Photographing the town Los Angeles destroyed (Keeler, California)
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4 ай бұрынHead to squarespace.com/dominey to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DOMINEY
There are a number of abandoned ghost towns in California, but none as unique as Keeler. Hundreds of people once lived here until a man made environmental catastrophe forced nearly everyone to leave. Today there are a handful of people still living here amongst ghostly homes, vehicles and campers. In this video, I explore and photograph this fascinating town.
Archival images of Owens Lake and Keeler:
Digital Collections of California State University: digital-collections.csun.edu/
Library of Congress: www.loc.gov/
Owens Valley History: www.owensvalleyhistory.com/
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@dominey 4 ай бұрын
Update: I've published a limited edition zine containing twenty images from this project! At the time of this comment there are only a few copies left, so check it out if interested: dominey.photography/store/keeler-zine
@dominey 4 ай бұрын
This project was such a breath of fresh air for me. Hope you enjoy the video. :)
@rickbiessman6084 4 ай бұрын
More than you know. I try to refrain from spamming, but boy. I feel like this was one of your best videos yet. So many things came together that I love: obviously the photography side, where you talk about how you set up compositions, and showing the final image, but also how you told some of the story of Keeler as well as how you yourself got to know Keeler and have met some of the locals. I also really loved the music selection. I live in Germany, but short films like this (yeah, gotta use a term that differentiates this video from lower quality stuff on KZfaq) make me want to go on a solo vacation in the American West. Camera, car, canned food, ... think that’s all I’d need.
@andycakebread7663 4 ай бұрын
Enjoy it? Loved it
@RascalDels13 4 ай бұрын
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
@BobPruett 4 ай бұрын
I'm a truck driver and see some pretty cool places. You may find Gabbs, NV interesting.
@angelamarie88 3 ай бұрын
It's a rare treat to find a historical video on KZfaq that's not narrated by AI. I could tell you are a real human within the first 20 seconds of your video, you had emotion in your voice. Thank you for being human.
@allynscott1983 4 ай бұрын
I think this is one of the better photography videos that I've watched on KZfaq, and I've watched way too many. The images were outstanding, but I equally loved the storytelling. I think that the choice of music and the overlay of old photos added to the storytelling immensely. Very well edited video.
@jjtaylor6067 4 ай бұрын
Wow Todd. Outstanding imagery and storytelling. Thank you.
@dominey 4 ай бұрын
Thanks so much :)
@cathywebb2974 4 ай бұрын
I really enjoy hearing you go through your thought process when framing up a shot. This is the type of thing I love to shoot. You created some beautiful images in this location!
@Mr.G.Williams 4 ай бұрын
I could watch hours of this. Great stuff and beautiful captures 👏🏻❤
@danielrao3120 3 ай бұрын
All credit to you Todd. This video is right up there with the best particularly as you've retained an authentic feel throughout the footage. The photographs are wonderful too. Thank you so much for sharing this extraordinary piece of history.
@Rivek 4 ай бұрын
These photo and storytelling adventures are by far the videos of yours I look forward to most. Thank you for bringing us along with you Todd!
@andreeasoare1079 4 ай бұрын
Very nice episode in the field! More like this, please!
@BeauHannamGuitars 4 ай бұрын
I love how that music melted into sad decay at 11:30. A perfect union of before and now.
@georgedavall9449 4 ай бұрын
Indeed, that’s how it struck me
@bigchocolateh 4 ай бұрын
Found your channel about a month ago and just can’t get enough of your videos and your photography. Absolutely love the Cadillac shot. Inspiring work to say the least! Keep it up, one of the best photography KZfaq channels out there.
@VivekM1 4 ай бұрын
Todd, what a beautiful story telling and images. The mixture of background music and actual sound was just beautiful. I could watch hours of this. I think this is one of those videos that you watch when you want to rejuvenate your love for photography. Great stuff !
@johnnyc.5979 3 ай бұрын
Your narration regarding the historical elements made this video unique and interesting. One of the better photography videos I've watched; thanks for all your efforts. On a side note, that is one expensive camera, a 100mp marvel that shoots amazing video in log format.
@rogerbrooksfilms 4 ай бұрын
Absolutely fascinating, really enjoyed that! Great work!
@RichHernigle 3 ай бұрын
Wow! I’m commenting before finishing the video but I love shooting locations like this and I really appreciate you taking us on your walk through of the area. Thanks again.
