Not Dead Yet....

Just wanted to sneak in here and let everyone know I haven't disappeared, though I'm sure it seems it.

I have just finished the special edition of "Behind the Walls" and will be hosting a book night at the West Springfield Public Library. Visit the Facebook page for "Behind the Walls" for more details or to request a copy of the special edition. There are only 50 copies available so if you can't make it to the event, get your requests in early!

First Wedding Shoot

This past November I shot my first official wedding. A gift to friends, I spent a great day shooting Cat and Dave as they got ready, arrived at the church, said their vows, and celebrated with friends. Cat's dress and general theme were inspired by a 1940's photo of her grandmother and the wedding was carried away on a vintage feel complete with peacock feather fans, men in hats, and "Zoot Suit Riot".

Stay tuned for more!

Looking Out and Getting In

Looking Out and Getting In, originally uploaded by Kate Broderick.

My long anticipated first visit to Connecticut's Kirkbride was well worth it. It was by far one of the most photogenic locations I have ever visited.

View the rest of the set at Flickr.

The Knight Hospital

My third trip to Henry Knight's hospital in Connecticut was undoubtedly the most successful. I managed to see and photograph more of the campus than ever. Enjoy these few and view the rest of the set on Flickr.

Going Green

In spite of the rain my most recent visit to Grafton proved to be one of the best so far in my own humble opinion. I was happy with almost every shot I took and I feel like these give the non-explorer a better sense of Grafton. Enjoy!

The End Comes Slowly

Every time I think I'm finished at Northampton State Hospital I wind up back there, again with Abandoned Reflections and T.C. Photo. There isn't much left to see but what is left seems to be turning into a sad reminder of what once was.

Speechless.... Breathless....

For my third trip to this hospital I took along my new regular partner in crime, Abandoned Reflections, to see if we could find the fabled hydrotherapy room.

This is the set that resulted from that day.

I however am holding onto my shots of the hydrotherapy room-

a room that left me utterly, and literally speechless when I finally saw it.

Second edition of the book however...

Last weekend was only mildly cold so we headed out to a couple different spots. This particular foundry was pretty wrecked but the colors were beyond amazing. In spite of the graffiti and the fact that kids had obviously been playing paint ball inside, this building made for some great shots. Enjoy!

Pilgrim Psych

As promised, a new set though the photos aren't new. I took this set back in 2006 and dug them out tonight to revisit them. I haven't been exploring much so I figured fishing through my old stuff was just as good. Enjoy!

Almost a New Year...

It's only December 27th but I'm already considering my New Year's Resolution.

Of course part of my resolution is to carry my camera with me more often.

Another is to get my work "out there".

And finally, I promise to update this blog on a regular basis.

I plan to convalesce for just a few more days.

Then there shall be more photos!

Happy Holidays!

NEW Asylum Book

Most of you know that along with being an avid photographer, I am also a consummate bookworm. Recently while perusing Amazon's recommendations for me, "Asylum: Inside the Closed World of State Mental Hospitals" came up and I bought it immediately. I then took the time to check out Chris Payne's photography at www.chrispaynephoto.com where I was not disappointed. His work is amazing and his documentation of the demise of the state hospital is unparalleled. With a foreword by renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks (of "Awakenings" fame), this book is a must have in any library.

Black Dahlia...Revisited

This is the first time I have ever used the macro setting on my camera and my mother's red dahlia was the perfect subject for that shot. This flower reminds me greatly of the movie art for The Black Dahlia where the dead girl's reddish black lipstick is running down the side of her mouth.

Polyvore

Soul of Style by KateBroderick featuring Roxy

While I am indeed an Urban Explorer at heart, I'm still a girl. One of my coworkers who happens to be my twin separated at birth, turned me on to Polyvore.com where you can create quick pieces of art based on current fashion trends. Here's my first set that I did to keep busy tonight.

Photography and the Law

Some of you will notice that there are now numerous posts missing from my blog. Even though I regularly make an effort to historically document the places I visit, I have recently received a notice preventing me from documenting a fairly well known site. I plan to abide by the requests in this particular letter as I would prefer not to be prevented from working as a photographer in the future. Thanks for your understanding!

PORTRAIT SESSIONS FOR FALL!

Kate Broderick Photography is proud to announce that it's time to break into portraits!

Summer is over, school is about to start and now is the perfect time for fall portraits of little ones, friends, family, high school seniors, college freshmen, pets...

Recently engaged? How about a fantastic fall photo shoot to mark one of the happiest occasions
of a new couple's life together!

Packages include your choice of prints and print sizes, a free DVD of your photos to share with friends and family, as well as the option to order a range of beautiful, professional (but affordable!) photo books, postcards, Christmas cards, address labels, and much more!

For the rest of the month book a portrait sitting and choose your location for free! No location fee, no sitting fee! Plus, get a free 8 X 10 of your favorite photo!

Email us at kate@asylumaveartists.com

or call the studio at (978) 424-3155 to book your session!

Shooting Old Skool

This set was taken at Cathedral of the Pines with a Yashica 124 MAT G twin reflex camera from the 1960's. Occasionally I like the feel of shooting with film and 120 film is one of my favorites so I bought a couple rolls of black and white. All photos were tinted using Photoshop CS4.

Youth of a Nation

A skate park in the inner city is a great place to people watch with a camera. You get such a unique cross section of society hanging out in a skate park. You get BMX kids...

You get the "hardcore" skaters...

And the future youth of our nation...