Making use of what's around you, turning the mundane into beauty through your lens.
If you know me, you know I love a good book and often spend my free time with my nose deep in one. I'm always on the hunt for a good novel and visit my local library almost weekly. On my way over there, I would pass by this abandoned Macy's store, that for whatever reason, had shut down. It was right across the street from where I would find myself looking for my next book, and it caught my eye.
As a photographer, I'm also searching for new locations to add to my list of spots for photoshoots and creative sessions. While thinking about my next concept, I reached out to a friend of mine and asked her if she'd be interested in shooting some of her photos at this spot, and to no one's surprise, her and her fiancé really dressed up this place. If you're looking for an edgy spot, free to use, where no one else will be, look no further.
Ugh! One of my favorite shots that needs no explanation!
We decided to really play into what the abandoned building offered and not hide from it; the broken front windows now boarded up, the empty parking lot, the strewn shopping carts, and the fact that nobody was around.
Literally. Didn't have to photoshop anyone out of a single portrait.
Since Kaysa is also a photographer, she brought some of her own props and wardrobe pieces, and between us, we styled what looked to be like a grungy elopement - which I'm living for! When you find gems like this, have fun with it and allow yourself to get creative with the space. An abandoned building definitely is not your "traditional" spot, so allow yourself and your clients to have fun and be a little more edgy.
Don't be afraid of the different style a place like this will give your gallery. But if you're more of a traditionalist, always looking for the greenery and the sun, many abandoned areas often have overgrown grass or vines very close by. This is because the building and the surrounding area isn't managed. We found a patch of grass right across the street, and finished off our session in blue hour right here.
If you liked this session, feel free to let me know! I'd love to hear what you have to say, so leave a like or drop a comment below and make sure to inquire for your next creative session. Hit that button to book one with me today!