Relics of the Great Plains

Vast, and seemingly endless, the Great plains stretch across central North America, from Mexico into Canada. They are bordered by mighty Mississippi in the east and the towering Rocky Mountains in the west. This brand-new tour will explore the High Plains in northern states such as North & South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska.

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Amongst the uninterrupted farm & ranch land there is a forgotten world of American relics. Houses, churches, schools, grain elevators and classic American cars are all left to decay, slowly being reclaimed by Nature. In places, entire towns have been abandoned. A photographic treasure trove to be explored. The flat, minimalist landscape that surrounds the abandoned building also provide wonderful opportunities for unique, emotive images. Especially when the sky is filled with towering cumulus.

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We will travel in July, a month that often provides convective weather coupled with spectacular skies. We will slowly travel around the plains, led by the weather and light. By remaining flexible, with no prior accommodation booked, we can move into locations where the conditions will be most interesting. Mid-summer really is an amazing time of the year in terms of light and changing conditions.

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The Rocky Mountain range create a rain shadow effect, sheltering the plains from the prevailing westerly winds. This is particularly true for the High Plains. It is generally only in mid-summer that they see any moisture as unstable air flows north from the far away Gulf of Mexico!

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Over many years of exploring these high plains, whilst photographing severe weather, Tony Spencer has compiled a long list of locations to revisit with the express aim of spending the time necessary to do them justice. We will also, no doubt, discover many more gems that arise from the chance conjunction of light and moody skies.

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Travelling through this beautiful part of the world with complete fluidity is a luxury David and I are very excited to offer, one that will provide a multitude of opportunities to make new and unique images.