Countryside

Countryside | Inspire Exploration Series


The Inspire Exploration Series is a photo essay highlighting imagery from particular locations. My hope is to inspire within you a curiosity to explore places near or far. Embrace the possibilities for experiencing the unfamiliar, it’s worth the effort!



27 page book (including cover; also 21 full pages of imagery) highlighting a series of shoots conducted within Southwestern Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland during the year 2011.



Synapsis

Over the years, I’ve done a fair amount of traveling across the United States. Martian landscapes in the Southwest; majestic mountain ranges and typography in the Pacific Northwest; tropical paradise down south in Florida; alien like rocky beaches along the shores of Maine; I can go on and on. One area in particular I had always been curious about - Pennsylvania, specifically the western section of the state. The city of Pittsburgh and surrounding area has an interesting mesh of man and nature. Venturing even a few miles away from the city one can find themselves in harsh natural environments. Neighboring states, such as Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland offered unique sights to partake in addition.

From December 2010 through June 2011 I lived in the town of Mt. Lebanon, located on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. While living there, even for as short a time as 7 months, I was able to travel forth and quench my thirst for the region. This eBook covers a range of subject matter - remote natural locations; a town which has seen better times; a variety of state parks; the construction of a memorial to lost heroes; and so on. In addition, I’ve included 2 areas which, though not located in Southwestern Pa, are a part of my time spent in the region and deserve inclusion.

My reason for initially relocating to Southwestern Pa was of a personal nature to be honest. Rekindling a romance with my childhood sweetheart was scary, invigorating, exciting, full of promise. Sadly, within a short period of time was a realization we were of 2 different mindsets. The love I felt and thought was there wasn’t. After a period of time trying to figure out what to do after the breakup, I re-embraced photography. Therapeutic and nurturing, I’m appreciative for creativity being the light in a world of darkness during those moments of being lost.


Photograph Locations Within:
McConnells Mill State Park
Ohiopyle State Park
Fallingwater
Hell Hollow’s Falls
Braddock
Mineral Springs Falls
Raccoon Creek State Park
Cucumber Falls
Meadow Run
Flight 93 Memorial
Johnstown
Muddy Creek Falls
Wheeling