spaces, soft natural light illuminated the decay in delicate detail, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship that had survived years of neglect. In others, the darkness felt almost tangible, creating an atmosphere that was both eerie and captivating. Each shot became a study in balance—of preserving the rawness of the space while honoring its elegance.
What struck me most, though, was the feeling of history embedded in every corner. From staircases that had weathered decades of footsteps to once-grand hallways now frozen in disrepair, the mansion held a presence that was impossible to ignore. As I wandered, I tried to let the spaces guide me, capturing moments that felt authentic to the spirit of Lynewood Hall.
This workshop wasn’t just about photography—it was about connection. Connection to a place, to the stories it holds, and to the creative process itself. Lynnewood Hall challenged me to slow down, to see not just the surface but the layers beneath. It pushed me to think differently about composition and mood, to let the space speak through the lens.
Looking back, I realize how much these interior spaces taught me—not just about photography, but about the beauty in imperfection, the power of light, and the stories that can still be told, even in the quietest of places.
Part One: Leap of Faith – A Journey into the Forgotten Elegance of Lynnewood Hall
Join me on a journey into Lynewood Hall, one of America’s most iconic abandoned mansions, as I step out of my creative comfort zone at the ‘Leap of Faith’ photography workshop. From the haunting beauty of decayed walls to the rich history shared by the Preservation Society, this event was a transformative experience that blended art, history, and community.
A few weeks ago, I stepped outside my creative comfort zone and attended the “Leap of Faith” photography workshop, hosted by my dear friend Abandoned America and Unique Photo at the stunningly decayed Lynewood Hall. Known as one of the largest abandoned mansions in the U.S., this historic site just outside of Philadelphia offered an entirely new challenge for me: photographing forgotten spaces steeped in history and texture.
The experience was nothing short of transformative. The Lynewood Hall Preservation Society joined us to share fascinating details about the mansion’s opulent past and gradual decline, providing context that enriched every image I captured. Their stories of grandeur and decay echoed through the very walls of this sprawling estate, making the day feel like a conversation with history.
Beyond the location itself, the workshop fostered a sense of community. The group of photographers was both talented and generous with their insights, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and inspiration. Having the freedom to explore most of the mansion allowed us to find personal moments of connection with the space, each frame telling a unique story.
Reuniting with my friend made the event even more special. It was a reminder that photography is not just about capturing images—it’s about shared experiences, new challenges, and the stories we tell through our lenses.
Stop back next week for Part Two!
Milestones
This fall, I had the privilege of watching my sons, Colin and Miles, achieve new milestones in their sports. Colin ran his first cross country season for Ithaca College, while Miles completed his second year of volleyball. Both stepped up to their challenges in ways that made me incredibly proud.
For Colin, this season was all about transitions. Taking on collegiate competition, he faced every race with grit and determination. Each run tested his limits and taught him something new, and seeing him embrace this experience was inspiring. It wasn’t just about running—it was about resilience and personal growth.
Miles, on the other hand, turned a summer of hard work into a standout volleyball season. His effort paid off in every exciting match and the camaraderie he built with his teammates. Watching him fall deeper in love with the game and thrive on the court was a joy.
Their seasons reminded me that success isn’t just about results—it’s about effort, passion, and the connections made along the way. As their chapters close, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement to see what comes next for them.
Yellowstone, continued... Grand Prismatic & Mammoth Hot Springs
Grand Prismatic
I’ve never seen anything quite like Grand Prismatic. Even Iceland couldn’t prepare me for the explosion of color created by the microbial mats and minerals. One moment, you’re looking at a typical hot spring, common in Yellowstone, and the next, you’re faced with such vibrant colors that it feels almost jarring—like you’ve stepped into another world.
Mammoth Hot Springs
If Grand Prismatic was otherworldly in its color, Mammoth Hot Springs was equally alien in structure. The terraces formed by calcium carbonate deposits create a landscape that feels like something from another planet. Layer upon layer, the formations cascade down, looking more like frozen waterfalls or intricate carvings than natural geological features. The stark white of the travertine against the blue sky is both beautiful and eerie, making Mammoth Hot Springs a place that is as mesmerizing as it is surreal.
