Eastern State Penitentiary, known to to insiders ESP, was built in 1826 in Philadelphia. It is one of the oldest penitentiaries in the US and exists as a "preserved ruins" open to the public as a National Historic Landmark. Its Gothic architecture was meant to to frighten the public as well as all who entered its doors. This architecture plus the soaring cell block corridors, minimal natural light, peeling paint and crumbled walls are a photographer's delight. The physical ruins and haunting atmosphere appealed to me immediately and kept my interest for hours while making these photos.
© KARLA BERNSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY
