Today was a meetup with a Chicago exurban group in Gary, Indiana (about 45 minutes southwest of Chicago) at what remains of a once stunning methodist church. The entire structure -- doomed for demolition -- is in serious decay from a combination of the city in disarray (population of 160K at one time, now less than 100K, mostly poverty level, industry pretty much gone, businesses closed, high crime), a fire in the late 1990s, vandals, and so on. Dangerous to walk in some sections of the building, but our 'host' knew his way around and we had amazing views. It's so strange to call it beautiful, but that's what I found -- so much beauty in the decay. And, during the morning, there were two photo shoots we came across -- one of a model (with blue hair) and one of a trio who was using the decayed background of a huge theater as the backdrop for an album cover or something. All and all an amazing day, with more shots to be posted over the course of the week. A very different area with a different feel is in my extras album: http://365project.org/taffy/the-also-ran-ph/2013-09-07
And a thanks to @danielwsc and @anwan who had introduced me to the group that I went with, and who had posted some images last spring from their trip there, which got me interested in it in the first place.
(Over)processed in Nik Suite using HDR and tweaked with Color Efex.
Thank you all so much for your response to the subway shot from Friday! It landed on PP and has encouraged me to 'go gritty' more often!
This is stunning and I can certainly see the beauty but it is also very sad that it has come to this state. Glad you could capture it before it is completely destroyed. it almost belongs in one of those "end of the world" films where they seek out the ruined church for safety and refuge. A fav:)
@twr Yes -- it's pretty much a decaying city. In the area of the church is an abandoned post office, an abandoned theater, and a few other places that this particular photo club goes to shoot. It's a sad thing to see a city that once was thriving now be at a point where it looks like decades, if ever, that it will come back to its former life.
Another fav - what an incredible building and so sad it has fallen into ruin. I am surprised the stained glass is still there.
I like the processing - I often find HDR too overdone and offputting but this is lovely. Like you, I do see the beauty.
Taffy, you did a superb job capturing the beauty and elegance of what it once was, as well as the decay and devastation of what is to come. I love old buildings and architecture, so this is a very sad image for me.
wow, what a moving photo! This was an instant Fav for me. The majesty of this room, juxtaposed with the disrepair and decay, made for an outstanding shot. Well done. I can't wait to see more!
Spectacular image!!! Great processing to show it off so well!!! Sounds like a fun group! FAV!!!! Thanks Taffy for all your continued visits and kind words...finding it hard to get to everyone individually...but I appreciate reading all your comments!!
@twr It's hard not to when you see that kind of demise! Somehow cities like Pittsburgh, and Chicago itself, have come back. But I can't see how Gary is going to do it.
This must have been such a wonderful building in its "hayday" and I can relate to you regarding the beauty now Taffy! A fantastic shot and I like the HDR treatment, a great composition.Fav
How amazing to have been able to have gotten in there for this shot. Sad to see it so run down because clearly it was once very pretty. Amazing shot. Fav!
@pflaume@jo13 Thanks for the fav, Lisa and Jo! I really appreciate it. I was so lucky to be able to go on that meet-up. I'd never have done it on my own.
I like the processing - I often find HDR too overdone and offputting but this is lovely. Like you, I do see the beauty.
Thank you so much for your views, your comments, and your favs! I really appreciate it -- especially because this was such an amazing place to be able to walk through and photograph.
great shot Taffy