Scott Lowden’s Lord of the Flies

Scott Lowden is a self-described “compulsive photographer.”  Wherever he goes a camera his in tow, ready to capture beautiful imagery, fleeting moments, or just some inspiration for later.  Scott is always on the lookout for interesting visuals, or unique settings for a shoot.  Driving down Route 309 in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, Scott found both these things.

Every holiday driving through the Northeast, Scott would pass by an abandoned machine shop in Hazelton.  Rather than see something worthy of fright (as most people who have seen The Texas Chainsaw Massacre would), Scott saw a photo opportunity.  His gears started turning, imagining the cool little widgets that may have been made inside once upon a time.  “Somehow I was able to convince the parents of a few nieces and nephews to let me bring their kids into this tetanus-ridden environment to create some fun imagery.”

Borrowing some clothes from LA’s Blu Pony Vintage, Scott gathered his family together to recreate “a super light version of Lord of the Flies.”  The abandoned shop truly did look like a place that time forgot, complete with broken windows, abandoned work papers, and ubiquitous greenery.  The kids posed as if they were characters in the William Golding novel and they were in charge of this place.  A few key props from a nearby Salvation Army and dollar store completed the look.  Scott shot the kids making toasts, playing on abandoned desks, and generally being children in this out-of-place adult world.   

For more of Scott’s whimsical lifestyle work, check out his FoundFolios portfolio.