@steveneate 4 ай бұрын
I particualrly enjoyed this video. The photos you share are always wonderful, but the photos in this video told a particularly compelling story. I definitely liked the shot of the cadillac best. Do you ever shoot photos of people? Without knowing how the property owner appeared, i wonder if she cpuld have added the most interesting element to the scene by being the main subject. Very Joel Sternfeld-esque.
@dominey 4 ай бұрын
Man, you nailed it. Sternfeld has always been one of my favorite photographers. I got the same vibe when shooting that Cadillac at the end, which told me I was on the right track. Will probably end up being my favorite image from my time there. Concerning people, yes. I spent time with two locals, but felt uncomfortable asking them to be involved. I guess I'm sensitive to people's privacy, being an outsider and all. But yes, I agree. Next time.
@peterfritzphoto 4 ай бұрын
Thoroughly enjoyed this, Todd. Utterly delightful. I love the way you see the environment around you, and the compositions within them. The shots of the pool, the Cadillac, and both shots of the caravan were gorgeous. And at least 10 other shots besides!
@timdanyo898 4 ай бұрын
There is something spiritual about abandoned spaces.
@bobvandeudekom647 4 ай бұрын
Thanks for taking me to Keeler.
@frankquezada5490 3 ай бұрын
This town is full of history and stories, and you did a great job of capturing some of those stories. Outstanding job Todd, I’m glad I found your site. One thing I love about photographing objects like Abandoned buildings and cars is that you don’t have to ask them to smile.
@timothylinn 4 ай бұрын
I have to compliment you, Todd. It has probably been 18 months since I watched one of your videos. Not that they weren't good before, but they have gotten so much better. Your ability to see comps has become really impressive. You'll walk into a scene and I'll be like "nothing there" but you will come up with something that I would never have seen. And your ability to explain what you're seeing and what you're thinking really adds value to these videos. I'm going back through all the ones I've missed. Thank you for the great work.
@YoBroz-ix5rq 4 ай бұрын
This brings back a Zappa song: "Those were the days. Well those days are probably gone forever unless nixon is going to bring them back." ;-)
@jorgehurtado2879 4 ай бұрын
RDR reference, that was awesome! Such a fantastic video and great photos.
@rickbiessman6084 4 ай бұрын
Thanks so much Todd for taking me as a viewr along for the ride. I enjoy these tours so much, and to me they’re equally entertaining as well as educational. Little sidenote: thanks for listing the music! The bluesy piano piece REALLY hooked me and I’m gonna go check it out when the video is over.
@fredcassara5357 4 ай бұрын
Really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing.
@seanmichael8202 4 ай бұрын
Hey man. I don’t normally watch photographers… But this is pretty rad 🤙 I look at abandoned towns and structures the same way. It’s really fun exploring. The pool shot you got with the early light is my favorite 👍 Good work, man 🫡
@toine1915 4 ай бұрын
Awesome video, Todd. Thanks for sharing. Antoine.
@michaelcoleman5058 4 ай бұрын
A small book of your images in Keeler would be nice. Mike
@fantini71 4 ай бұрын
Definitely! You could mail it over to Ted Forbes so we'd see it on his AOP books and zines review
@martingriessl8323 4 ай бұрын
A great video from a great place. I was really enjoying your explanation to the place and your pictures and editing perfectly captured the atmosphere. Very well done!
@wonderfulworldofty 4 ай бұрын
The talent! the shots, the commentary 👏
@scothowe539 4 ай бұрын
What a cool place to photograph. Love the images you got.
@randygerdes 4 ай бұрын
I really enjoyed this video and seeing what you managed to achieve as final images from this decaying place. I saw a display in a museum around Lone Pine or Bishop that told the tragic story of the Owens Valley and what was lost. Great work!
@airship9637 4 ай бұрын
Love the quiet morning light. And the foreground shrubbery at 17:00 : ) Thank you.
@terrachromatic 4 ай бұрын
Amazing work Todd ! really enjoyed the tones and colors, fantastic photography.
@user-re9mp2nh5e 4 ай бұрын
Fascinating, glad I found your channel.
@gewglesux 4 ай бұрын
Loved this!! very nice stuff!!!Thank you!!
@alanevans9246 4 ай бұрын
Awesome video and story. You have brought Keebler back to life for a few short minutes. Great work. Keep snapping!
