ABANDONED

Front of main building of Cresson Sanatorium

It’s the last day of June, the days are getting shorter, the weather is hot, sticky and a bit uncomfortable. I’ve used all those reasons to excuse myself from wandering about with a camera. I’ve filled my spare time learning more about video and the software program I’m using, Davinci Resolve. The level of complexity built into the system is overwhelming however, I have learned enough to get started and am picking up a little more every day. Of course, making the videos is very different than making photographs. I don’t have any “actors” to bring into the process except for the bees in yesterday’s practice video.

Today I put together some images together from places that are abandoned or mostly abandoned, added some music and made a video. Belmead is mostly gone with just some of the larger buildings remaining, it’s closed to the public now. Cresson Prison is open for tours and special events, like Halloween. Lorton has been converted to condos, apartments and other facilities. Mt Assisi used to be the Schwab mansion but is now a Friary, semi-private. Dunnington mansion is private but tours are available as well as private events. The ruins at Seneca are interesting but not super interesting in the summer heat. Hopefully the weather will cool soon. Right.