With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Cool Photos: Forgotten Buildings In Dreamy, Desert Landscapes
Photographer Ed Freeman didn't initially set out to shoot dilapidated and forgotten buildings in the California desert that would later become part of his book, Desert Realty.
His original plan was to take snapshots of landscapes out in areas like the Salton Sea and Mojave, as well as small towns like Trona and Brawley. However, because the best times to snap pictures of landscapes in the desert are during the morning or around sunset, Freeman, 72, was left with little to do during the day while he waited around. So, he started driving around and taking photos of these derelict trailers, churches and gas stations in the towns that no one "in their right minds would go to for a reason" because they're "not exactly touristy spots," he told LAist.
In his photos that he shot from 1997 to 2000, he kept the buildings intact as they appeared the way he shot them. However, he would later alter other aspects of those photos, such as remove the surroundings—like people, other buildings and junk. Then he would slap the building on a different background and sky, but one that would have a similar mountain range as that area would have.
"What I wanted people to do was pay attention to the buildings," Freeman said. "I wanted them to see the buildings."
Support for LAist comes from
Although he would return to the same places, the buildings were usually never the same afterwards; they would be burned down, torn up or had simply vanished. One of his favorite photos he took in this project was of the rainbow-striped trailer in Salton City. When he first photographed it, there were children playing all around it. He remembered it as "the happiest trailer on earth." He had taken a small camera with him then and felt he could take a better snapshot of it with a bigger camera. However, when he returned two months later, the trailer was deserted and the kids were gone. He no longer thought it felt happy anymore and decided to use the original photo he had taken.
In addition to buildings and landscapes, Freeman also loves shooting abstract and travel photography. Prior to being a photographer, he was a musician and record producer. He said producing Don McLean's American Pie in the early 1970s was his Heisman Trophy.
[h/t Curbed LA]
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist