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!
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!
M
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
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
Views from the Window
I'm sitting here today thinking back on the breathtaking views on my flight to Alaska last August, which left a lasting impression on me. The rugged and varied landscape seemed untouched by human interference, creating a sense of awe and wonder within me. Even now, I am left with a feeling of emptiness and epicness when I think back on those views.
As the plane flew over endless plains, jagged mountains, and winding rivers, I couldn't help but get lost in the beauty of it all. The colors were so vibrant and the textures so rich that I felt as though I was a spectator to a spectacular show.
But as much as I marveled at the landscape, I also couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. It was a reminder of how much we take for granted in our everyday lives, and how much we have destroyed in the name of progress. Yet, there was still hope. From above, I could see the pristine parks and conservation areas that have been put in place to protect the world from us. But it was clear that there is still so much more we can do to preserve the planet we call home.
As I continued to gaze out the window, my mind was filled with thoughts and emotions that I can't quite put into words. But one thing was for sure, the views from that window seat will stay with me for a lifetime. They were a reminder of the power and majesty of nature, and the importance of doing everything we can to protect it.
What do you think?
FUJI X-T3 // 16-55mm f/2.8 from 30,000 feet :D
Unreal.
Basilique Notre Dame de Montreal
A quick post with a few photos of Basilique Notre Dame de Montreal from our visit in October 2022. If you get the chance to visit, this is a must-see.
FUJIFILM X-T3 & 16-55mm f/2.8
Montreal Botanical Gardens
It's hard to describe how beautiful the Montreal Botanical Gardens are.
In the heart of Montreal, these gardens provide a lush oasis of beauty and tranquility and as you wander through the park, you will be greeted by a wide variety of exotic and colourful flowers. The greenhouses boast a number of different plants from all around the world, including cacti, orchids, bonsai and tropical foliage. The outdoor gardens feature different kinds of trees, shrubs and plants, which are arranged in a european-style walking garden. There are also sculpture gardens and a Chinese and Japanese garden, making the park a multisensory experience. You can explore the gardens at your own pace, walking, biking or riding the historic steam train. Our visit to the Montreal Botanical Gardens was an unforgettable experience.
FUJI X-T3 & 16-55mm f/2.8
COLORFUL Details
Next Up: Notre-Dame Basilica
Montreal: Old Town
You ever find yourself in a place where you have too much to share, so you end up not sharing anything? That's me right now.
Gotta start somewhere though, so here goes: Montreal.
Back on October we decided to take a quick weekend away and head to Montreal’s Old Town. If you have never been, the Old Town is truly a sight to behold. From the cobblestone streets to the centuries-old architecture, the energy of the area is uniquely European. You can step into a cafe, taste the pastries and feel the warmth of the fireplace. Wander through the small alleyways and discover hidden gems. Everywhere you turn you will find something unique and captivating. Walking through the narrow streets, you can feel the history of the area and the sense of community that exists there. It's a vibrant and lively neighborhood that invites you to explore and get lost. Every corner you turn will bring you exciting new surprises. Montreal's Old Town is an wonderful experience that will leave you wanting to come back again and again. I know I do!
Next up: Montreal Botanical Gardens
OCTOBER 2022 // FUJI X-T3 & 35mm f/1.4
Exploring New Horizons: Previewing My Travels and Photographic Projects
It has been relatively quiet here lately, but I have been quite occupied with my travels these past few months! I have been all around the world, from Alaska to Switzerland, capturing and processing pictures at each destination. I am getting very close to the end of a few of my projects and I am now prepared to share more than just Instagram posts, so this post will provide a brief glimpse of the content you can expect to see in the weeks and months ahead. I am also making strides to streamline my workflow, with the help of Craft AI, a rekindled interest in Lightroom Classic, and my new Macbook Pro.
I plan to start with some of my favorite subjects, such as landscapes and portraiture. I will also be sharing some of my other random photography, as I love capturing the energy of the people I meet and the places I visit.
I'm looking forward to this next set of adventures, and I hope you all enjoy them as much as I will! Be sure to stay tuned for upcoming posts about my travels and photographic projects. Until then, happy shooting!
Get Wider
I've just returned from a brief visit to the Adirondacks, where I was able to spend some quality time hiking and shooting a ton of photos. No real goal in mind other than to relax and create.
Somewhere along the way, it became apparent that in order to really capture some of the more breathtaking scenes, my wide angle Fujifilm 10-24mm wasn't going to get wide enough. Thankfully, some releases ago, Lightroom integrated their Stacked Panorama feature, which greatly streamlined merging images, allowing for easy panorama creation in post.
I've just returned from a brief visit to the Adirondacks, where I was able to spend some quality time hiking and shooting a ton of photos. No real goal in mind other than to relax and create.
Somewhere along the way, it became apparent that in order to really capture some of the more breathtaking scenes, my wide angle Fujifilm 10-24mm wasn't going to get wide enough. Thankfully, some releases ago, Lightroom integrated their Stacked Panorama feature, which greatly streamlined merging images, allowing for easy panorama creation in post.
Here are some of the panoramas that I shot this week. Let me know what you think in the comments. Otherwise, there are plenty of non-panorama photos coming in a blog post shortly and as always, check out my work on Instagram.
ADIRONDACKS, NY // FUJIFILM X-T1 w 10-24mm
The Sky Calls To Us
This week marked the return of Astronaut Scott Kelly from his 340+ day stay aboard the International Space Station. This momentous occasion, coupled with my own trip to the Kennedy Space Center a few weeks ago, has really reminded me of just how important exploration is to humankind. When I see all of the chaos, anger and dysfunction in the world today, I need only to look to pioneers like Captain Kelly and his brethren to find hope.
