I've been doing night photography/light painting in abandoned places since 1989 and have been running the Lost America Website since 1998. My How To Do Night Photography page has inspired countless budding night shooters/light painters all over the world. Visit my site yourself and come join the party.
Chronicle Books has published my second book of night photography-- Night Vision: The Art of Urban Exploration. Buy it from amazon.com
I am also selling a limited number of signed copies of Night Vision. Click here for more information.
Unfortunately, my first book- Lost America is now out of print and used copies can be really expensive.
Yes, of course I sell prints! All the info is here.

Join this group and add your Joshua Tree images!

Photos of Lost America (2)
Lost America's favorite photos from other Flickr members (2,344)
Contacts (4,411)
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Oli Kember
Oli Kember
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amircheff
Alexandra
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Darkmoon Evil
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Rosenatti
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Paul Gregory...
Paul Gregory
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Love For Punk
Jennifer Hollman
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RyanRaver
Ryan Raver
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z1000rcr
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maxim_
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alessio.viscardi
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Groups (50)
- High Top Ambulances 51 photos, 4 members
- Phantasm 1830 photos, 255 members
- Managed Light - Strobes and Flashes 610 photos, 143 members
- Weston P.O.W Camp 15 photos, 2 members
- I see a sign 2476 photos, 403 members
- Tractors ETC. 8393 photos, 839 members
- Tractors and Other Farm Equipment 10005 photos, 1697 members
- Big M Night Photography Workshop 21 photos, 7 members
- Aviacion 3937 photos, 251 members
- Auto123 6865 photos, 418 members
- BUICK 3285 photos, 370 members
- DeSoto Automotive / DeVideos, DeToys, DeTrucks and DeBuses 115 photos, 138 members
- Mercury Cars 1844 photos, 210 members
- TalkUrbex.com 2994 photos, 226 members
- 1960 Ford Full Size - Fairlane, Starliner, Galaxie & Edsels too! 317 photos, 83 members
- Byron Hot Springs 190 photos, 9 members
- Lucky Lager 85 photos, 11 members
- Movie Theaters & Drive Ins 4837 photos, 548 members
- Darwin, California 58 photos, 9 members
- Pontiac Grand Prix - 1973-77 171 photos, 14 members
- Pontiac Motors Division 4144 photos, 565 members
- Society for Commercial Archeology 1690 photos, 132 members
- ~Artistic Aviation~ 8517 photos, 672 members
- Abandoned and Disused Trains 18091 photos, 2273 members
- I Love Trains 93055 photos, 7991 members
- All aboard! Trains - Real and Surreal 42320 photos, 2449 members
- Night Train 95 photos, 16 members
- Railway Scrap Line: Withdrawn, Condemned and Cut-up 1289 photos, 141 members
- The Night Writerz 462 photos, 156 members
- Land Yachts 1292 photos, 124 members
- Getty Images on Flickr 0 photos, 6667 members
- 底片星軌攝影┃Star Track on Film 82 photos, 28 members
- spooky exterior 453 photos, 113 members
- . TV . room . 1285 photos, 632 members
- Seascapes and Shorelines 157826 photos, 10534 members
- The Water's Edge 3340 photos, 252 members
- cadillac past to future 509 photos, 44 members
- In The Year 2000 240 photos, 473 members
- The Cruel Sea 813 photos, 150 members
- Empty Chair 186 photos, 43 members
- Fort Ord for SOLIDERS, CIVILIANS who lived and worked there. 298 photos, 15 members
- The Packard Project 527 photos, 86 members
- The 60's: Architecture, Design & More 541 photos, 111 members
- Abandoned Trailers 138 photos, 18 members
- Treasure Island Treasures 163 photos, 30 members
- DeSoto Automobiles / USA: 1929 - 1961 4574 photos, 406 members
- Big Rigs 6726 photos, 186 members
- Mopar Ponies 1798 photos, 118 members
- Auto-Anthropology 6439 photos, 750 members
- Hemmings Nation 2722 photos, 93 members
Testimonials (43)
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ChainbreakR says:
"The best part about Troy's work is that he is willing to share his technique with the world. His transparency and helpfulness has created an entire genre of photography which, to me, is the most impressive achievement in art."
7th October, 2009
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catfan552000 (Gotta develope more rolls) says:
"I've followed Troys work since the early days of Lost America. I've always been impressed with his imagination, and his determination to get a shot just right."
19th September, 2009
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Saleh AlRashaid says:
"Troy
I can say he is the best Night & Long Exposure Photographer i have ever seen wish u all the best.
