I had a hard time holding the camera still for this shoot; I spent most of it terrified, and it was the middle of the day. I heard tell of this Asylum from a new friend of mine, like me she shares a fascination with madness and the asylums that house it: thanks Juliet : ) Needless-to-say I had to take advantage, if not for the photos just the experience alone.
With Camera in hand, my Leatherman on my belt, and a model at my disposal I entered.
Immediately after Rose and I “made our way in” the eeriness ensued: screeching medal on the floors directly above us, doors slamming and creaking, bats and birds shooting out from dark corners, and yes…footsteps…eeeekkk! We first heard the steps when we were in the Turquoise Room. Sorry there aren’t more shots in that location, wicked textures, but Rose and I we’re so on edge and darty-eyed at this point that I had set the camera down and we were literally sitting in that room listening to the cacophony of sounds…motionless – I almost left right then.
Having bettered our fears we moved along through the pitch dark corridors, replete with doors swinging open and closed. Having heard dogs at one point, I decided to go ahead by about 100ft to make sure everything was safe for Rose. A decision I later learned was quite insensitive, because Rose explained being attacked by a dog was a better prospect to her mind then being left alone in this place.
We were shooting the series that produced #7 when Rose’s eyes darted past me and she started to point nervously. By now I forgotten my fears and was more occupied with framing the shot. I turned around and there were two large guard dogs standing in the doorway of the room we were in. My first thought was, “I really don’t want to stab a dog today…” Warm breath… they had come right up to me and started to appraise my legs, “okay (I thought) they are real!” I told Rose that no matter what happens do not make eye contact just ignore them. I continued to shoot, Rose continued to look unsettled, and the dogs hadn’t decided who was to get which leg.
Rose’s eyes went placid…they had disappeared as quickly and silently as they had arrived, thank God!
Due to all the trauma I had experienced, not sure if I’ll return. I do have some ideas for this place before they gut it, but I feel very uneasy about taking models to such a dangerous place. All-in-all it was a great experience, and like I said I really didn’t care if I walked out with much. You be the judge.
Bon appetit,
The Violets
FIN
P.S. no dogs were hurt in the taking of these photos
