Shooting with Stephan: Camp North End

Stephan and I have been trying to get up to shoot, but the heat has been relentless. I sweat profusely and get hot easily, so I cannot be out during the day. We planned to get up on Saturday to check out the abandoned Stonewall Jackson Juvenile Correctional Facility in Concord, but upon further research, they fenced off the property from the public. Instead on Sunday, we decided to meet up at Camp North End. I had never heard of Camp North End, so I was excited to check it out.

Upon pulling up, half the place seemed abandoned, but there were many photographers. Family shoots, fashion shoots, etc. were going on. My first impression of Camp North End was that it was a refreshing hole in the wall spot tucked away a few miles from downtown. It was artsy, rustic, and full of life despite how abandoned the buildings seemed. There were lights, mini campers, and tire swings. We roamed around a little, but a lot of Camp North End was occupied by photographers/creatives who had been there before we arrived. We were limited to where we could shoot, but we shot what we could. We ended up sitting and talking about plans to make an Instagram account for my photos to get some recognition. It feels good when people believe in your vision, but better yet when they believe in you. I got a few texts that LeBron was headed to the Lakers while we concluded the session.

After walking around Camp North End for an hour or so, the sun was going down and people were still shooting in the same spots they had been when we arrived. I wish we could have had the whole place available, but maybe next time we’ll get there earlier.

Check out my top 11 photos from the session and let me know what you think in the comments! Have you been to Camp North End? If so, what did you think of it?! Feel free to share any photos you’ve taken there as well!