City of Abandonment

I got some great news today!!  The 2nd episode of “Shutter Rush” was released on Amazon Prime.  You can search for it by name “Shutter Rush – City of Abandonment” or by my name (Brook Ward).  The second episode was recorded in mid-March, right before COVID-19 hit the United States and was recorded in Gary Indiana.  I was a day late arriving because of COVID work requirements.  The guys got a jump start waiting on me.  While exploring a ton of abandoned buildings we filmed our experience and took a bunch of photographs. 

Big thanks to my Shutter Rush partners Jason Pohuski (@jasonpohuski) and Jake Mysliwczyk (@jakemysliwczykphoto) for all their work on both films.  Jason has done the bulk of the editing, while also providing tons of energy, crazy video/photo ideas and continues to drive us on these projects.  Jake helps edit while bringing great ideas, creativity and amazing photos (and some piano skills…check that out in the film).  I’m the old guy of the group, who is just happy to tag along and I hope I add a little value. 

Regardless, I’m proud to be associated with these wonderful partners.  I also want to thank Blair Ward (@fordrsfan), Mike Criswell (@mcriswellphoto) and Bob Lussier (@lussierphoto) for joining us on the Gary Indiana trip.  Their friendship and contribution to the film is appreciated.

Please check it out on Amazon Prime and enjoy!!

School Gym

I know tons of folks are posting cool Coronavirus blogs, photos, memes and other things that are generally humorous or encouraging others to be serious.  As most of you know, I work in healthcare.  So, I don’t have the energy right now for either of the above….not that I have a problem with it.  I’ll just leave you with this photo taken at an abandoned school in Gary Indiana.

To view a larger version, click HERE

Gary's Graffiti

I was lucky and got to visit Gary Indiana recently with a great group of photographers (Blair, Jason, Jake, Mike and Bob).  You might ask, why visit Gary Indiana???  We went to capture the beauty of their numerous abandoned buildings and film our experience for the next edition of “Shutter Rush”, which is now entering post-production.  I don’t know the release date yet, but I’m looking forward to watching the final product.

By the way, I captured this photo inside the abandoned Post Office.  I love really good graffiti and I appreciate the talent it takes to create art like this.  I’m not exactly sure what it says, but I loved how the light comes down through the roof lighting the art.

To view a larger version, click HERE

Pat Perry's Mural

We found this outstanding mural during our Detroit urban exploration weekend.  I love how the artist didn’t paint the entire wall, just used portions and left some of brick exposed as part of the mural.  He even worked around the windows and used one within the lantern.  I’m not 100% sure, but I think he painted this as part of the Murals in the Market festival.  You can see more of his work here: http://patperry.net/

To view a larger version, click HERE.  Below you can also see a couple of other photos from this spot.

Don’t forget to check out my photo galleries.  I update and add to them often.  PLUS….don’t forget you can get a free gift and 10% off great Think Tank camera gear by using this link: http://bit.ly/2FVW0eg

Looking down Gratiot Ave toward's Detroit.

Blair lining up for his photo

Arizona Desert

Today’s post is an aerial view looking straight down from a hot air balloon in the Arizona desert.   Our balloon ride was very early in the morning and we floated over this campsite.  What a peaceful ride in a beautiful part of the country.

To view a larger version, click here:  https://500px.com/photo/199069859/arizona-desert-by-brook-ward?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=3695440

Aerial View in the Arizona desert

Only In Your State

I found this article on the Onlyinyourstate.com website that list a great road trip to Pittsburgh’s most famous abandoned places.  They used 4 of my photos in the article.  You can see the entire article here:  http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/pittsburgh/abandoned-road-trip-pittsburgh/

Sunrise In The City

Blair and I went into the city (Pittsburgh) before sunrise last Sunday to capture some images.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t the best day for it since the sky was completely free of clouds.  It’s a tricky thing.  There is a fine line between the right amount of clouds and to many clouds.  But on this morning, we didn’t get any clouds.  So I made the best of it with the pre-sunrise color in the sky.

To purchase a print or view the entire gallery, please click the photo above.

Sailing in Barbados

MJ and I love Barbados.  What’s not to love about that wonderful country, location and people?  I took this photo on one of our excursions.  I love the view of the sailboat in front of the beach.  They told us that the white home in the background is Rihanna’s home.  I don’t know if I believe them because they probably say that about every large house on the island to the tourist.  But…maybe they’re telling the truth????

To purchase or view the entire gallery, click the photo above.

Fall Color In Pittsburgh

Back in October, Brad, Blair and I did some “roof topping” photography.  Jay provided the tip and we took advantage of the information to gain access to a great spot in downtown Pittsburgh looking down on the city.   

As you can see, the fall color was still in effect.  On top of that, it was getting very dark and I used a ND filter, which means I needed a long exposure.  The long exposure created a dreamy sky, smooth river, and light trails from the moving vehicles. 

This was an amazing night and it’s what I love about the fall season.  Warm evenings, wonderful colors and just that relaxing feeling.  Do you like fall?  If so, why?  

To purchase a print or view the entire gallery, please click the photo above.

In Search of the Perfect Vault

Guest Blog by Kendall Smith:  June 15th, 2015:

Towards the end of September, I was completing my first round of queries to literary agents in order to find a home, or publishing house, for my thriller, Vault 21-12. That process took six months, and as a writer, I knew it was time to change strategies. The next logical move was to pitch independent publishing houses and start crafting a cover concept to share with prospective editors.

The idea of using the vault as the main image is relevant to a core theme in the book: What is in the vault? Given it is located in Switzerland and was opened during World War Two, there’s a mysterious element to the story. Frankly, it’s the main hook, and what better way to entice readers than to provide a visual of the vault itself.

That, on many levels opened a Pandora’s box. Hours, if not days were spent searching the web to find the perfect visual. I hired a graphic designer to assist in the process. This element of the pitch helped to sell the story and concept to the team at Percussion Publishing. The story sold them, but my graphic designer and I were on the hook to find and design the covers (front and back).

Given the challenge, we tried a few different approaches but in the end we simply had to find an image of the perfect vault. One night, late in February and well past the deadline, my designer found Brook Ward’s visual – a picture of a bank vault located in the Washington Trust Building in Washington, Pennsylvania.

The second I saw it I was enthralled and grateful. We finally found the perfect image to represent Vault 21-12! We had complete control over the layout and design, and when we submitted it to Percussion Publishing, they were impressed.

After five more revisions, tweaks and color treatments, Vault 21-12 came to life. The title has already received thirteen 5-star ratings on Amazon and is selling well.

We tip our hat to the photographer, Brook Ward, for his skills behind the lens. We will recommend him to other writers and editors and speaking as an author, I hope you’ll check out my thriller.

Kendall Smith  (Author, Vault 21-12)

Available on Amazon, Kindle and Nook.

Amazon:  http://amzn.com/0692460438

Kindle:  http://amzn.com/B00YHLNAHS

Nook:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vault-21-12-kendall-smith/1122001387?ean=2940151273169

           Before...and After (my original photo on the left.  The final book cover on the right)

Banana Levitation

I have a little something stupid for you today.  Since it was so cold outside, we are staying indoors (maybe a sign I am getting old…oh well) and I decided to play in my photo studio (otherwise known as the kitchen). 

So I spent a few minutes creating the Banana Levitation photo.  I am by far not the first person to do this and I have no idea who did this first.  Regardless it gave me an excuse to play and you get to see the result. 

If you scroll down, you can see the original photo and it’ll give you an idea how it was created.  Have a great (and warm) Sunday.

To purchase a print or view the entire gallery, click the photo above.

Here is the before photo: