Just approaching the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn was love at first sight for me. I mean really…who could not be intrigued enough to wander through those gates and experience 478 spectacular acres of hills, valleys, glacial ponds and paths…not to mention the 560,000 permanent residents!
My first visit was in spring of this year…followed immediately by another visit a few weeks later…and then in the summer to enjoy an amazing night time theatrical performance of Dark Wonderland…and then just a week ago for fall color.
(now I just need this scene in snow!)
Dark Wonderland performance
I remember visiting a cemetery during one of my first visits to Italy some twenty years ago and being fascinated by all the tokens that people left in memory of their love ones. I’ve been intrigued ever since. It’s amazing how you can get to know the person based on these little remembrances…
Of course all of this is a work in progress…I want to photograph more intimate details (without revealing personal information) and of course take advantage of different weather conditions. I’m so dreaming of a white…Green-Wood cemetery, but it’s often hard to do when wintering in Arizona…but one day! Oh, and there’s the ongoing project of “missing in green-wood” but that’s a posting for another time. Thanks for wading through all these images! It was hard just to pick these!
OMG! What a beautiful cemetery!! I love old cemetery’s too. Especially when every now and then you find a headstone that tells you a little bit about the person in addition to seeing some of the little objects that loved ones leave behind after visiting the grave site… Beautiful photos GG. Thanks for sharing, and I can’t wait to see the snow scene when you capture it… Something about a graveyard in the winter… Love and big hugs. X0X0
Thank you! Very very special indeed! Yes, snow scene! One day! xoxo
I was certainly not prepared for the scope and grandeur of this, the very first image just knocked my socks off! I have always been a lover of old cemeteries but know only those in the South, even though they can be large in size there is no comparison to your city site. Your photos are truly beautiful and capture just how special this place is.
Oh gosh…the very first time I came around the corner and saw that entrance I was blown away! Actually ever time I see it I’m blown away…but that first time, wowza! Thanks so much SusanMarie!
Glorious images, indeed! I never wanted to be buried in the cold, but I believe I would love to live there in eternity. It’s gorgeous, peaceful and interesting.
I love that you can see the Freedom Tower in the background, too.
I would love to see it in the snow, especially the 3rd photo. You’ll have to come home early or leave later to AZ. You have to spend a winter in the city, or at least a good part of it. It certainly is LONG enough, LOL. You’ll get some great shoots in.
Yes, it is so interesting to see what people leave and learn about the person’s life and also to read tombstones.
Thanks for sharing.
Love you.
xoxo
I’ve gotta get creative on a snow trip to NYC this winter for sure! Not sure I’ll be able to pull it off…but perhaps the following winter! I have so many ideas for series surrounding this cemetery. Just getting a sense of the place and getting the basic captures out of the way…I can start working on something a little more creative! Like “missing in GW” for one! Thanks ALWAYS! xoxo!
I know you had a hard time to pick these wonderful pictures. Man alive, this is photographers heaven…. it is almost a crime to be lying dead there and not able to see in what kind of beauty you are surrounded with.
I think I will make my bucket list longer and add this wonderful cemetery. What a fabulous entrance as a starter and than you so much for going back over and over to show the seasons. You are so lucky. And what a place to ‘wind down’…..
I love the pictures with part of the skyline in the back.
Love and hugs.
Astrid…you would be gobsmacked for sure!! And yes, it MUST go on your list! I truly find my time so meditative there…and could spend hours upon hours just wandering. Thanks so much! xoxo
When you have been in the zone, the place of photographic depths it is always difficult to choose one, but for me its the water reflection every time, taking you somewhere else!
I love that image too Susan! Thanks so much!
I think visiting cemeteries is like visiting both an art exhibit and a museum with the sculptures and a small glimpse of people from the past. They are places full of stories told by inscriptions and images and tokens. This is now another place I’ve written down to visit if I ever make it back to New York again.
Thanks Maery…totally agree and yes, you MUST put this on your list!
Having just been to the Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta and being gobsmacked there, Robin, I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be to visit yours there. OMG. Definitely on the Bucket List, along with Astrid!
You two would be out of your minds…can’t wait!
What a treasure – feels very European. I was not aware of this cemetery and your introduction of it is fantastic.
I especially like the image of the reflection.
I too love cemeteries.. Think it is the photographers in us or something else ? : o
I also enjoyed your last post of the Oregon coast. You are making interested in seeing the USA AGAIN!!! Thank you for this!!
Thanks Cathy! This is why I’m so fortunate to live here…to find and visit these places. Even one of the doormen for my apartment building lives in Brooklyn and had never been. Go figure! Yes, so much out there to explore!
You’ve given me such inspiration! We’ve visited a beautiful old cemetery in Richmond VA, Hollywood Cemetery. But I just couldn’t visualize how to photograph this place – majestic and serene. Your gorgeous photos are a lesson in seeing. Thank you! Robin.
Oh, thank you so much Donna! Yes, go back and photograph so I can see too!
Robin,
We here at Green-Wood have all been ooh’ing and ah’ing over your magnificent photos. They’re just stunning. Our hats off to you! (And we see these grounds every day. But your photos are so beautiful and have such an interesting perspective.) Thank you for these!
Lisa
Thank you so so much Lisa!
I love these photos! I’m a huge fan of old cemeteries and this one has been on my list of places to visit for almost two years now. Actually my husband first brought it to my attention, along with other places in Brooklyn that he would like to explore. After your post about Dead Horse Bay, I added that to the list as well. With the holidays upon us I doubt we’ll get there any time soon, but it’s a definite for spring. Your blog, beyond the brilliance of the photography, is always so inspiring. Thank you!
Thank you so much Patricia! You MUST do both…and spring will be perfect for both experiences! Love that I can inspire and it works both ways as you inspire me as well! Thank YOU!
These are wonderful Robin, I love to wander around such places, that looks a stunning setting, the photos really do emphasise the spiritual element beautifully, I’d love to walk there with you for a day
Would love to go there some day…..but I loved wandering through it with you today Robin……
So, so beautiful.