I need this group's help...

[Seth Hancock]

Hey all,

First off I am new here so please be patient with me to learn all I can.  I am a photographer in Los Angeles and am getting ready to do a Fine Art shoot and I have this strange desire to do this at one of the Ghost Towns nearer to LA.  I looked at some around the Bakersfield and Tahachapi areas but am not sure what areas still have the best ruins, allow for photography and are not fenced off for people to use as backdrops/sets.

 

I am sure most of you have a tremendous knowledge of these locations and areas and am hoping someone will be able to assist me in my quest to locate a great Ghost Town close to LA (2-3 hour drive) with access for the shoot.  I am desperate and hope someone here can, at least, point me in the right direction.  Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Seth Hancock

[anthony martin]

  Hi Seth,

       There just isn't a whole lot left in southern Ca. but if you head north you can find a lot-in the central area there is Hornitos and Bodie which is probably the most impressive ghost in the western states.You could drive up on a Friday and set up camp about 15 miles from  Bodie and make a whole day of shooting.

  In shorter driving distance down in the southern part you have Garlock,Coolgardie,Holcomb Valley.Doble,Goldstone,Hart and Providence but VERY little is left.Ihope this is of some use.Some folks might recommend Calico but this is only semi original with a good many buildings moved in and is a bit of a tourist trap.I suggest you do some internet fishing and check out photos of some of the sites to see if any would interest you.

                          Best Regards,

                                     Anthony

[Seth Hancock]

Thanks Anthony.  I am looking into the the Tropico Mines as well as Garlock and Camp Seco (more here for ruins).  At some point I will get out to Bodie and Hornitos areas when I have more time.  Unfortunately, some of the models I work with fly into LA and are out in a day or two so may only have a 1/2 day with them so weekends are out.  However, I may do that for my own personal work someday soon (especially in the fall).  Again, thank you.

Seth

[Morgan]

and nothing else?

[anthony martin]

  Well,I'd go for the lady in the hat and a pair of those high lace Victorian bicycle boots.I think that's all the accessorizing she'd need!

[Seth Hancock]

If you all can help make that happen I will send you a copy of that picture.  I have the model who can do that I just need a set/location.

 

Seth

[Sue Cauhape]

Hi Seth,

 

Bodie may be a tad further away than two or three hours drive from L.A., but it's well worth the trip. As California's official state ghost town, Bodie's "arrested decay" displays much of the town's houses and artifacts therein. Photographers are encouraged and welcome to come. And it's photogenic! Beautiful place with lots to see. And that stretch of Hwy. 395 will boggle your mind and photographic eye with lots of tempting shots for other uses.

[Seth Hancock]

That's great to hear, Sue.  I am planning a trip there within the next three weeks so thank you for that information.  I am looking forward to shooting there.

 

Seth

 

[Wolfgang]

Do you require a real "ghost town" or would a "set" that looks like delapidated old west be good for you ?   Contact German Pete at White Horse Ranch.  It is a rustic old west movie set town near Landers where there a both rustic old west buildings and lots of props and wardrobe available.  Very accessable without too much travel as compared to Bodi.  Though Bodi would be GREAT.  I've been there.  

[Sue Cauhape]

Thank you, Wolfgang, for sending along the link to the Whitehorse Ranch website. That looks like a great place to visit. We'll probably be heading that direction or so when winter comes and we need a break from Carson Valley's "salubrious climate."