Abandoned Alberta II

In Abandoned Alberta II, Joe Chowaniec continues his travels in Wild Rose country, uncovering yet even more hidden gems. These extraordinary images provide a window into the past, stirring in us the emotions of wonder and curiosity about those who have gone before us and the lives they lived. Where others may see only decay and rot in these abandoned places, Chowaniec sees stunning beauty.

From barns located in the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains to homesteads in the badlands around Drumheller, discover the rich history and untold stories of abandoned places. Visit the stone hall near Shandro, the ghost towns of southern Alberta, Ogilive Flour Mill in Medicine Hat and the Sunnyslope Sandstone Shelter near Three Hills, it is all here.

This is a photographic journey that will take you from one corner of the province to the other. Come along for the ride. You will be glad you did.

Five questions with our authors

1. Your first book, Abandoned Alberta, was very popular. What made you decide to do a second volume featuring more images from throughout Alberta?

The amazing response to the first book made me want to explore even more of Alberta. As word of the book spread, I kept receiving invitations to photograph locations, and receiving tips about buildings. I had to photograph so many of them to preserve their history. It was also a great excuse to explore other parts of the province that I had not yet spent a lot of time exploring.

2. What is the hardest you ever worked to get a perfect shot?

Every shot has its unique challenge. Lighting, access and condition. Night time photos seem, for me, to be the toughest shots to get — staying up late, hoping for a nice clear sky and fighting off the insects.

3. The lighting in your photographs is incredible. Do you ever use flashes or is it all natural light?

All natural light. I have used light cubes and flashlights for evening and night photography.

4. Is there an Alberta photo you’re still hunting for?

There are many. There are a few hidden gems in the province that I am searching for — some big houses and unique buildings. There are also a number of old industrial sites that I would love to photograph.

5. What is it about abandoned places that keeps drawing you back to photograph them?

One answer is simply the beauty and mystery of each and every place. Another answer is the joy the photos bring to people and the memories that they evoke for many, and the stories that get relayed to me.

Joe Chowaniec’s passion is Alberta and abandoned buildings. His photography has

been published in the Calgary Herald, Times of London, The Guardian, Air Canada EnRoute, The London Sun and Carin Bondar’s book, Wild Moms. He lives in Edmonton with his wife, Rami.

ELEGANT

There is a palpable sense of emotion one feels when looking at Joe’s images of abandoned places. With these photographs, I see quiet beauty. What once was new, vibrant, or busy is now still and reclaimed by nature. There is an elegant peacefulness in his work.

Brian Skerry National Geographic Photographer

BEAUTIFUL

More than just images of buildings, but of a way of life captured that has gone forever. Hard, tough, beautiful. A time when people lived more in tune with nature.

Jane Goodall DBE

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