Michael, having just returned from the South (N.C) and going to a family baptism with my 92 year old mom your photographs remind me of how the history of religion is changing in the South. It's such an important part of everyday life there. Your images blend the old time religion into wondering what is next. I find them both enchanting and nostalgic of a forgotten era. It's nice to see that you took the time to make this series.
Michael, where do you live now? and how long did you live in the South? I grew up there and have lived in New York City now for around three decades. Currently, I am scanning my early B/W analogue photography done in the 1980's in mostly rural Carolina. I adore the quiet of your composition and the color.
I lived in Georgia nearly 7 years, before moving back to my native Maryland. I'm in Baltimore, which is where I got my photographic start nearly 20 years ago!
Thank you, Jennifer. The freedom part is definitely harder to come by, these days. But I hope you can find it, and use it to find the things out there that speak to you.
Hi Hannah—no, all of these places were either well and truly abandoned and lost to the woods, or were historical sites that were open to the public (but not necessarily maintained).
Hey, sorry, just saw this. No, nothing wrong. I have to admit that my days are pretty jam packed and I only get a brief window to respond and comment in the evenings after work.
Thank you for this serene and fascinating look at these old churches. I love the beautiful greens, inside the churches and outside. And the soft, inviting, cream-white walls speak of the yearning for purity and simplicity. The pealing paint is so appealing! I can hear the stillness!! It must have been a wonderful experience for you both. Congratulations.
Gorgeous photos, Michael. Compliments to Cait as well! The effect reminds me of when I would over expose Kodachrome 25 slide film by a stop or so back in the day. The emulsion was rich enough that it would still hold color. Soft and creamy.
I like your writing style too. Travel writing is an art unto itself. I’m working on it myself. I have a Photostack I’m just reviving after a year off. I’ll be going in a slightly different direction as I found being merely a guide was a bit of a dead end. I plan to write longer, deeper narratives with my photos in support rather than short captions with each picture. My report from a recent visit to Oaxaca, Mexico is in the works as i write.
My earlier work is here. I’ll be continuing under the same name
Thanks for the kind words about the photos and writing! That Kodachrome 25 comparison is really interesting—I'll share that with Cait, who is the film shooter in our household. I know she would be interested in that. I sadly never got to shoot Kodachrome before it was discontinued, and most of the Fuji slide films I used to shoot with have been axed, as well.
I'm looking forward to checking out your Photostack, and I'm really looking forward to the Oaxaca photos. I've only been to Mexico once, very long ago, but would love to go back.
I was lucky when I started shooting as a teenager and Kodachrome was still a thing.
The historical centers of those old colonial cities are a photographer’s dream. Beaches are nice but I prefer the cities for pictures. Nice to combine the two for a holiday.
to photograph abandoned churches, that's a very interesting project
Thank you -- and it's a lot of fun!
Michael, having just returned from the South (N.C) and going to a family baptism with my 92 year old mom your photographs remind me of how the history of religion is changing in the South. It's such an important part of everyday life there. Your images blend the old time religion into wondering what is next. I find them both enchanting and nostalgic of a forgotten era. It's nice to see that you took the time to make this series.
I can only imagine how much it has changed. It was in total flux when I lived there. The South is a beautiful time capsule, surely.
Michael, where do you live now? and how long did you live in the South? I grew up there and have lived in New York City now for around three decades. Currently, I am scanning my early B/W analogue photography done in the 1980's in mostly rural Carolina. I adore the quiet of your composition and the color.
I lived in Georgia nearly 7 years, before moving back to my native Maryland. I'm in Baltimore, which is where I got my photographic start nearly 20 years ago!
These photos are magic! What an amazing project. I wish I had the freedom and guts to get in my car and chase the light and shadows.
Thank you, Jennifer. The freedom part is definitely harder to come by, these days. But I hope you can find it, and use it to find the things out there that speak to you.
Thank you, Michael!
Thank you. I am inspired! This Saturday will be my test run…
Wonderful images!! I love the light in all of them.
I’m convinced that we crossed into some liminal, perfectly lit world when we went in those churches. The light was always a dream.
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing these images and experiences with us. Gorgeous work.
My pleasure, Andy — and thank you for the very kind cross post and your lovely intro.
I always loved a good abandoned church! These are excellent!
Thank you!!
Hauntingly beautiful and serene. If offered as prints I’d love to have some.
Thanks, Stacy. Keep your eyes out on my Darkroom page... I'll be adding a few from this series to the print store soon :)
https://mwriston.darkroom.com/
I'll DM you a coupon code you can use for being a paid subscriber, too!
Wow, look at all the great new prints there!
Lovely! I’m curious - were some of these still owned by anyone? Did you need permission for any of these places?
Hi Hannah—no, all of these places were either well and truly abandoned and lost to the woods, or were historical sites that were open to the public (but not necessarily maintained).
I’m curious, Michael. It seems you’ve liked and replied to every comment except mine. Did I say something wrong?
Hey, sorry, just saw this. No, nothing wrong. I have to admit that my days are pretty jam packed and I only get a brief window to respond and comment in the evenings after work.
Ok great. Sorry I just saw mine in the middle of all the others. I guess I was having a moment :)
Moving post. I really enjoyed it. What an interesting project.
Thank you!!
This is a wonderful series Michael - beautiful images that almost exude a sense of the peace of each place.
As always, thank you so very much, Lin!
Thank you for this serene and fascinating look at these old churches. I love the beautiful greens, inside the churches and outside. And the soft, inviting, cream-white walls speak of the yearning for purity and simplicity. The pealing paint is so appealing! I can hear the stillness!! It must have been a wonderful experience for you both. Congratulations.
Thanks, Caitlin. I wish I had saved a bit of that green paint to get a match made. I think it would be a lovely color to have in the house :)
❤️❤️ Light and airy! Love that title too!
Thank you, Chinwe. I always love an opportunity to sneak in an obscure reference where I can.
Looking at these, I could feel that gentle stillness he was talking about. Beautiful, serene pictures 😊
Thank you, Nicky.
Gorgeous photos, Michael. Compliments to Cait as well! The effect reminds me of when I would over expose Kodachrome 25 slide film by a stop or so back in the day. The emulsion was rich enough that it would still hold color. Soft and creamy.
I like your writing style too. Travel writing is an art unto itself. I’m working on it myself. I have a Photostack I’m just reviving after a year off. I’ll be going in a slightly different direction as I found being merely a guide was a bit of a dead end. I plan to write longer, deeper narratives with my photos in support rather than short captions with each picture. My report from a recent visit to Oaxaca, Mexico is in the works as i write.
My earlier work is here. I’ll be continuing under the same name
circumspectral.substack.com
It will always be free for a subscription. Once I get a more regular rhythm going I may ask for donations.
Good luck!
Thanks for the kind words about the photos and writing! That Kodachrome 25 comparison is really interesting—I'll share that with Cait, who is the film shooter in our household. I know she would be interested in that. I sadly never got to shoot Kodachrome before it was discontinued, and most of the Fuji slide films I used to shoot with have been axed, as well.
I'm looking forward to checking out your Photostack, and I'm really looking forward to the Oaxaca photos. I've only been to Mexico once, very long ago, but would love to go back.
I was lucky when I started shooting as a teenager and Kodachrome was still a thing.
The historical centers of those old colonial cities are a photographer’s dream. Beaches are nice but I prefer the cities for pictures. Nice to combine the two for a holiday.
Appreciate the reply. I’ll be following.
A wonderful marriage of text and imagery, lovely work!
Very much appreciated, Maria!