Yellowstone, Tetons & Poor Muscle Memory
I often find myself either struggling with drafting and posting here or succumbing to the allure of easy-to-use platforms like Meta, Google, or X. Por que no los dos?
Either way, I’m back at it and determined to do much better here. And what better way to start than by sharing photos from an epic trip?
So, without further ado, here's the beginning of what will likely be a few weeks' worth of photos from our trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. When deciding where to start, I went back and forth but ultimately chose the most obvious: Old Faithful.
Let me know what you think, and I’ll keep posting new work!
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Eclipse?
This week, as the eagerly anticipated eclipse drew near, residing in Rochester, NY, I was filled with anticipation to capture some breathtaking photographs of the corona and the overall event. Unfortunately, the weather had its own agenda, resulting in a complete absence of eclipse visibility due to cloud cover. Despite the inevitable disappointment, Rochester's unpredictable weather is something one learns to navigate with a sense of resignation.
However, it's worth noting that the brief span of darkness, coupled with the dramatic cloud formations, lent an eerie atmosphere to the day. This unique experience was further enhanced by sharing this moment with our friends and neighbors. Below is a selection of photographs I managed to take, offering a glimpse into the event's subtle beauty.
How was your experience? Did you have better luck?
Shipping up to Boston
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Boston as my son participated in the New Balance Indoor Track Nationals. Of course, we took the opportunity to spend some additional time in the city with some family. I took a lot of photos, so this is going to end up being a series. I’ll start with some shots from around town. Stay tuned for more…
Up next:
New Balance Indoor Nationals
Street Performers of Boston
Miniature Worlds
This time of year always finds me in a state of creative flux with my photography. Whether due to boredom or a seasonal dip in mood, I find myself more open to experimentation.
Recently, during a visit to Ithaca, I spent some time on the Ithaca College campus and Taughannock Falls, delving into long exposures—a topic I'll explore in a future post. That feels on-brand to what I generally shoot though and while that’s fun, I've been keen on adopting new perspectives on subjects I might typically overlook.
So, a few weeks back, while in Pittsburgh, this approach led me to an unexpected source of nostalgia. At the Phipps Conservatory, amidst the usual displays, I stumbled upon an elaborate miniature train set. It was an instant throwback to my childhood, reigniting my old fascination with these tiny, intricate worlds.
Inspired, I captured several scenes in a 16x19 format to create a storyboard, hoping to convey the whimsy and wonder of that moment. I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Are there objects or scenes that unexpectedly transport you back in time? What do you do to break through the creative flux?
Vegas, Baby!
Last week's Vegas trip to catch Bruno Mars live was quite the ride! If you would have told me that Vegas would be a regular in our travel rotation, I wouldn’t have thought it possible. However, it is becoming a bit of a regular for us now.
I've got to admit, Vegas has its own unique charm. The city's always buzzing and there is always something to see or photograph. This time, I tried to capture the energy both during the day and night. As usual, it did not disappoint.
Day
Night
Once a Week is Difficult!
I write this while sitting in Las Vegas, preparing to head out and wander the streets with a camera… realizing that it is Wednesday already and since I wrote last, I’ve been to Pittsburgh also and have barely touched any of those photos. Posting anything intentional once a week is proving to be difficult, but I am finding it to be a really solid deadline to keep me focused on doing something more than just filling hard drives with photos.
So, a few things:
I’m definitely leaning into these commitments, which is great!
I presume that at some point my schedule will relent and I can get back to this list of goals
I got some photos of Pittsburgh that I liked!
Until then, I hope you like these quick shots from the Pitt campus :)
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Building Muscle Memory
Great news: I'm brimming with ideas for this site's potential. The slight hitch? Many of these concepts are pretty grand in scale. So, instead of shoehorning them into a format that doesn't do justice, I'm sticking to my guns. Tuesdays remain our sacred publishing day. But here's the twist: I'm also fine-tuning the rollout plan for the bigger projects.
What does this mean for you? Well, to get into the groove of consistently sharing photos here, I'll be peppering in posts featuring snapshots I've taken recently. Consider this post a taste of that - a glimpse into my week, if you will. Hope it adds a bit of flair to your day!