@stevejarvis186 4 ай бұрын
Fantastic video Todd, I thoroughly enjoy looking at things like this and derelict towns on Route 66 for instance. I`m from the UK and we have loads of history, but I`m drawn to this type of thing and trying to imagine all the many people that lived, loved, raised families and died in what was once a thriving community. More please Todd
@trustnugget280 4 ай бұрын
Your videos are the nicest blend between documentary and cinematography elements. All with your rational but not clinical approach and down to earth personality. Your channel doesn't get the recognition it deserves!
@terryolsen4244 4 ай бұрын
Great video and excellent images!
@davetraweek2165 4 ай бұрын
Very nice video. I really enjoyed your perspective, learning about the history of a “forgotten” place, and your photographic “eye” for composition.
@neglectedloves 4 ай бұрын
amazing video and stunning shots 👏🏻
@jeffreycollins2273 4 ай бұрын
WOW Todd, you are a real artist. I really enjoyed listening to the history of Keller and your thought processes as you created ART. Thanks for this captivating video and inspiring me to work harder on my own photographic experience!
@danielscheerer3032 4 ай бұрын
LOVE this whole series of images - the location is a perfect blend of so many photographic elements. Thanks for capturing it all for us. Wish I could get out there myself! Cheers.
@danny_liao 4 ай бұрын
Fantastic video Todd!
@RonK 4 ай бұрын
amazing location, great shots - thanks for sharing !!!
@jimtrull683 4 ай бұрын
I enjoyed a very brief visit to Keeler when I was driving from Death Valley to the Alabama Hills on a workshop. I wish I could have taken more time because it’s such an interesting place. I appreciate you sharing this video of you documenting the town and sharing more of the history of this place that I was not aware of. I have ordered your Zine and look forward to seeing your work. On my next visit I need to carve out more time to spend here.
@philsmith7724 4 ай бұрын
New to the channel and looking forward to seeing a few more. Great work and thank you.
@railroadandindustrialsky-wv8ns 3 ай бұрын
Many California railfans will know about Keeler as it was the southern terminus of the Carson and Colorado Narrow Gauge railroad. It’s amazing to me that the desert preserves so much and that so much of the railroad can still be seen in Keeler - especially as the last train ran in 1960. Besides the old depot there is the talcum powder works at the other end and various foundation remains of the engine shed and other long gone trackwork. I was there twice in 2022 with an industrial archeologist pal of mine. He’s planning to write an article on Keeler and the surrounding mines and quarries. We are planning to bring some drones and (with permission) do some mapping of the area. It’s a fascinating place and a remarkable piece of California history. I’m so glad you found it.
@michaelcheli5842 3 ай бұрын
You should get a hold of Brent of Ghost Town Living youtube channel, who resides in and is restoring the silver mining town of Cerro Gordo; up the mountain from Keeler.
@oohkumar 3 ай бұрын
We will do. I’ve heard so much about him and the town and we are keen to visit.
@meatbyproducts 4 ай бұрын
I love to capture stuff like this. I loved this video.
@markielinhart 4 ай бұрын
This video is quite remarkable and some great images came out of it! The ghostliness of lives past is so eerie. Where did they all go, and leave so much behind? I didn’t realise what was missing until near the end. Graffiti, there is none at all… Go back with a film crew Tom and make a feature documentary. Even along the same lines as this amazing video of yours. Well bloody done mate! ✌️🇦🇺
@willardkennedy6021 Ай бұрын
Great video. I'm planning on going to Keeler next year and this was VERY helpful!
@hvranic 4 ай бұрын
That Cadillac composition was so hard, but you nailed it. Great video and story.
@TheSchnauzie 4 ай бұрын
Beautiful images, thanks for sharing this video
@RRRCCCDDD 4 ай бұрын
Really enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts
@mindpoacher4732 4 ай бұрын
Todd!! You have an amazing eye!!! And that's why I just subscribed to your channel!!! Thank you for sharing your talent with us!!
@derya7603 4 ай бұрын
Gorgeous pool shot. Amazing colors. ❤
@user-qu9el7qc6e 4 ай бұрын
Awesome. Someone shared this on VERO and so pleased they did. Absolutely brilliant video soooo looking forward to following your work 😍📷❤️
@user-jd1sm1vw2x 4 ай бұрын
As always, Todd, you have given me some great ideas. Great video.
@aklivn49 4 ай бұрын
I enjoy thinking outside of the box. While everyone is capturing photo's of mountains (I do too sometimes) etc... I LOVE capturing photo's of old abandoned buildings and vehicles. The stories they hold, the stories they could tell of the ppl and families that once lived there. OUTSTANDING video and shots. I look forward to seeing more.
