© Christopher Dame
If you’re primarily an on-location photographer or filmmaker, then you know how much value a great location can add to the shoot. So today I’m introducing another Series (ala the ‘Emerging Talent’ and others…) where I feature supercool locations around the world. Stuff I discover, stuff that other send me, places I’d love to shoot. Of course feel free to chime in, share, link, or otherwise contribute in your own way. Onward…
After being ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Six Flags New Orleans has been completely abandoned, left to be pounded by the weather and nature without anyone around to care for it. Rickety rollercoasters develop rust, forgotten carousel horses look upon the empty pathways with sad painted eyes, and concession stands will never again feed a hungry child. While the general public is strictly forbidden to trespass on this post apocalyptic dream scene, a few brave photographers have risked arrest and dangerous conditions to shoot some incredible photographs of this now surreal place. Click through the gallery tabs above to see for yourself. Stunning opportunities abound…
Anybody shot here or know someone who has? I’m curious.
If you’ve got other locations you want to share – fire me off a few photos and some info and I may feature it in the future.
[…and Don’ Forget…While I have pushed boundaries on shooting at special locations in my career, I am not advocating that YOU break the law and shoot here or at any ‘off-limits’ location. What I can say is that creativity and collaboration with others can often get you through some hurdles that are not overtly “open” locations… And most people who wrangle “closed” locations are interested in…um… money and other possible perks that letting you shoot at a particular place might afford them… Getting access to special locations is something I’ve done regularly with good results – it’s an art not a science. Generally speaking, all commercial photoshoots should be permitted and paid for and trespassing is illegal. If you go Rambo on this, or any location I’ll point out in this future series of posts, you may get a high five from somebody, but you’re doing so under your own free will. You may or may not get some incredible shots. ]
this is a ling shot, but I’m in Nola til Thursday (5/17) and am hoping to get out to the six flags. A bunch of my friends went last year and said it’s not to be missed.
Problem is I don’t have a car. Also sounds like it’s more highly patrolled and more dangerous now. Is it possible to get out by bus or get dropped off nearby by taxi? Or is it just too dangerous/not worth it?
We’re in exactly the same boat! We’re also not Americans, so we’re afraid of getting deported.
That’d definitely put a damper on the trip :). Anyone with experience have thoughts? I think it’s going to have to be sunrise tomorrow or nothing. Would love to get some expert advice!
For the curious, I ended up taking the bus and went around sunset. It’s not the fastest way, but I did get to see a lot of the city. I never felt unsafe. I’m a girl and I went alone. A word of warning, there looked to be work being done near the old wooden coaster. There were a bunch of freshly cut branches in a neat pile and two trash bags filled with leaves. If you do go, go late, early, or on the weekend. Otherwise you might run into workers :/
I have shot there a few times on my downtime from my travels to New Orleans. Its a great place to shoot but be care full there is gators around and inside the park and the third time I shot there I was caught by the police but managed to BS my way out with press credentials. The cops were cool they were just concerend with squaters and vandals. I have heard recently that its dew to be torn down sometime this year tho so go soon if you want to see it. I have some pics on my flickr and I recently went to the aboundoned Turnpike tunnel in PA were some scenes from the movie the Road was filmed you can see on my 500px site.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10333218@N04/5570501708/in/photostream
http://500px.com/timjacksonphoto
http://www.cowichanbaycurrent.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Queen-of-Sidney.jpg
Be sure to check out the abandoned Chinatown theme park in Orlando, FL and the abandoned Disneyland in China: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNcuAOEzOy4&feature=youtube_gdata_player.