Photographing Creepy/Haunted Properties: I recently visited the Pennhurst State Asylum in Spring City, PA. To say it was one of the creepiest places I’ve photographed would be an...

DrSteve2 Loc: Londonderry, PA USA

I recently visited the Pennhurst State Asylum in Spring City, PA. To say it was one of the creepiest places I’ve photographed would be an understatement. This property is in complete decay and many claim it’s truly haunted. Although I did not see any ghosts/spirits, it would not surprise me if it were haunted.

The Pennhurst property is massive with many buildings and they are all in some state of decay. I was only allowed to explore a couple of the buildings and it was a very depressing experience. The history of Pennhurst is truly awful and a sad commentary on how we once treated mental illness. Pennhurst was finally closed down after years of patient abuse and now it sits rotting as a testament to our inhumanity.

Anyway, I encourage you to check this place out online to get a real sense of the size and scope of the property. Make sure you buckle your seatbelt before you read the history of this place, it is terrible. Creepy places can be fun to explore and photograph but this place….WOW!

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

DrSteve2 wrote:

I recently visited the Pennhurst State Asylum in S... (show quote)

Okay that IS really creepy.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Many places like this existed and still exist. As for taking care of those mentally ill, a place like this is a sad commentary of how backward our culture really is. It makes you wonder, who should have been the patients?

As for being haunted, it is quite possible that places like that have spirits with unfinished business to conduct. To render the photograph in Monochrome with the ISO dialed down would definitely give that place an eeriest representation.

Happy Shooting?!?

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Scruples wrote:

Many places like this existed and still exist. As for taking care of those mentally ill, a place like this is a sad commentary of how backward our culture really is. It makes you wonder, who should have been the patients?

As for being haunted, it is quite possible that places like that have spirits with unfinished business to conduct. To render the photograph in Monochrome with the ISO dialed down would definitely give that place an eeriest representation.

Happy Shooting?!?

Any evidence or experiences to support your "quite possible" statement? I have to raise the B.S. flag on this one.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

If you believe that many people who have passed on do not have unfinished business here on Earth, so be it. I'm inclined to believe that many who have passed on, have unfinished business in their lives. As for having experience or evidence in this matter, I do not! This is a belief just like Chocolate Ice Cream tastes better than Vanilla Ice Cream. It's a belief --- that is all. As for raising a BS flag, I'm sure many people will do so. If you wish to think of me as being not the sharpest tool in the shed, so be it. That is your belief and I won't challenge it.
I will just write that I am grateful for your service, Chief.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

DrSteve2 wrote:

I recently visited the Pennhurst State Asylum in S... (show quote)

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Very interesting photos!

DrSteve2 Loc: Londonderry, PA USA

Thanks to all for your thoughts and looking at my work. As for spirits and haunted places, all I can say is I've never experienced anything but then again I've never looked either. Next adventure is the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philly, also supposed to be haunted. Thanks again!

hippi Loc: Sedalia MO

nice pics so how about some Supertramp Asylum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1gPg1c4S40

Donkas1946 Loc: Southern NH

DanielB wrote:

Okay that IS really creepy.

Norwich CT also has one but I don’t think it can be explored.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice series--most interesting.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Scruples wrote:

If you believe that many people who have passed o... (show quote)

I'm trying not to be too critical, but I am curious. I don't challenge your beliefs but extraordinary claims require extraordinary proofs. But "raising the BS flag" was a little harsh. Sorry about that, and I have no reason to doubt your sharpness among the other tools in the shed. I'll just put this out there for something to think about. Psychologists call what you are saying "magical thinking".
Thank you for your compliment.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Retired CPO wrote:

I'm trying not to be too critical, but I am curious. I don't challenge your beliefs but extraordinary claims require extraordinary proofs. But "raising the BS flag" was a little harsh. Sorry about that, and I have no reason to doubt your sharpness among the other tools in the shed. I'll just put this out there for something to think about. Psychologists call what you are saying "magical thinking".
Thank you for your compliment.

Very Interesting! I never gave it much thought that I had made an extraordinary claim. As for "raising the BS Flag," I didn't take it as harsh. Perhaps, one day I shall be able to photograph a spirit of some sort. I have wanted to go to visit North Brother Island here in the bay by Riker's Island. It was a quarantined Medical Facility. Now it is a Egret Sanctuary. However, it is off limits to everyone. As for "magical thinking" that may be true. Perhaps I will discuss this with some of my friends who are psychologists.
Thanks for sharing, Chief!

Happy Shooting!

AzShooter1 Loc: Surprise, Az.

Hair on the back of my neck rose. Great shots of a creep place.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

DrSteve2 wrote:

I recently visited the Pennhurst State Asylum in S... (show quote)

Check out Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. It’s chilling.