Eastern State Penitentiary
Jun 8, 2017 13:32:29 #
Simply follow your instinct on what would make a good photo. Allow yourself to be creative. Look for views that communicate a sense of depth, particularly views which combine elements that are near and elements that are at a distance. The most effective images from Eastern State Pen usually are those that simultaneously capture both space and texture - so keep that in mind. Don't forget the exterior walls of the prison as well; search for interesting angles which best express their gloomy massiveness.
Jun 8, 2017 16:00:13 #
Jun 8, 2017 16:35:47 #
Rab-Eye wrote:
I toured it years ago and could've shot myself for not bringing a camera, but I after I lived in Philly. We were there for a short visit and I had no camera with me. We ended up doing this as an outing for my kids. Harrowing place with a riveting history.
I gather this was a last-minute arrangement. For years I've been one of those guys who virtually always has a camera with him, even if it the pictures it produces don't have great IQ.
Jun 8, 2017 18:28:29 #
kschwegl wrote:
Get a shot of Al Capone's cell. He was a "guest" there, as was Willy Sutton. Been thee twice, geat photo ops.
Ken S.
Ken S.
I think they had a hard time keeping slick Willy Sutton in that lock up. He did manage to escape.
Jun 8, 2017 18:37:41 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
nimbushopper wrote:
Is this a job that you've been hired to do? If not you can expect to be challenged by law enforcement, even if you are not doing anything illegal. I hope you are coordinating your shoot with the penitentiary.
Its a museum. The first "modern" penitentiary in the world based on their presentation materials.
Jun 8, 2017 19:07:05 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
finalimage wrote:
I will be photographing Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia in a few days. I'll be scouting out locations on a day before to determine where I want to spend my time on the actual shoot. But I know this group will have suggestions about best spots etc. Looking forward to sage advice. Thanks.
I don't think there are really any best spots, per se. You'll take images as the moods strike you and the lighting obliges. Lots of corridors where there is an infusion of natural light which makes for some great shots. They provide a map and a route which you can follow...or not. Here's a quick shot I just found. Not my best, but it may give you an idea of what to expect. Mostly long corridors with cells. I think this may have been the infirmary wing because of the red cross, but honestly, I don't recall
Jun 9, 2017 13:01:04 #
When I went on a mission trip to San Pedro Sula, Honduras with my church I was the only still photographer allowed in to the Federal Penitentiary. My pastor and another church member had video cameras. We were there to hand out Bibles to the prisoners. I think there was about 20 of us that went on the trip. Lets just say the prison wasn't the most modern-looking building and grounds...nor was most of the city. Lots of dirt roads, bars, tin roofs and barbed wire. Beautiful area, though!
Jun 13, 2017 09:01:17 #
Jun 13, 2017 09:06:09 #
Mick_E_C wrote:
Thank you for the welcome!
Did you get in and out of the Pen safely?
Jun 20, 2017 12:31:40 #
finalimage wrote:
I will be photographing Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia in a few days. I'll be scouting out locations on a day before to determine where I want to spend my time on the actual shoot. But I know this group will have suggestions about best spots etc. Looking forward to sage advice. Thanks.
I visited the facility last June. It was someone else's idea but it turned out to be very interesting. If you have 2 or more hours you'll be able to see all of it. No particular suggestions for locations.
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