Pennhurst Asylum Photo Trek
Pennhurst was an institution for the mentally and physically disabled individuals of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Constructed and opened in 1908 as a state school for the mentally and physically disabled, Pennhurst’s property was vast, covering 120 acres. Created to house over 10,000 patients, Pennhurst was one of the largest institutions of its kind in Pennsylvania. It was devoted strictly to the care, treatment and education of the disabled. Originally named Pennhurst Home for the Feeble Minded and Epileptic, it finally was just called Pennhurst State School. After a decade of controversy, it closed on December 9, 1987.
Pennhurst fell into complete ruin as the complex was shut down. Buildings were abandoned as they were, with patient’s clothes and belonging strewn about. Furniture, cabinets and medical equipment were left to decay as if someone had just got up and walked out the front door. This is the place that will eventually resurrect into one of the most studied properties in the ghost hunter media, and will become an amazing haunted attraction. Join us as we photographically explore this remarkable and eerie place!
We will have access to the Mayflower building and several tunnels, as well as touring the grounds(with guides). A brief history will be given at the start of the tour, then we will be free to photograph in specific areas at our leisure. Instruction will be given throughout the workshop on creative composition, exposure, flash, HDR photography, light painting and more! This will enable you to truly capture the essence of the place.
A full list of details will be emailed several weeks prior to the event. This workshop is suitable for all levels of photo enthusiasts, but being familiar with the settings on your camera is highly recommended. You will be shooting in very low light conditions, so a sturdy tripod is a must. Physically, you need to be able to be on your feet and move up and down several flights of stairs for up to four hours. The buildings are not heated or air conditioned, and are in a state of arrested decay. Liability waivers will need to be signed for both Pennhurst and Valerie A Hoffman Photography.
Workshop fee includes Zoom informational instruction prior to the event, tour and access to the building and grounds-as permitted by Pennhurst, and an editing class after the trek. The pre-trek class will cover details of the area, recommended gear, how to properly expose for creative images, creative composition, light painting and more. The post-trek editing class will cover basic and creative edits in AdobeLightroom Classic, and how to edit your bracketed images into cool HDR images using Photomatix Pro. This software is simple to use and gives you the ability to create artistic images with ease. If you do not own this software, a trial version can be downloaded for free, and a discount code will be given during the class for those interested in purchasing it.
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Updated Terms & Conditions – Valerie A Hoffman Photography (March 2023)
As we live in our new ‘normal’, the following updated policies are being put in place to protect the health and wellbeing of all workshop attendees, as well as those who we will come in contact with during events.
That being said, here is what you need to know and comply with:
- Anyone who is sick with COVID like symptoms or has a fever over 100 degrees must not attend the event. Amount paid may be put towards a future workshop, or can be refunded in full if notice is given in advance. Suggest checking your temperature BEFORE leaving home. By registering for an event, you also agree to a touchless temperature check at the initial gathering for any workshop or trek.
- Face Masks are optional unless otherwise specified.
Cancellation Policy:
Two (2) weeks notice is required to receive a full refund. 75% refund of the Trek fee with only one (1) week notice. NO refund will be given if less than one (1) week notice is given for cancellation. Must call to cancel. We reserve the right to cancel the Trek at our discretion. Minimum number of participants is necessary to run event.
Thanks for a great trek, Valerie! Good instruction and ideas. Access to an interesting venue. Pre-trek guidance. All of this makes for a good photography experience.