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sam_'s photostream
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Hello, my name is Sam!
I’ve been making photographs since I was a kid. My first camera was an old Nikon 35mm SLR, which my Dad taught me how to use. During college, my interest in photography continued to grow–I learned how to process my own film and make prints in the darkroom. When I eventually moved into digital, my passion for photography grew exponentially since I was free to experiment without the expense of film.
Early on, photography was exciting and fun and I still feel that same way today. The world we live in is so incredibly rich and visually interesting. I feel that photography makes me a more thoughtful observer–seeing things I would otherwise miss. With my photography I try and share something about myself, the places I’ve traveled, and the things which interest me. I hope you will enjoy seeing my work.
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Artist's Statement
"Photography commands my interest because I am fascinated by the visual world. I don't know what I would do if I was struck blind! We live in such an incredibly rich and visually interesting world. I feel that photography makes me a more thoughtful observer--seeing things I might otherwise miss. With photography I hope to capture some of that visual richness and share it with other people."
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If you are new to my work, I recommend starting with the "forgotten places" photoset. It is some of my favorite and most distinctive work.
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Contact me if you're interested in licensing an image or buying a print.
Select photos available for sale at redbubble.
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Photos of sam_ (27)
sam_'s favorite photos from other Flickr members (4,442)
Contacts (193)
Groups (50)
- trains 156,866 photos, 8,388 members
- I Love Trains 210,978 photos, 12,802 members
- Train Engines and Locomotives 83,367 photos, 686 members
- Train Photography 74,475 photos, 2,453 members
- Trains, Rails and Railroad Equipment 35,546 photos, 751 members
- Just Windows! 107,096 photos, 13,394 members
- looking in looking out : windows 14,714 photos, 1,922 members
- Bone Daddy 5,722 photos, 1,139 members
- Skull and Bonez 3,719 photos, 471 members
- Skeletons! 3,533 photos, 541 members
- Water... Oceans, Lakes, Rivers, Creeks 652,485 photos, 40,009 members
- Waterfalls 94,577 photos, 14,040 members
- Dominica 143 photos, 29 members
- Dominica, Nature Island of the Caribbean 1,291 photos, 139 members
- Southwestern archaeology 3,002 photos, 261 members
- Native American Indian Ruins & Artifacts 5,564 photos, 967 members
- Tracy Aviary 119 photos, 12 members
- Emery County, Utah 142 photos, 20 members
- U.S. State Parks & Reserves etc. 4,441 photos, 438 members
- Birds birds birds birds! 32,897 photos, 4,410 members
- Birding In The Wild 107,773 photos, 5,760 members
- Field Guide: Birds of the World 119,323 photos, 13,651 members
- Nevada 14,421 photos, 592 members
- Nevada Northern Railroad 76 photos, 6 members
- Nevada Ghost Towns 729 photos, 138 members
- Nevada Travel 7,676 photos, 421 members
- Arizona, USA 294 photos, 20 members
- Biosphere 156 photos, 15 members
- U.S. 91 2,191 photos, 98 members
- Lighthouses of the World 52,989 photos, 9,433 members
- Scenic Lighthouses......NO HDR PICS...... 4,125 photos, 555 members
- LIGHTHOUSE LOVERS 79,358 photos, 14,511 members
- Cowboy Up! 10,364 photos, 1,236 members
- SPORTS ACTION 243,727 photos, 19,083 members
- Rodeo Photos 12,180 photos, 1,246 members
- Countryside Photography Moderated Group - Post 1 Comment 1 11,247 photos, 1,409 members
- Air Shows 140,960 photos, 5,240 members
- Airshow Shots 18,727 photos, 482 members
- Airshows of the World 4,903 photos, 249 members
- Tiger tiger 6,331 photos, 1,281 members
- Tigers 2,995 photos, 458 members
- Elephants 17,994 photos, 3,503 members
- Elephants, Rhinos, Giraffes & Hippos –The Big Guys (and Gals) 20,682 photos, 3,553 members
- Elephants R Us 2,594 photos, 414 members
- Fireworks! 11,122 photos, 2,096 members
- Fireworks - Just Fireworks 92,773 photos, 15,079 members
- Fireworks 61,814 photos, 17,025 members
- Firework crew 5,927 photos, 1,016 members
- Nikon D3s Users Group 14,795 photos, 953 members
- Parade Gallery 2,563 photos, 287 members
Testimonials (20)
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Retoxx says:
"Sam and I met, by fate it seems. We both shared a passion for exploring abandoned structures & derelict buildings. One crazy day, a small local website brought us together... Now, several years and countless photography trips later, (how many tens or hundreds of thousands of shutter clicks is that?) we are still getting out, exploring and photographing that which brought us together... DECAY! It has been a long crazy trip, and it has been my pleasure to have my best friend Sam, by my side though it all. The stories we could tell... haha
Sam has a very creative view of the world we see every day. He can turn a scene of mundane every day nothingness, into something that really grabs you, and makes you look twice. His composition techniques, and lighting ideas are always fun and creative. Creating images that have that "draw" to them, whether it is due to the bright vivid colors, the framing, composition, post processing, or a combination of all the elements, Sam's photo's will be ones you will definitely enjoy.
Cheers Sam! Here's to many more years of good times, and good photographs!"1st September, 2010
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benkuhns says:
"Men like Mr. Scholes are a dying breed. Not content to shuffle through the mundane, well-kept, and "safe" constructions of the world he seeks out the derelict and decaying relics of our society. To the willing viewer he offers proof that the abandoned world is not devoid of beauty, but rather a vibrant and and insightful window into our history.
