Flâneur

When I was thinking about what to do for this assignment I immediately thought of Rochester because I have such a strong connection to it growing up and exploring the city. I also knew that I wanted to focus on documenting the darker side of Rochester; looking specifically at these abandoned spaces and how they are being used today. 

In Rochester there are a lot of these buildings and spaces because it was an industrial area with lots of factories. Most famously, Rochester is the home of Kodak which at its peek was worldwide business. In 2008, when the recession hit, Kodak took a massive hit (it was already on the decline) and was forced to declare bankruptcy. It has since come out of bankruptcy in 2013 and continues to operate today on a much smaller scale but traces of Kodak's glory days can still be seen all over Rochester. In particular, all the factories that have been abandoned because no one knows how to fill them.

Documenting Kodak my photos also show the relationship my family has with the company. My parents met when they were both working at Kodak and my dad continues to work there 33 years later as a chemical engineer. My aunt Titi Netti also works there in the executive office and has been with the company for 40 years.

In Reflection

Say Hello

No Running

It's Always Cloudy in Rochester

No Wadding

High Falls

Hotel Cadillac

Let's go for a swim