@DarrenRussinger 4 ай бұрын
Fantastic images Todd! Love the pool at sunrise!
@vinke3177 4 ай бұрын
Super content. Love your images and explanations. Ironic, as Keeler can now watch Los Angeles destroy itself.
@jeffruisi6151 4 ай бұрын
This is my first video I’ve watched on your channel. I really enjoyed it. I love how you implemented everyday old rusted items into the landscape. Being a swimmer your pool image was my favorite. 😊
@Albertangelo123 4 ай бұрын
I loved photographing Keeler CA.
@irishmaninflorida1608 4 ай бұрын
I'm composing a list of places to visit for an upcoming road trip west, to photograph such places. Glad I found this video.
@andycakebread7663 4 ай бұрын
Absolutely love this insight, style and story. A super interesting way to document tales from your corner of the planet 👏
@Allen-Trav 4 ай бұрын
A true treat. I love your channel and this is one of my faves. Albiet, such a tragedy for Keeler. This "lesson" is never far from my mind because it could happen to the Great Salt Lake. Cheers from a fellow R5 shooter.
@davidmccarthy3069 4 ай бұрын
what an amazing story you are telling, beautifully crafted and bravo to the color grading!!
@richardbripleyutube 4 ай бұрын
Inspiring! Thank you Todd for sharing your photos of Keeler, CA. I photographed Keeler in 2009 with a Nikon D300 (12.3 megapixels) and I found the town to be quite magical. Your recent visit has inspired me to return and to perhaps visit Cerro Gordo. I only live 5 hours away by car so a visit is quite doable. Thanks again for the inspiration to return and for reminding me of a place I photographed some time ago.
@dominey 4 ай бұрын
Awesome! I'm betting it hasn't changed a bit since you were there.
@RayRomanMedia 3 ай бұрын
Well done! Love the stills.
@peterbear2929 4 ай бұрын
Ya nailed it Todd! What a dream project. Nicely captured. I couldn't help thinking that plant (the green colored one in front of the brush) that you filmed on the b-roll looking at the caravan might have been included in the shot. But, really lovely images and amazing color. Looking forward to more of this anytime. Thanks.
@danlowe8684 3 ай бұрын
What I found amazing is that the road is maintained to the level that it is. The street signs have high intensity retroreflective sheeting, pavement markings with message and stop bar that appears to be epoxy, and the road surface has had a rout & sealing of the cracks. There are many urban areas with lesser maintained roads.
@68hughjass 4 ай бұрын
Absolutely love this. Incredible location and a perfect eye for composition and detail.. 👏👏
@raymondludlow5970 4 ай бұрын
I’m exceedingly jealous that place is incredible your images are amazing thank you
@gatblau1 4 ай бұрын
I appreciate the artistic vision you put in your photography. The last time I was in Keeler was about 15 years ago and you could tell people still lived in those old houses because I would see curtains being pulled aside so the residents could peek out. It was a bit mysterious but I did wander into a quiet town with six other men in three pickup trucks so I probably would have been a bit weary too if I lived there not knowing what we were up to. We were touring the old railroad history through the Owens valley.
@aperturecollect 4 ай бұрын
Wonderful video. Thank you
@PhillipSkraba 4 ай бұрын
It's funny, I watched the beginning of the M20C video, and was totally sucked in, then it stopped, skipped forward and basically saw everything the rest of us said, all the time hoping for more. So I'm so happy to stumble upon this video. A breath of fresh air as you put it. I've been a massive fan of this type of photography for years. I absolutely love this type of scenery, the deserted, the history, the lack of people. I've been to Salton Sea so many times solely to photograph it, and I've actually driven past Keeler but didn't manage to stop as was in a hurry to get to Tahoe. I've been thinking of this type of content myself, and when I saw the intro this morning, decided to leave the 25 mins for the couch in the evening. It flew by. Everytime I fly to America, I search for places like this, you just put Keeler on my Google Maps as a must. Great work, great photos. Looking forward to more.
@inakilauzirika5076 4 ай бұрын
Bravo!!!! 👌👌👌 Everything spot on... Storytelling, photos taken and above allí, the music that wraps everything up perfectly. Greetings from the Basque Country in Spain
@forgottenamericana 4 ай бұрын
Great adventure Todd!!! Love the commentary about history and your photography thought process. Bravo
@janwilson6145 4 ай бұрын
terrific imagery. loved that last image with the music. ❤
@stevenmicah8558 4 ай бұрын
This is honestly a “fine arts” kind of storytelling. The visuals are breathtaking! Just beautiful!
