I often go for drives up random streets for a look around and for the inspiration it can so often provide for ideas and photographs. This time I was looking at the enormous mansions in the area when I decided to turn up this street to find the top of a partly demolished home. I had my phone with me so made some photos with it as the light wasn’t the best. It here was a high wooden fence that was still up being used as a fence for the demolition. I was able to stand on the side of the fence which enabled me to get my signature front on perspective I love so much. A few days later I went back with my camera in the hope it was still there and it was. I remember it was an overcast day but the weather was forecast for partly sunny by late afternoon. I wanted it to be a little sunny and for some cloud definition, but not too sunny that there would be harsh shadows. Turned out the lighting was perfect and I was able to fire off some photos of this once grand mansion. I found real estate photos of it when it was for sale and to say it was a grand Art Deco building inside and out was an understatement. It was massive and detailed with a front porch, tennis courts and beautiful interior details.

I’ve photographed several homes and other buildings in the process of demolition. It’s quite somber seeing them in a toppled state, yet at the same time it’s fascinating seeing ripped brickwork and timber all over the place. I always think about how people lived their lives in these walls and in a instant it’s gone forever.