Eastern State Penitentiary Photo Tour
Apr 4, 2019 09:23:56 #
alliebess
Loc: suburban Philadelphia
Bigmike1 wrote:
Never considered taking a camera into a prison. I toured the Utah State Prison in the 1960's with a criminology class from Brigham Young University but not one of us had a camera. I was just a poor student at the time anyway and could hardly afford a roll of film.
This is not an active prison and hasn't been one for many years. I visited there a number of years ago with a tour guide - interesting experience with some fascinating stories.
Apr 4, 2019 09:29:10 #
I worked in five different Federal prisons over 22 years and visited four or five others in an official capacity. None of them allowed cameras, cell phones or any recording device to be brought in or used.
Near the end of my career I visited Alcatraz with my family and noted how much better the conditions were where I worked. Cameras were allowed there and I got some interesting photos, just not sure where they are now, I took them with film. All of it made me happy to follow the law and stay out of prison or jail.
Near the end of my career I visited Alcatraz with my family and noted how much better the conditions were where I worked. Cameras were allowed there and I got some interesting photos, just not sure where they are now, I took them with film. All of it made me happy to follow the law and stay out of prison or jail.
Apr 4, 2019 09:44:04 #
sueyeisert
Loc: New Jersey
dparker708 wrote:
Better check to make sure cameras are allowed inside. Having worked in a California State Prison, I doubt it.
There are many photographic tours given for that venue. You’ll have to check but I even think you can bring a tripod.
Apr 4, 2019 09:57:26 #
If penitentiaries/prisons where still designed like this original I bet we wouldn't have the overcrowding we have today...bare basics without comforts except Al Capone's cell which should have not been allowed; our law breaker's today also seem to have all the comforts of home with workout gyms, computer labs, television (w/cable) etc. I like the idea of the skylight and the solitude to reflect upon what you have done while your incarcerated...IMHO...unfortunately one reason this penitentiary was closed was because of the cost to upgrade living conditions for the prisoners....
Apr 4, 2019 10:00:32 #
gypsylarry wrote:
Have been there twice in the past few years. Don't take the tour, use the self guided tapes and earphones, much better on your own to explore and at your own pace. Forget the tripod as it will be a nuisance. Photo ops are innumerable and you're only a block and a half away from the Phil. Museum of Art, the one in which Rocky Balboa climbed the steps in the movie. Much to see and do just walking the streets. Enjoy.
Good thoughts but without a tripod many shots would be lost-I took my tripod on each of my three visits and will take it again when I return. Many low light situations require a tripod.
Apr 4, 2019 10:13:41 #
I did a extensive shoot there for a TV show. Lighting is marginal but still beautiful.....during cold it is freezing there.....some of the older cells are amazing.......the Jewish Temple has a dramatic outer door.....take your time and take lots of pics.......again the natural lighting is insane but can be challenging ...... see if they will take you to the "hole" never got that pic right.......light in cells come from the top.....clean ur your cameras well after trip lots of particulates in air.............when i was there ice was hanging from the ceiling in older areas.
Apr 4, 2019 10:14:20 #
HamBar06
Loc: Philadelphia, PA
Don't know if anyone has already clarified this, but the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia Pa is an historic site and has been closed for years as an active prison. It is now opened for tours generally and has some specific holiday exhibits [ Halloween fright house, etc.] on occasions.
It has held some really notorious criminals whose cells are accessible and has a restored religious space.
I don't think there is any prohibition to photography.
Have fun, it's interesting.
Larry
It has held some really notorious criminals whose cells are accessible and has a restored religious space.
I don't think there is any prohibition to photography.
Have fun, it's interesting.
Larry
Apr 4, 2019 10:48:31 #
Fstop12 wrote:
My wife and I was a few years ago. It's an interesting place to photograph if you are into Urban Grunge.
We hand held are camera's so we didn't have to mess with our tripods. It got very busy there with tour
groups. You can take a guided tour, or you can just do it yourself with headphones that give you the history.
We enjoyed it. Here are a couple of images taken there. The first one is Al Capone's Prison cell.
We hand held are camera's so we didn't have to mess with our tripods. It got very busy there with tour
groups. You can take a guided tour, or you can just do it yourself with headphones that give you the history.
We enjoyed it. Here are a couple of images taken there. The first one is Al Capone's Prison cell.
I have taken a number of trips to the Old Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge. Would you share a couple of your post-processing actions you used to get such interesting images? I'd love to try them on the photos I have taken. Thanks in advance!
Apr 4, 2019 11:24:14 #
kevindunne wrote:
Has anyone photographed this place? Any tips?
Planning on doing it April12th.
Thanks,
Kevin
Planning on doing it April12th.
Thanks,
Kevin
If you're into photographing prisons, I suggest you make a trip to the Ohio Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, which is about midway between Columbus and Cleveland. Best time to go there is in the fall or winter, hopefully with a cloudy, blustery day for the full spooky effect.
Apr 4, 2019 11:27:39 #
Apr 4, 2019 12:19:18 #
Apr 4, 2019 12:35:44 #
Bring a tripod, it is fairly dark inside. Get there early as it can get pretty busy.
Apr 4, 2019 13:21:30 #
Yes! I was just there two weeks ago and did some shooting inside the prison...I am not at my home computer presently, but will post my photos when I get home. It's an AMAZING place with so many photo opportunities! I didn't take a tripod, although next time I will. Like others have said, do the self-guided tour...you can stop and go as you please. Actually, I only listened to a few minutes of the tape and spent the rest of the time jus shotting.
Apr 4, 2019 13:36:51 #
dparker708 wrote:
Better check to make sure cameras are allowed inside. Having worked in a California State Prison, I doubt it.
👍👍👏
Having worked in a Colorado prison I agree. Cameras were not allowed under any circumstances. An employee bringing one in would most likely be walked off grounds immediately.
Dennis
Apr 4, 2019 13:42:57 #
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