To give you a clearer picture of the more extensive content I'm planning to share, here are some ideas I've been mulling over. Each of these could unfold over several posts. I'm all ears for your thoughts, so feel free to drop your preferences in the comments or shoot me a message through the contact form. If there's something else you're itching to see, let me know!
Topics on My Radar:
Travel Deep Dive:
Iceland
Switzerland
Alaska
Las Vegas
Toronto
Montreal
United Kingdom
And probably a few more surprises…
Photography as a Legacy:
The significance of what we choose to capture and share.
The undervalued benefit of printing photos.
The heritage of photography across generations.
My Photographic Process:
A peek into my current post-processing workflow.
Demystifying presets: When they're a hit and when to skip.
The art of giving your photos the time they deserve – before and during editing.
Gear Reviews and Thoughts:
Fujifilm X-T5: A Long Term Review.
My take on the Fujifilm X-Pro 3.
Why the Fujifilm X-T3 is still a great camera.
Lenses: My Views and Uses:
Zooms: Why they're a mainstay in my kit.
Primes: Picking the perfect moments for them.
Inside My Camera Bag:
My daily essentials.
My travel kit.
General gear that never fails to impress.
The Creative Act, by Rick Rubin:
Diving deep into the insights and inspirations.
Recent Photos
Some Outdoor Scenes
And, as always, Running :)
Best of the Year
Well, 2023 has come to a close and like previous years, I find myself looking back on what was. For me, 2023 was a year filled with travel, sports and events, which is reflected in the photos I felt were my favorite.
If you’ve been following me here or on Instagram, I’d love to hear what you felt were your favorites.
Top 10
Now, as with any other list that I try to create, there are always honorable mentions. Here are the photos that I felt easily could have made the top ten, but for whatever reason, they ended up just outside of the cut.
Honorable Mentions
As Autumn Closes
The trees adorned in fiery attire,
Burning bright, as if they conspire.
Crimson leaves dance with the breeze,
Falling gently, like whispered pleas.
All photos shot over the course of two weekends in upstate NY with the Fuji X-T5 or Fuji X-Pro3
So much to do, so little time...
A compilation from the last two weeks
All Photos X-T5 & X-Pro3
Journey to Simplicity: Evolution and Rebirth in Photography
Ever experienced that peculiar mix of accomplishment and embarrassment when you realize your current progress makes your previous efforts seem inadequate? I'm currently in the midst of such a phase, and here's why.
Reflecting on the past decade, I've been immersed in capturing photos – for myself, clients, and events. This journey has been an incredible ride, filled with valuable lessons. Yet, as learning often goes, the more I explored, the deeper the rabbit holes of specialization I went down. Editing nuances, organizational strategies, the intricacies of color theory, the dynamics of composition, studying the masters, chasing the elusive "film-like look," debating the virtues of JPEG versus RAW, and the list goes on. Over time, I gained a comprehensive perspective and a certain level of mastery, but in retrospect, it's tough to discern a consistent voice, theme, or style. It's been an evolving canvas; cohesion has been a challenge.
Fast forward a few months ago – my frustration reached a boiling point. My perpetual quest has been to synthesize and refine my acquired skills, aiming for mastery. Yet, I found myself surrounded by a flurry of concepts that refused to coalesce seamlessly. As I said, it was frustrating.
How could I streamline my workflow? Enhance my mastery of composition? Seamlessly infuse color theory into my work? Minimize post-production by refining in-camera choices? Cultivate the confidence to abandon the RAW safety net in favor of JPEG?
And so, the snowball started rolling.
During a captivating trip to Iceland, I made a bold choice – shoot exclusively in JPEG. This decision compelled me to focus intently on my in-camera decisions, consciously curtailing post-production interventions. This shift was nerve-wracking yet unexpectedly liberating. It offered answers to some of my pressing questions:
Color Theory, to a certain extent, was dictated by the Fuji Film Simulation I selected during shooting, coupled with deliberate White Balance adjustments.
In post-processing, I found myself honing my edits to complement my in-camera selections, forsaking the wide-ranging possibilities that RAW provides.