Saleh"16th September, 2009
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Pro Photo Photography says:
"Amazing work, thank you for sharing."
7th August, 2009
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Miklós [Budapest] says:
"I think, he's simply the best photographer in the world, and the Master Of Night Photography. I promise, I can learn a lot from his photos!"
13th May, 2009
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Notley says:
"Lost America presents a unique vision of the American West in his haunting photos. His lonely images are ready made for any kind of narrative the viewer desires. Brilliant."
24th April, 2009
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pozicie says:
"cet univers et juste à couper le soufle, irréel, figé, mystérieux. Bravo un stream époustouflant !!!"
19th April, 2009
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KatianaBanana says:
"Troy's work is superb! Abandoned artifacts, cars and places come to life with creative approach. With all of his valuable information, he's inspired me to play with night photography and light painting."
18th January, 2009
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Anthony Citrano says:
"Troy's night photography is a wondrous, touching, color-soaked time machine trip. Thanks man, keep it up."
21st January, 2009
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Geofferino says:
"Probably the most inspirational set of photos I've come across on Flickr. I get lost in Steinbeck Country every time I look at the desert sets."
10th October, 2008
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old hack and friends says:
"I'm honored"
9th September, 2008
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www.mariorubio.com says:
"The best night photographer I've ever met.
El mejor fotógrafo nocturno que he conocido.
En España creas escuela amigo!
You have many supporters in Spain!"2nd September, 2008
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kruhme says:
"Du hast eine tolle Atmosfäre für deinen Bildern, sind super."
20th August, 2008
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ǝoɾ says:
"Troy is a master of Night Photography. He is my hero and have learned so much from his work. He brings old and forgotten subjects back to life.
I love his use of color. He is one to watch for sure.
Genius!
=]"13th July, 2008
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loungelistener says:
"There's not much I can say about Troy that hasn't been boundlessly (and better) said already before me. What I can say is that his photos are like being a kid on Christmas. Excitedly you unwrap it, finding joy inside.
If I can someday achieve just a few night shots with the drama and excitement of his, I'll be darned happy."3rd July, 2008
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Studio 950 says:
"In the dusty desolation of the American west the ghosts of once shining dreams still haunt the barren landscapes. Troy Paiva gives a voice to those ghosts, infusing them with life for a glorious moment and then capturing that moment forever.
The sound of those ghostly voices emanating from Troy's work lifts us from our earthly bonds and transports us to a place we always knew was there, but never had the map to find it. That place is called Lost America and each of us has a passport to enter thanks to these truly uplifting, inspiring and wondrous images."12th May, 2008
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KeithMokris says:
"Troy takes phenomenal photographs. I really don't know how he does it! His ability to compose shots and add color to them brings the dead to life. Its such a unique experience clicking through his photos and seeing desolate scenes breathe and move. He should be proud of his work. Every one of his shots really shows his dedication, patience, and passion!"
29th April, 2008
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Sebastian T. says:
"Thanks for your great work over the years, you're an inspiration."
28th April, 2008
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Pierre Contant says:
"Troy’s work has inspired me (and many others) to explore light painting. He has taught me a whole new dimension in the world of lighting and photography. I am forever thankful for having discovered Lost America. Thank you!"
25th April, 2008
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B. Jaber Photo says:
"An inspiration to myself and many others. Troy's photos really make you want to just go out there and "try it too"."
23rd March, 2008
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Noel Kerns says:
"Not that Troy needs any more endorsements, least of all from someone as new to night photography as I am. I just wanted to say what an inspiration he has been to me, as he has been for so many others too, of course. I was completely out of photography, saw one of his images one day and BAM...I was simultaneously hooked and inspired, and I have been ever since.
There are lots of pretenders out there, but Troy is the original genuine article. His night work, to my mind, stands above all others and continues to impress his many fans in new ways each and every day."12th March, 2008
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art2promo says:
"Some of the most compelling and haunting images of all time!"
25th February, 2008
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TheCabaal says:
"Amazing looking photos, just makes you want to revisit the past and view it all in a different way"
21st February, 2008
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Panos Voudouris says:
"From the bizarre to the downright alien, these photos are simply amazing!"
12th February, 2008
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spiralmunk says:
"He has the weirding way."
