Silo City Photography Workshop, Buffalo, NY

This 2 1/2 day workshop offers exclusive access to "Silo City", six acres of abandoned historic grain elevators in Buffalo, NY. Attendees interested in the industrial landscape will find a friendly and encouraging atmosphere to make unique images.  

My workshop philosophy was shaped by attending the final Ansel Adam's workshop. Instead of concentrating on equipment and technique, his workshops were based on learning from one another through the exchange of information between instructors and participants. What was important were the reasons we made photographs and what we were trying to say through them rather than what camera or lens we were using.

The workshop isn't about going from place-to-place within the complex and photographing as a group. Instead, after an initial safety walk though of the site, attendees are free to explore and photograph on their own. Help will be available to find locations within Silo City.

 The unique opportunity to conduct a photography workshop at Buffalo’s Silo City historic grain elevators is due to the vision and generosity of Rick Smith. Rick owns six acres (over one million square feet) of privately controlled abandoned grain elevators along the Buffalo River. Rick’s vision for the area is to make it a multipurpose facility featuring design, the arts, entertainment and industrial heritage.

I met Rick in June of 2012 after he invited me to spend an afternoon photographing the grain elevators and outbuildings on his property. Within the first hour of exploring the area, I knew I wanted to conduct a workshop onsite. I also figured there were other photographers who, like me, enjoyed abandoned industrial spaces for both their aesthetic as well as their historical and architectural significance.

In all the years I had photographed the grain unloading process in Buffalo for my "Against the Grain" project, my only images of the elevators were made from the outside along the river. I respected the “No Trespassing” signs posted along the abandoned elevators and couldn’t secure permission to get inside those still in operation. The opportunity to organize a two and a half day workshop with authorized unlimited access to every area of Silo City was too good to pass up. I hope you agree and decide to join me.

I word of friendly warning. 2 1/2 days isn't enough time to scratch the surface of photographing Silo City. Many attendees return numerous times. These returning attendees add tremendously to the workshop and are more than happy to assist those attending for the first time.

Please note, access to the various levels of the grain elevators is by foot only. Some of the elevators are over 150 feet high and reaching the top can be a strenuous climb. Stairways are not illuminated and the condition of some steps are less than ideal.

Refund Policy

Refund policy for the Silo City workshop: Cancelling prior to July 1, 2020,, a full refund less any banking processing fees incurred. On or after July 1, 2020, no refunds will be given with the workshop fee being applied to a future Silo City workshop.

Before booking workshops, carefully review your workshop information, including location, date, time, and cost. Refunds will not be granted through Fisheye Connect. For questions please reference our Attendee Policies.