25 May 2012

shambles

As the prison expanded, each new cell block held more prisoners that the original ones. Over the years, Eastern has fallen into disrepair. Tourists support restoration efforts with the admission fee. Despite the negative effect it had on prisoners, it is an important piece of American history and a landmark to what detention facilities should not be.
(ISO 800, f/8.0, 1/50s)

23 May 2012

penitent

The original cells at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia were designed for prisoners to be penitent and come out of their prison sentence better men. (It didn't work.) Here's one stark, restored cell. The only source of light for them was one slit of a skylight that directed their gazes towards God.
(ISO 100, f/6.3, 30s)

19 May 2012

thinker


Texture is important. Without it here, this photo would be otherwise flat and dark. The light worked out nicely.
(ISO 800, f/5.6, 1/20s)

14 May 2012

skyward skyscraper

Early in my photography hobbyhood, I admired the work of professionals who had great skill in capturing architecture. I thought that a lot of it was gear, but as it turns out, mine was good enough. I just needed some practice and a better hand on post-processing.
(ISO 400, f/3.5, 1/640s)