# Abandoned Asylum Photography This Abandoned NYC Photo Series Portrays the City's Shameful Past By Farida Helmy | Published 2014-06-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abandoned-nyc-photo-series References: [featureshoot](http://www.featureshoot.com/2014/06/will-ellis-abandoned-asylum/) & [offset](http://www.offset.com/artist/Will%20Ellis/?utm_source=featureshoot&utm_medium=brandedcontent&utm_content=061614&utm_campaign=channelhomepage) Even though New York City is bustling with urbanites and overcrowded streets, there are certain [spooky spots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spooky-adventures) -- as this abandoned NYC photo series portrays -- that are hidden from the urban jungle facade. Captured by photographer Will Ellis, this abandoned NYC photo series takes us on a journey through Ellis's haunting adventures in the city's ruins and rubble. Documenting [forgotten locations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ghost-walk-tours) across the city, Ellis's humongous project focuses on areas like the North Brother Island and the Staten Island Farm Colony -- where still lies a desolate hospital for quarantined patients and structures that were once home to society’s unwanted souls. The images of the now-empty asylum and hospital sheds light on the sort of living conditions those living within the walls had to deal with. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Urban Exploration Photography:** Businesses can explore opportunities of offering guided tours to abandoned locations for photography enthusiasts and adventurers. - **Dark Tourism:** Businesses within the tourism industry can offer unique and educational experiences that focus on the historical aspects of abandoned sites in NYC. - **Abandoned Building Revitalization:** Businesses can explore opportunities to invest and revitalize abandoned buildings, turning them into new spaces for the public to explore and enjoy. ### Who This Affects Most - **Photography:** Photography companies can market their services to individuals interested in urban exploration photography and offer specialized tours and experiences. - **Tourism:** Tourism companies can offer guided tours to abandoned locations to attract adventurous and curious travelers seeking unique experiences. - **Real Estate:** Real estate companies can explore investment opportunities in abandoned buildings and repurpose them for commercial or residential use, contributing to the revitalization of communities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dramatic Doomsday Bunker Images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alastair-philip-wiper.md) - [Industrial Architecture-Themed Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/industrial-archaeology.md) - [Digital City-Inspired Art Works](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-central-station.md) - [Personal Nostalgic Photo Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-ohio.md) - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [British Youth-Culture Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-and-away.md) - [Social Experiment Virtual Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uncanny-spaces.md) - [Prison-Converted Affordable Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cookfox-architects.md)