Carl Sagan once said that, "the sky calls to us" and I couldn't agree more.
This week marked the return of Astronaut Scott Kelly from his 340+ day stay aboard the International Space Station. This momentous occasion, coupled with my own trip to the Kennedy Space Center a few weeks ago, has really reminded me of just how important exploration is to humankind. When I see all of the chaos, anger and dysfunction in the world today, I need only to look to pioneers like Captain Kelly and his brethren to find hope.
Carl Sagan once said that, "the sky calls to us" and I couldn't agree more.
Kennedy Space Center - Fujifilm X-T1
Chrome & Curves
Art, history, and science are all tremendously important fields of study for me - arguably the most important. The order of importance is nearly equal between them, but at the end of the day I believe that those three fields represent humanity's best. Each brings their own perspective, naturally, but together they ultimately coalesce into one unified snapshot of mankind.
What we create, what we have done, and what we are striving to discover - respectively.
Art, history, and science are all tremendously important fields of study for me - arguably the most important. The order of importance is nearly equal between them, but at the end of the day I believe that those three fields represent humanity's best. Each brings their own perspective, naturally, but together they ultimately coalesce into one unified snapshot of mankind.
What we create, what we have done, and what we are striving to discover - respectively.
Clearly, there are many subjects that can express all three fields simultaneously, but one that has always resonated with me as being singularly a work of art, a glimpse into the past, and an appreciation of the knowledge gained by the technological advances it provides has been the automobile.
This week I was able to visit the Elliot Museum in Stuart, Florida, which bills itself as a location that “…enriches the community through its wide variety of exhibits, collections, classes and lectures…” and while I don’t disagree that they have a wide variety of collections, by far the bulk of the museum is dedicated to the automobile - at this time, specifically Grand Touring Cars from the 1950s to the present. The cars represent everything that I love about art, history, and science, in all of their chrome and curved glory.
Stuart, Florida, Fujifilm X-T1 10-24mm
I immediately fell in love with this 1965 Porsche 356-C Coupe
As if on cue, immediately after our time at the Elliot, we spotted this beauty.
Street Photography & Mardi Gras
Last week I was invited to take part in an event in New Orleans, which I was thrilled to do. The thing that was interesting to me - besides the content of the event - was that the choice of location and timeframe coincided with Mardi Gras. Since I had never experienced Mardi Gras before, it sounded like a great opportunity to try out some street photography techniques.
Last week I was invited to take part in an event in New Orleans, which I was thrilled to do. The thing that was interesting to me - besides the content of the event - was the choice of location and timeframe coinciding with Mardi Gras. Since I had never experienced Mardi Gras before, it sounded like a great opportunity to try out some street photography techniques.
Let me start by saying that I don’t really consider myself a street photographer. If you read this blog or follow me on Instagram, you would likely have noticed that I spend most of my time shooting landscapes, architecture, lifestyle and events. That said, I was really interested in trying my hand at some street photography and I felt relatively confident because what is Mardi Gras other than a massive lifestyle event that occurs on the street? How hard could it be, right?
So, with that in mind, I set forth to New Orleans with camera in hand. Ready to capture whatever seemed interesting. I think that the photos turned out OK and hope you agree. Definitely let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
FUJIFILM X-T1 w/35mm f/2 & 10-24mm f/4
...and then the sun went down...
Alejandro's face summed it up.
California On My Mind - Part 2
Last week, I espoused the need to go back and review your work over time to see the progress that you have made, trends that you fell pray to, and how you can improve. This is a continuation of that assessment - focused on my time in California.
Last week, I espoused the need to go back and review your work over time to see the progress that you have made, trends that you fell pray to, and how you can improve. This is a continuation of that assessment - focused on my time in California.
With that in mind, here are a few more photos that I re-edited this week. This time, I chose to focus on San Francisco, Monterey and Highway 1. I hope you enjoy!
California On My Mind - Part 1
To me, a large component of being a photographer is simply reviewing the moments that you have captured.
Of course you can enjoy the personal meaning, beauty, and technical skill of your photos, but if you aren't inspecting critically for ways that you can improve, what's the point? Your photo catalog is an evolving time capsule that reflects the trajectory that you have taken in both your technical and artistic skill. Use it.
To me, a large component of being a photographer is simply reviewing the moments that you have captured.
Of course you can enjoy the personal meaning, beauty, and technical skill of your photos, but if you aren't inspecting critically for ways that you can improve, what's the point? Your photo catalog is an evolving time capsule that reflects the trajectory that you have taken in both your technical and artistic skill. Use it.
In fact, every once in a while, I feel inspired to reset and re-edit some photos with the new perspectives, skills, and tools afforded to me. With non-destructive tools like Adobe Lightroom, it has never been easier to experiment. The trick is to find a catalyst for experimentation.
This past weekend I had the good fortune to spend a few hours with my good friend James from The House of Bogue who had just returned from a photographic trip to California. After hearing James' stories about shooting his way around San Francisco, I felt the need to go back to my photos from our last time in California to experiment with the images I had captured.
To start, I decided that I would look at a few of my favorite spots in the world: Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, as well as Muir Woods and Muir Beach.
I am working through a few other California locations that I love and plan on posting them as a "Part 2" soon, so stay tuned....
