Visiting an Historic Jail in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I may be the only photographer in my area not to have photographed the historic Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In an effort to express my own photographic voice, I tend to shy away from the more popular places for photographers… and this is a very popular place. However, when my friend and amazing photographer, Pat Worley, invited me to join her for a twilight photoshoot event at the old prison, I quickly decided to go. Why not accept the challenge to make images from this place my own? To do this, I brought along a variety of equipment, including my regular camera, an iPhone, and the new Lensbaby Velvet lens.
Eastern State Penitentiary was built in the 19th century and is currently in a state of duality, an odd state of being restored and left in ruin simultaneously. This must be perplexing for the organization that runs the site because they must find a balance between the income they receive from the photographers that flock there to photograph the ruins and the need to stabilize and restore it as a historic piece of Philadelphia history.
The Barber Chair
This is probably the most photographed artifact in Eastern State Penitentiary. While it is quite a stunning object, the environment it is located in was even more fascinating. I decided to photograph the famous red barber chair with a very wide angle 17mm lens to take it all in. During post processing I toned down the color of the environment in order to show how this red chair stands out from the room that it is in.
The Barber Chair by Richard Lewis 2015
The Lensbaby Velvet
I’ll be writing more about my experiences with this innovative new lens soon. Eastern State Penitentiary seems to really suit the dreamy image quality that this lens is designed to create.
Eastern State Penitentiary Cell Block by Richard Lewis 2015
This Lensbaby Velvet image was additionally processed using Topaz’s Impression software.
The Guard House by Richard Lewis 2015
iPhoneography
The textures and color of Eastern State Penitentiary is a great environment for iPhoneography or art created with a smart phone. This will be explored further on future visits.
Prisoner’s Cell by Richard Lewis 2015
Other Images from the Shoot
Most of the derelict spaces in Eastern State Penitentiary are confined. After all, it is a prison and prison cells are usually not that that big. It was nice to stumble on a large interior ruin.
Collapsed Roof at Eastern State Penitentiary by Richard Lewis 2015
I’m not sure what purpose this room served, or why there is old pottery in there. I kind of liked all the angles caused by the light and walls.
Cell with Pottery by Richard Lewis 2015
It was an interesting experience to photograph inside of the historic Eastern State Penitentiary. In spite of its popularity, I plan to head back there a few more times to really see what is there.
Enjoy
FANTASTICO! Wonderful images!
Thank you!!!
I too shy away from places where I see many images from. I like your take on this place and have shot here twice before. As you have found out, the light and textures almost force you to capture them. I personally love the direction your blog is going, your voice is strong and inviting…. and through your pictures I can fully see your vision… keep them coming Rich!!!
Thanks Mike. You and I are cut from the same cloth photographically which is why I really appreciate your comments and compliments.
You’ve certainly put your own stamp on it, Rich.
Thanks Derrick. I appreciate it.
I, too, have resisted the Eastern Pen Kool-aid. I think, however, as Knight has pointed out, that you’ve put your own stamp on the images. I particularly liked the red barber’s chair and the Lensbaby shot.
Thanks Ralph. I appreciate your comments, as always. I think this place is definitely one to explore a lot more with the Lensbaby Velvet.
Superb photographs! You really manage to convey a sense not just of place but of atmosphere too. The editing you have done really emphasises the textures too.
We moved to the Philly suburbs almost two years ago (from Scotland) and I have been hearing that the Penitentiary is a fantastic place to visit. I really must investigate it.
Laura, This place is worth the visit. I think everyone in your family would find something to enjoy about it. Someday I hope to run into you someday in our respective travels around the area.
You never know. For future reference: I’m the harassed Scottish woman with four loud kids.
Great post Rich… and wonderful to see how one of my favorite photographers handled one of my favorite places! 🙂
Thanks Denise. That means a lot coming from you.
Since I only live about a hours drive away from Philly, I’ve bee to ESP on two occasions. I did make a post on it a way’s back. It’s a interesting place to visit and knowing that it is a haunted place. Never saw or heard anything strange there, but lot’s of others have.
I’d like to see your post on ESP Les. When I was there I didn’t see or feel anything either but the place was full of photographers so maybe the ghosts were overwhelmed. I’m planning on going back again on my own to shoot soon.