@rembeadgc 4 ай бұрын
I appreciate your informal and relaxed approach to this content, although I know it takes a great deal of thought, perseverance and hard work. Your production values are also excellent, especially for this one, IMO.
@danienelphoto 4 ай бұрын
The shot of the Caddy is my favourite.
@paul6925 3 ай бұрын
Film even. Gotta respect that! You really picked up the nice dawn colours. I can never wake up early enough to capture those in my amateur photography endeavours
@SteveMillerhuntingforfood 2 ай бұрын
The hardest step to take in the morning; the first step out the front door.
@kevinmorgan7091 4 ай бұрын
Awesome video and pictures. I'm visiting Irvine later in the year from the UK and could spend my entire three weeks stay in Keeler painting and taking photographs!
@csaba.brindza 4 ай бұрын
What a place, you took amazing photos and I really enjoyed it the video. Personally, I would also watch the post processing of these images
@strongislanduk 4 ай бұрын
One of those strange places where I will unlikely visit from the other side of the world but know so much from KZfaq with Cerro Gordo. Loving your notated thought process of seeing your photos along the way.
@rickbiessman6084 4 ай бұрын
I hear you. I live in Germany, so getting to visit and photograph an American ghost town would take quite a bit of commitment. But I want to do it at some point.
@MARKLINMAN1 4 ай бұрын
This was ABSOLUTELY AWESOME, I saw some PANORAMIC shots in here as well, I am from NYC but would love to get out there someday and shoot this amazing OLD TOWN, SOOOOO many amazing photos that can be had, your cadillac pic was ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! My favorite of this series. Thank you for this video.
@afunbags 4 ай бұрын
Stunning subject matter ….. 👍
@terrygoyan3022 4 ай бұрын
Beautiful sensitive photography. There is something about urban decay which is so intriguing. It's a bit like seeing the future, where everything is eventually headed. Just one note by a long time Californian. It's incorrect to say Sierras. Unless you are referring to more than one mountain range. The Sierra or Sierra Nevada works. Also Keeler was used by the mine at Cerro Gordo as a storage location for the silver they mined, before shipping it by boat across Owens lake on its way to Los Angeles. Cerro Gordo is another great location to explore and photograph. Thanks for the wonderful photos and taking us along.....
@michaelhall2709 4 ай бұрын
Very nicely put-together video. About ten years ago I had the opportunity to photograph another of those ghost towns along the Sierras, with considerably less impressive results; I’d like to think that I’d do better now.
@maxwellwellmax878 4 ай бұрын
Ended up here by mistake lol, I love watching Film content, great video regardless.
@andrewmillott3402 4 ай бұрын
This is why you’re one of my favorite photographers on KZfaq. Interesting subjects and really intentional with your compositions. It may not be your thing, but I would love to see you go back and try your hand at some Milky Way shots there in Keeler. Those foregrounds would be amazing.
@loubenii 4 ай бұрын
first video I’ve seen of yours and the composition of the van and Cadillac was super impressive. I rarely think to go higher when composing and you really nailed it.
@threplogle 4 ай бұрын
Great video!
@jcjacques 2 ай бұрын
Magnifique !!!! Bravo. Et vos images sont splendides.
@the_daniel_life 4 ай бұрын
Super wonderful photos. Daniel
@petermcginty3636 4 ай бұрын
Thank you Todd, fabulous video. I really appreciate how you talk is through your shot. I would be happy with just getting a good shot of the blindingly obvious image😂. However, when you explain why you like the shot of the edge of a building and the utility poles leading into the mountains, it becomes amazingly instructive for me. Thank you. ❤❤❤❤
@davidpearce2981 4 ай бұрын
We had a location her in wales called “The boys village “ funded by the miners . That was abandoned around 2010 but by the time I got there it had been ransacked and a shadow of its former self. But as I often played soccer there in the 60s and 70s it brought back memories and wished I’d got there sooner. Loved your videos.
@happymystic9800 4 ай бұрын
I am not really into lost places, but this place really shines in its own way. The surrounding area with the mountain backdrop and the special light contributes greatly to the atmosphere of the images. Fantastic video, really … one question, did you come across any rattle snakes during this trip. Whenever I saw you stepping behind a bush or a building, this was the first question that crossed my mind 😅 …
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