Take a page from his book and with an adventurous spirit get yourself lost somewhere; you will find that beauty abounds."25th August, 2009
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Scott Stringham "Rustling Leaf Design" says:
"Sam_ is a true master of the art of photography. He is a constant source of inspiration, and his knowledge of the hidden abandoned jewels is unmatched."
17th June, 2009
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solitude48 says:
"This guy gets around...and when he gets there he finds a way to get places and take great picture. We haunt a lot of the same places but I have never seen most of what he photographs. Then he pulls out a fish-eye and makes things so dramatic. I love the old buildings and the interiors. Like I say...I have been to a lot of these places and apparently just missed so much. At least I can look forward to going back. There is also a lot of color here. He also seems to hang out with some very beautiful women..."
4th January, 2009
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Deannster says:
"Sam's photos are all crafted with careful consideration given to toning, color, light, and the hundred and one other elements that make up a gorgeous photograph. One need only to check out his catalog of work to see that he is very good at what he does."
20th November, 2007
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Marco A. Torres says:
"Sam's work is absolutely exceptional every shot hides a deep abandoned secret."
9th July, 2007
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JUDGE DREDD76 says:
"Sam is a great guy and has a remarkable eye for natural beauty in all aspects."
13th March, 2007
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scottintheway says:
"Sam is a virtuoso of tone. His best images have a lonely, yet lived-in quality that gives them a sense of deep humanity beneath a dystopian veneer.
Also, he is nice :-)"11th November, 2006
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raspberrytart says:
"He's probably been to more abandoned buildings in Utah than any other local, and he's proud of it. It shows.
He takes the time to set up his shots and then painstakingly selects the photos that he shares with us on Flickr. It shows.
He has a fabulous smile. That shows, too.
If it's abandoned, boarded up, or cast aside, you'll find it in Sam's darkly cool photostream; there are no sissified photos here."19th September, 2006
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jon madison says:
"it took me a while to get this, i couldn't think of how to make this concise enough (that and for a while i *couldn't* write him a testimonial. ;-)
sam drives me crazy.
he apparently takes great care in doing his best, and has been an inspiration, getting a look out of that D70 that i didn't think were possible. There's a quality about each of his shots, that i can't even put my finger on, but it reminds me of well produced hip hop. just the right grit and just the right clean. they give me That Good Feeling, regardless of the subject.
Nikon oughtta give him a sponsorship for real.
if there were a big pink star next to his profile, i would have been done clicked it. ;-)
and dang he digs Good Music. that's *got* to be one reason for his excellence :)"20th November, 2005
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catmey says:
"Sam is the Master of the abandonment, of the forgotten places and things. Like no other, he brings heart, soul and life to ghosts."
15th November, 2005
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_ n a t u r a l _ says:
"Sam is not just a great photographer, but one of the nicest guys I’ve ever known.
His photos can talk about any subject: from his most tender portraits of his family, to his well-known ‘forgotten places’ shots!
He is also a fantastic person that has helped and encouraged me with his sincere and kind words. I must admit that I’m really glad to have met such an interesting person in Flickr. It’s always wonderful to see his smiling icon around.
I’m thinking about going to Utah…! Hehehe!
Thank you so much for everything, Sam! ;-)
Gemma"12th October, 2005
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photojunkie says:
"Sam has a way of capturing the light in such a beautiful way on such mundane items, which actually bring out their inner beauty"
3rd May, 2005
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QuinnStarr says:
""Sam the man" Sam is a great friend, and has given me the chance to explore diffrent worlds. Maybe its because he doesn't want to get stabed by a hobo, or maybe he enjoys my company. Sam is always inviting me out on shoots, I think we have learned alot from each other. Yes Sam I am scared of heights. WE ARE THE "Modern day explorers" Thanks for the pro account!"
23rd April, 2005
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swissmiss says:
"Sam is the king of Utah."
11th April, 2005
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Irina Souiki says:
"Sam is one of kind photographer, but also kind and generous. He leaves constructive and insightful comments, even does what many would never do because they're too protective of their "secrets" : teach you digital photography.
His pictures of abandoned, rusted, peeling places are a great add-on to his already versatile photostream... and who knows, portfolio, one day?
Thank you Sam for making me feel welcome on Flickr."28th March, 2005
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aqui-ali says:
"Observant, relevant, keen and sharp. A fine talent, a great contributor, warm hearted and ever curious. He's very careful with his comments, and this conveyed sensitivity with what he has in front of him is revealed in his work."
20th March, 2005
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murn says:
"Sam was a big welcome wagon for me on flickr. He's very generous and insightful with his comments -- which really encouraged me to continue to share my photos.
I was initially drawn to Sam's photostream when I saw the beautiful pictures he took of his family, and I have come to admire his photos of forgotten places, doors, and windows, too. He's a very well rounded shooter."21st January, 2005
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matt.ohara says:
"while a lot of my stuff is just things i find to snap pictures of, sam's photos are all very carefully composed. you can tell he has worked with cameras for a long time and composes everything with an expert eye. he naturally takes the kind of photography that i hope i will be able to achieve someday with a lot of work. :) thanks for the pics sam, i always enjoy them."
12th January, 2005
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xdjio says:
"Sam takes some of the best photos of abandoned, run down centres of industry and human activity that I have ever seen. It's very inspirational, and you should all have a look at his work."
4th January, 2005
- Name:
- Sam Scholes
- Joined:
- December 2004
- Hometown:
- Logan, Utah
- Currently:
- Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- I am:
- Male and Taken
- Occupation:
- Sales / Photographer
- Website:
- My Portfolio























