May 9, 2008

Yesterday, I wandered through a deserted amusement park in the parking lot of a half-empty mall along the side of a highway. It felt oddly exciting to walk by the wrapped tents and the still rides, nodding to the roadies, taking photographs of the sights. It was opening night, and in a few hours this pristine, quiet, glitzed-out place would suddenly come to life with flashing lights and blaring music. Families would arrive carrying pink cotton candy wands and fizzy sodas and tickets for rides in their hands. In the meantime, though, I had the place to myself.

Comments

[mary cooper]

Susanna your photos are just the best, they always make me want to see more,especially these. Love Mary

[Shay]

I like the shot of the snack stands.

When I lived in San Antonio, Texas, there was a big amusement park which had closed at some point before i moved there, but which had not yet been torn down. And in those days, I didn't have a car, so I walked past it from time to time. There's something spooky, and sadly sweet about an abandoned amusement park. You'd have gone nuts with your camera.

[o l g a]

Love it! You are good at painting scenes with words. I could feel how it was being there. Thanks for sharing your world!

[rochambeau]

Hi Susanna,
Like these photos because it's like wandering with you.

Have you figured out a day this week. Anything but thurs.

xox
C

[Lisa-Marie]

Incredible, atmospheric photos. Love them!

[collette ~ all over the map]

There is something so comforting in those images for me. They are iconic America. I especially like the second in all it's loudness yet I feel the silence.

[Yoli]

These photos are so touching.

[maralena]

S-
These pictures are awesome... and love that they are in B&W!

[stephanie]

Carnivals are so timeless...these images could have been taken in the 30's, 40's, 50's or now. What an interesting life isn't it? The life of a carnie...

[Gillian]

Interesting perspective on a usually colourful place! Your shots are waiting to come alive there!!!
xo

[Karen Cole]

Beautiful photos, Susanna. It feels particularly appropriate to photograph the rides and "amusements" in B and W when there are no people to make it come alive.

[Alexandra]

I love the second picture. Seems to belong to a 50s newspaper! Wish I could go to an amusement park myself.

[annieelf]

I very much like your use of b/w. It left me hungry for more.

[Maria]

Mom and I are enjoying your beautiful photographs...and inspiring words.

[michelle ward]

beautiful photos! reminds me of my college days when i worked in an amusement park. it was glorious to walk through the empty park each morning before it opened - knowing what fun the day would bring for all it's visitors. i would wink as i passed each ride, taking it's rest before the lights and music went on.

[Relyn]

Oh, I love these pictures. They are really wonderful and evocative. The mind immediately begins creating stories to go with these images. Mine runs off in several different directions at once. For instance, the photos were taken only an hour or so before dusk falls. The girl who took the photos has heard rumours of something slightly creepy, but mostly amazaing happening then. At dusk. She's not sure if she should stay to witness it or not. All she knows is that she is oddly compelled to take these particular photos. Now.