18th January, 2008
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[Nocturne] says:
"The main reason i got in to night photography was because of lost america the book, i love abandoned houses and places. troy really brings them to life and make them beautiful with light. i've bin doing night photography for a year or two now and i have influcenced other to do it also. it's a fine art and troy is easily a veteran. keep up the amazing work. lets see some more published :)
Chris"14th January, 2008
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MichaelWalton says:
"My friend showed me your website, and it inspired me so much, I now love light painting and have done a light painting assignment for college, Thanks alot for being so helpful!"
10th January, 2008
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jessica_shannon says:
"What an inspiration you are, Mr. Paiva!"
7th January, 2008
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Andreas Reinhold says:
"Any time my friends ask me "Why do you go out at night shooting pictures? Isn't it too dark?", I just give them a link to Troy's photostream. Their reactions are always the same: "Wow!".
His pictures are full of inspiration for me and I could spent days, just watching his pictures. If you're into night photography, there's no way not to like his work."14th December, 2007
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rpriegu says:
"Lugares y cosas abandonadas vuelven a ser nuevas otra vez por medio del arte de Troy Paiva. Se podría decir que Troy nos trae recuerdos del pasado y nos los presenta de una manera tan atractiva e innovadora que les asegura un lugar en nuestra memoria y con ello un pasaje al futuro. Un talento cuya galería (definitivamente una de las mejores de Flickr) merece ser visitada una y otra vez.
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Places and abandoned things are new once again, through the art of Troy Paiva. It would be able to say that Troy brings us memories of the past and presents them in a way so attractive and innovative that assures them place in our memory and with it a passage to the future.
A talent whose gallery (absolutely one of the bests of Flickr) deserves to be visited again and again."20th December, 2007
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TunnelBug says:
"It goes without saying that Troy is a master of night photography. He's a great guy, fun to shoot with, and you will learn a lot from his photography. Rumor is he has a book coming out too, and I can say with confidence that it will be incredible."
19th August, 2007
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mijori says:
"I came by Troy's art by blogging about some of the cars he captures so effectively. He has also generously allowed the republishing of his work on occasion when the topic is a worthy one. It is easy to write about a subject when the art itself is so well conceived..
When you think he has a fixed style then he sucker punches you with something fresh and new. Definitely my favorite flickr favorite and a gentleman too. Keep up the great work and good luck."15th July, 2007
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craigdanielosbourne says:
"i dont really know lost america that well, however his images always amazes me and he is the master of light painting, keep it up mate !"
3rd May, 2007
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eyetwist says:
"been following troy's brilliant work for years, always checking for desert road trip updates on his website. good to see him here on flickr."
2nd March, 2007
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Danny Fontaine says:
"Gotta concur. Troy got me into night photography and replied to my emails when I started out. Thanks a million."
10th January, 2007
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::emekonnen:Sniper TM:: says:
"When I first found Lost America, I was looking for night photography techniques. Once I stumbled through his website I got hooked to it- I now spend two to three days a week in his site. “Mesmerising”"
5th January, 2007
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oybay © says:
"Of all the pics I see on Flickr, Lost America definitely has it's pulse on something special. Every single shot is a jawdropper. Can't say that about too many others. Special stuff. I look forward to every post!"
3rd January, 2007
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rgbwe.de says:
"I'm one of his greatest fans. I would like to make a trip to america that he involves me in that places and his special technique. He is a great artist. Give us more."
29th December, 2006
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James Thomas Rowe says:
"He's the reason i spend my nights crawling about with a flash.
A truly awesome Photographer"27th September, 2006
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Wil Perry Photography says:
"Well, what can I say? The reason I got into photography was because of troy. I bought his book and was hooked on the first page. The pictures are haunting and I look at some of them for hours. This is a talent in the photography world. His pictures remind me of a place in my life a long time ago. The technique he uses is different and alluring. No wonder his book sold out. If you don't have it, get it!"
13th September, 2006
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4PIZON says:
"A testimonial for Troy? Man, the guy is a legend ! If you don't know this, you need his book (sorry Troy, tried to put a link here, no html, damn!)! And just where have you been? On a more serious note, he's a great guy with an awesome sense of humor, and a great teacher. Personally, an instant friend ! Great guy to shoot with and I hope to learn more. Thanks man!!
Bob"28th July, 2006
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Annene von Durchgerockt says:
"The technique is so romantic and seductive, but take away the pretty colors and these photos are epic representations of solitude and the passion that exists between humans and the environments they construct."
28th June, 2006
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Andy Frazer says:
"Lost America is the guy who got me hooked on night photography. Take a look at his website; you'll be blown away.
He also has a nice cat."19th November, 2005













