The Value of Friends
Photography can often be a communal activity. Camera clubs plan field trips so friends can photograph together. People sign up for photography workshops to meet and be with others while pursuing a shared passion. That’s not necessarily me. While I like being with fellow photographers, it is my preference to work alone when out in the landscape, especially in the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
A Path To Morning by Richard Lewis 2024
Recently, having photographer friends, especially one in particular, came in very handy. Early one morning I saw the morning light on an old abandoned house. I have passed by this spot many times and never noticed it. My friend Bob knows just about everything and everyone in the Pine Barrens and happened to be the guy I was on the way to meet when I saw the abandoned house. Bob didn’t know this place was there either. He made some calls, and within a few hours we had permission to be on the property.
Bob’s quick work allowed us to photograph an almost full moon rising over the old house that evening. The moon happened to be in the perfect place at the perfect time. After a few hours and several mosquito bites, here are the results.
Almost Gone by Richard Lewis 2026
Moon Over an Abandoned House 1 by Richard Lewis 2026
Moon Over an Abandoned House 2 by Richard Lewis 2026
I prefer to be alone when photographing, because it’s a good way to bond with the landscape and totally focus on creating. Still, it is great to have friends, and a wife in my case, who share the passion of creating with a camera. These are the people you can share knowledge, information, and a good few stories with. After all, sometimes the only people who truly get what you are doing are those who are doing the same thing. Plus, in this case, the above photographs never would have happened.
Enjoy!
Sounds like a riff on a Destroyers’ song; “When I shoot alone, I prefer to be by myself.”
Rich, these are incredible. The interior was a surprise, a log structure! Very cool.
Terrific photos Rich. What a great place to discover and explore.
Would that you could hear the stories it could tell, from its creation to abandonment ! Would hope it was filled with love, laughter, and success! Great photos with the moon overhead! Thank you for sharing!