Trans Allegheny Asylum
Challenge your creativity with a private photo workshop at the dilapidated Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Once home to patients and turn-of-the-century medical practices, this building served the mentally insane beginning in 1862. The building, mostly left in ruins, leaves a paradise for photographers to explore patterns, textures, windows and all the things left behind that visually depict an era gone by. Join us for this intense 3-day workshop with private access and alternative processing.
Photographing outside of your element is the best way to challenge your creativity and become a better photographer with the subjects you love best. I have always said if you have become satisfied with your work, it’s time to shake things up a little and try something new.
We will have model stations set up for photography so that you can rotate between sets. If you prefer to photograph only buildings, that is completely fine. Trans Allegheny has multiple buildings and there is plenty of room to spread out.
OVERVIEW
DATES: November 23-25, 2025
INSTRUCTOR: Multiple Instructors
COST: TBA
GROUP SIZE: 5 to 1 participant to instructor
EXPERIENCE: Beginner*, Intermediate & Advanced
FITNESS LEVEL: Easy (see details below)
*Beginners must have a good working knowledge of their camera and settings
ABANDONED BUILDINGS
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ARCHITECTURE
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MODEL WORK
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CREATIVE & ALTERNATIVE PROCESSING
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FINE ART NUDES
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BALLET DANCER
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ABANDONED BUILDINGS 〰️ ARCHITECTURE 〰️ MODEL WORK 〰️ CREATIVE & ALTERNATIVE PROCESSING 〰️ FINE ART NUDES 〰️ BALLET DANCER 〰️
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Sun, Nov 23
- Meet & Greet 1:00pm
- Class: Creative Photography
- Class: Photographing Models
- Dinner Break
- Sunset Session at the Asylum
DAY 3: Mon, Nov 24
- Sunrise at the Asylum
- Full Day Interior Photographing
- Lunch on Location
- Evening Gathering with Group Image Share
DAY 4: Tue, Nov 25
- Sunrise at the Asylum
- Full Day Interior Photographing
- Lunch on Location
- Creative Processing Class
- Workshop Concludes at approx 8pm
INCLUDES
ASYLUM ACCESS for 2 full days including access to interiors and exteriors
EVENING SESSION with model -exterior
MORNING SESSION with model - exterior
FINE ART MODELS & PROFESSIONAL LIGHTING PROVIDED
CREATIVITY CLASS
CREATIVE CHALLENGES
HANDS ON INSTRUCTION & GUIDANCE
PROCESSING class during the workshop, including alternative processing techniques
NOT INCLUDED
AIRFARE to North Central West Virginia
LODGING - Discounted lodging is arranged in Weston, WV but is not included in the workshop rate. Booking info is provided after registration
TRANSPORTATION - Many participants choose to ride to field sessions together by carpool
MEALS - While meals are not included in the workshop fee, we like to dine as a group to discuss the day’s events and be on hand for any questions
TRIP INSURANCE - Please read our full Cancellation and Refund Policy prior to registration
GRATUITY - You are responsible for gratuity paid to housekeeping (average of $5 per day), guides, and drivers
INCIDENTALS
Please review our full cancellation and refund policy prior to registration as there are non-refundable and non-transferrable fees associated with each workshop.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our workshops are designed for all skill levels and involve photographing sunrise and sunsets as well as other field sessions. While workshop locations vary, you should expect to walk relative distances with your equipment. Some workshops are more strenuous than others. If you have any health issues or concerns, please reach out to us prior to registration.
FITNESS LEVEL
EASY
You should be in general good health and capable of carrying your own equipment while we are out in the field, including managing stairs and walking carefully in dilapidated buildings.
FLIGHTS & ARRIVAL
CKB - North Central, WV
The above airport is the closest airport to our workshop location. You are always welcome to arrive early or depart later and settle in and explore before the workshop begins/ends!
EQUIPMENT
DOWNLOAD HERE
While we recommend certain equipment for our workshop, it’s not necessary for you to participate. Check out what our trip leader’s suggest & plan ahead for rentals, borrowing, etc.
