We met this little mouse in an abandoned building. Three photographers trying to capture a photo of a tiny mouse that was running around the room was a wonderfully joyful moment. I think it was the only time we were laughing and having real fun during our visit to those abandoned homes that have been left behind and are falling apart, no-one taking care of them anymore.

 For a high res split tone version, please click on the image

(Though the following history of the property is quoted directly from Wikipedia, it is definitely interesting and worth reading.)

Lake Las Vegas is a 320-acre man made lake surrounded by 3,592 acres developed by 5 companies.

When first opened in 2003, the area included several hotels and casinos including the Monte Lago Village Resort, the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort, the Hilton Lake Las Vegas, and Casino MonteLago.

Lake at Las Vegas Joint Venture, LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 17, 2008. Debts were estimated at between $500 million and $1 billion.

Lake Las Vegas emerged from bankruptcy in July 2010. The creditors have filed a lawsuit against the former insiders. In a related action, resort property owners are suing lender Credit Suisse as part of a multi-billion dollar lawsuit claiming the bankruptcy was caused by a scheme between the bank and…

“The spider is a repairer. If you bash into the web of a spider, she doesn’t get mad. She weaves and repairs it.”
~ Louise Bourgeois

Last week I told you what I don’t consider myself good at photographically. Well it’s not that I’m good at portraits either but I like them the most. I would probably run a mile from a model in a studio. I prefer spontaneous shots a little more candid. I like outdoors shots but anywhere will do.

The shot above is of my best mate here in Norway.  The snow is acting as the worlds best reflector  and we were at an old cabin taking a break from snowshoeing.

I took my Hasselblad with me This is the first shot off the roll.
Rollei 80s in Caffenol C-L using Stand development Here’s the Recipe

Washing soda (Stabil) 16gr/l
Vitamin C (Santa maria) 10 gr/l
Potassium Bromide 1gr/l
Instant Coffee 40gr/l
Inversions for the 1st minute and then left to stand for 49mins
Stop and fix as usual
More details on Caffenol here

You sit in the stands, taking photos of the rain.

(because of course … you never leave the game early)

Come on over to Life on the Bike and check out the rest of the photos from an otherwise great trip to Pittsburgh!!