Puffin or:
How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the JPEG
Coincidentally, my MacBook Pro was grappling with it's storage space. This spurred me to confront a task that had been looming – evaluating my decade's worth of photos, redefining their ratings and filters, and overhauling my organization system. This overhaul felt long overdue, as if each new addition was piling on top of a foundation that had grown obsolete.
Simplicity became my guiding principle:
I devised a new categorization for my photos: "REJECTED" (for deletion), "PICKS" (flagged in Lightroom), and "SELECTS" (given a 5-star rating in Lightroom).
The remaining trove of photos, with sentimental value but not destined for the spotlight, I deemed "UNPICKED."
I put this method to the test, meticulously categorizing a decade's worth of images:
Reject or Pick.
Review Picks for Selects.
Delete Rejects.
Move forward.
This process bore out – all my photos were now effectively labeled as unpicked, pick, or select, facilitating the creation of Smart Collections based on this data. For instance, an "All Picks" Collection consolidated flagged images from various years, streamlining my culling process and making it so much easier to find what I need.
So, let's circle back for a moment. At this juncture, I had refined my approach to fieldwork, addressing concerns regarding color theory, composition, and the art of restraint for superior visual outcomes. Simultaneously, my photo library boasted greater coherence, navigability, and searchability. The remaining task was to bridge these two spheres.
Drawing inspiration from these dual threads, I reconfigured the organization of my library to align with my editing process. All presets were relocated to an Archive folder, leaving room for two preferred looks: "Signature Color" and "Signature Monochrome." These presets became my exclusive toolkit for a period, forming the basis for every image imported into Lightroom. Further adjustments were confined to localized enhancements. This emphasis on simplicity reinforced its significance.
If you've stayed with me thus far, we now possess:
Refined Shooting (informed in-camera choices)
Streamlined and Enhanced Organization (enhanced ratings, expulsion of rejects, effortless retrieval)
Distinctive Style (2 presets, bolstered by localized edits)
The final lingering question pertains to compositional improvement.
The solution is the same it always has been: practice. Mastery requires time, effort, and practice. By discarding the baggage accumulated over a decade, I feel unburdened and reinvigorated to rediscover my initial passion: crafting captivating compositions.
Months of deconstruction and reconstruction have led me here – a juncture where these ideas coalesce into a cohesive structure. I stand on the brink of inaugurating a new decade. Admittedly, reflecting on the past ten years exposes the stages of growth, learning, and missteps. It's humbling. However, there's no express route to mastery, and my commitment remains steadfast, reenergized, and unwavering.
Epilogue :)
Will I continue shooting RAW? Likely for client assignments. Yet, I'm inclined to explore the interplay between JPEG and RAW, testing their outcomes. Given the nature of my commissioned work, I doubt anyone would discern or mind the distinction, as long as the end result is impeccable. My confidence in this approach, particularly in the domain of JPEG, is steadily soaring.
Are you interested in learning more about any of these topics? Let me know in the comments
A few JPEGs from Iceland (more to come soon)
Another year around the sun...
A birthday has come, a birthday has gone. With it, as usual, emerges ideas for improvement, challenge, and (hopefully) growth. Among this year's goals, I am attempting to spark some creative joy back into my photography by attempting, once again, a 365 day project. This is largely born from a long-term feeling of stagnation and boredom. I could blame it on COVID sucking the life out of me, but the truth is that I feel the old processes are failing me. Where I once found play, there is work.
So, what do I hope will spark some change? Frankly, limitation. I intend to limit my creativity to shooting at least one photo per day for 365 days and that photo has to be a JPEG. This will hopefully do a few things:
Limit my ability to correct in post
Force me to be more considered in-camera
Hopefully limit my need for post
Help me to shoot more and edit less (I got into photography to observe and capture the world around me, not sit at a computer more)
The last successful 365 day project I completed was nearly 10 years ago now, but I do attribute that experience with such a dramatic sense of growth. Here is to hoping that this year will see something similar!
As always, these images will be posted here and on Instagram. Cheers to another year of growth, learning, and adventure!
A few photos from the weekend
