Eastern State Penitentiary

Opened in 1829 as part of a controversial movement to change the behavior of inmates through “confinement in solitude with labor”, Eastern State Penitentiary quickly became one of the most expensive and most copied buildings in the young United States. Some of America’s most notorious criminals were held in the Penitentiary’s vaulted, sky-lit cells, including bank robber Willie Sutton and Al Capone. Eastern State Penitentiary was completely abandoned in 1971, and now stands, a lost world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers.

 Join us for a workshop at this unique national landmark, kept in a state of preserved ruin and full of unusual textures, light and shapes that invite photographic exploration. The seminar will prepare you with practical and creative photo tips to help you get great photos in this unusual setting. We'll cover topics like High Dynamic Range (HDR) & architectural photography, portable lighting solutions, and lots more.

During our visit we’ll take a brief introductory tour of the prison, followed by free time to photograph. We'll even be given time to shoot in non-public areas of the prison, reserved exclusively for our students. Dan's instructors will be right there with you, providing guidance and immediate feedback. Later, we'll enjoy a group lunch across the street, rounding out a fun day of shooting in a great location.

Classroom Seminar at Dan’s: Thursday, September 9, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Photo shoot at Eastern State Penitentiary: Sunday, September 12. Bus leaves Dan’s at 7:45am and returns to Dan’s at 5:00pm
Cost: $149.99

This expedition includes:

  • Round-trip transportation
  • Admission & tour
  • Lunch at Jack’s Firehouse
  • 1 free 12×18 Mica Print of one of your images

Image review session (optional): Monday, September 27, 5:00pm -7:00pm

Bring your photos from the Penitentiary to be reviewed with the group, so everyone can learn from actual images taken on location. Submissions can be anonymous, and feedback is directed at learning, not criticism.

Cost: $10

Date Time Register
Class: Thursday, 9/9
Outing: Sunday, 9/12
Review session: Monday, 9/27		 5:00pm – 7:00pm
7:30am – 5:00pm
5:00pm – 7:00pm		 Please call
Minimum gear required:

Any type or brand of camera.

Recommended gear:

Camera with manual flash override capability and ability to photograph in lower light.

Topic covered will include:
  • High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography
  • Architectural photography
  • Portable lighting solutions such as off-camera & wireless flash systems
  • Specific techniques for adjusting white balance, metering, and more
Suggested accessories:
  • Tripod
  • Wide-angle lens
  • Remote shutter release
  • Polarizing filter for outdoor images
  • Flash, wireless if possible