ABANDONED ALBERTA

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.

The stunning images found in Abandoned Alberta offer a window into our past, showing life as it was then, and stirring in us the emotions of wonder and curiosity about those who have gone before us and the lives they lived. Joe Chowaniec started the Facebook page Abandoned Alberta in January 2017, which today has more than 26,000 members.

Alberta is in Joe Chowaniec’s blood, and you might say Abandoned Alberta is his love letter to the province. Where others may see only decay and rot in these long-forgotten locations, Chowaniec sees exquisite beauty.

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.

HAUNTING

Every time one of Joe's photos pops up in my social media, I admire his skill, imagine his excitement as the shutter clicked and smile. In Abandoned Alberta, he aims that talented eye at the remnants of days gone by and captures a haunting and sublime tribute to the province he knows so well and loves so much.

BILL WEIR CNN climate correspondent and host of the TV series The Wonder List

EVOCATIVE

Thoughtful and evocative. Joe Chowaniec understands the hidden beauty in dereliction and decay.

TIMOTHY ALLEN BBC Photographer, Planet Earth series the Human Planet

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