About State of Abandoned

State of Abandoned is a photography project documenting abandoned buildings across the United States. I started it to keep a record of places before they're renovated, demolished, or lost to neglect.

Even as a kid, I’ve always been interested in old, abandoned, overgrown buildings and their history. It all started with exploring old barns and farmhouses in the country. My passion for photographing abandoned places comes from wanting to preserve the history before they’re demolished, and forgotten forever. Even if it’s just in a handful of images living in a small corner of the internet.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to explore hundreds and hundreds of abandoned locations across the country, and even traveling internationally. While some places aren’t as picturesque as others, I always make it a challenge to find something interesting to photograph and document. But let’s be honest.

Not every location works out. A house stripped to the studs or an empty warehouse often means the camera stays in the bag. What I'm looking for is something worth documenting, usually a building with history behind it or details that were left behind.

As a photographer/ urban explorer, I’ve previously worked with historical societies, towns, private individuals, and redevelopment companies to photograph historical or iconic landmarks as they stood abandoned, before they face redevelopment, or demolition.  Some of these places/projects include:

• The A. Hoen Lithograph Building, Baltimore MD (now renovated into a neighborhood center)

• The Franklin School, Washington, DC

• Meridian Hill Church, Washington, DC (In conjunction with ADG+G Architecture)

• The Lansdowne Theater, Philadelphia, PA (under renovation)

• The Cooper School, Shenandoah, PA

• Hill Street School, Globe, AZ

• Buckhorn Bathhouse, Mesa, AZ

• Town of Gila Bend, AZ

Other Locations

I’ve also been fortunate to see other historical and iconic locations such as The Blue Horizon Boxing Venue, St. Nicholas Coal Breaker, Lorton Reformatory, Lonaconing Silk Mill, Carrie Blast Furnaces, and many others.

Books

1. Abandoned Arizona: Secrets of the Desert

2. Abandoned Virginia: Forgotten in Time

Both are available in the shop.

Press

Below are just a few links to articles or events featuring some of my work. 

• Abandoned Spaces – Cooper School

• Abandoned Spaces – SCI Cresson

• Abandoned Spaces – Yellow Dog

• Abandoned Spaces – President’s Heads'

• PinalCentral - Abandoned Arizona Book