Ghost towns are strangely fascinating places. Idolized in stories about the hardships of the Old West, these communities were deserted by their citizens and left to crumble in the wake of financial collapse or other turns of misfortune.
Times change, promises fade, mines close, wells run dry, and business moves on. Today, only the shells of buildings remain, bare walls and foundations stripped of lumber, copper, and other valuable materials.
General Store, Rhyolite Ghost Town, Nevada |
Perhaps the ghost town is the architectural equivalent of an obituary page, a volume of cautionary tales foretelling the demise that awaits those who take foolish risks or rely too heavily on the good graces of providence.
The ghost town is bleak, bankrupt, crumbling, and deserted, yet we still feel compelled have a glance or even spend a few hours exploring their mysteries.
The ghost town represents our fears come true. We want reassurance that this bitter fate won't happen to us, to our homes, to our towns.
Rough times hit everyone sooner or later. No one understands this better than those who have seen ruin and devastation up close.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lenses: Canon EF 16-35 f/2.8L II
Light happens. Be ready. Shoot hard.
Copyright © 2013 Daniel R. South
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