Disconnected and Disappearing (El Toro Airbase Thematic)
The End of an Era
In April, May and June of 2013, as well as in June of 2014 I attended a few photographic workshops lead by members of The Legacy Project. During these days the participants were taken back to shut down runways and hangars of the former El Toro Airbase, which were closed to the public.
Why did I attend these workshops? It wasn’t a military background. I very much enjoy taking pictures of architecture, and the older the building it is, the more interesting it becomes to me. Portraying former beauty or function in decaying buildings and places is another favorite photographic topic for me. When I heard about the first workshop and how close to our home it was going to be, I signed up right away. I am very glad I did. This was a very interesting and eerie location to visit and to photograph.
Why did I attend these workshops? It wasn’t a military background. I very much enjoy taking pictures of architecture, and the older the building it is, the more interesting it becomes to me. Portraying former beauty or function in decaying buildings and places is another favorite photographic topic for me. When I heard about the first workshop and how close to our home it was going to be, I signed up right away. I am very glad I did. This was a very interesting and eerie location to visit and to photograph.
Hangar 295 – Former El Toro Airbase
During the workshops we learned a bit about the history of the Airbase, had various photography lessons, and were transported to different parts of the former base: a few hangars, runways, and even took a bird’s eye view of the area from the Great Orange Ballon (hot air balloon). We only had a limited time for taking photos, about 1.5-2 hours. Here is a small selection from the set:
During an exhibit entitled “A Different Point of View” at the Orange County Great Park Gallery in the summer of 2013 two of my images were shown. But something else happened during the exhibit that I am super grateful for. I was chatting with one of the members of the Legacy Project and mentioned to him something that sparked a private shoot. I had been driving by a military area that was completely demolished, except for two playground structures. Every time I drove by the place, I had this weird, eerie feeling about the playgrounds, and I very much wanted to photograph them. But I do not climb fences, it’s not my style. When I mentioned this place to the photographer he offered to take me there, because he had a key and privileges to be in the area. I was in heaven!
Not long after the exhibit we went to the place and spent about an hour recording the remains of the former Aqua Chinon Playground and a few buildings – possibly a school or community building.
Not long after the exhibit we went to the place and spent about an hour recording the remains of the former Aqua Chinon Playground and a few buildings – possibly a school or community building.
Aqua Chinon Playground Remains
Forward the time by merely two years, and you will find nothing from these ruins. Constructions of the newest Irvine neighborhood, a gated community of luxury homes started here (Altair). I am extremely happy that I was able to record the playground and its surroundings when it was still – barely – standing.
I’d like to invite you to visit my image gallery and view the whole Disconnected and Disappearing thematic.
I’d be interested to know if you have any favorites, or if you’d like to share any stories from the El Toro Base era.
I’d like to invite you to visit my image gallery and view the whole Disconnected and Disappearing thematic.
I’d be interested to know if you have any favorites, or if you’d like to share any stories from the El Toro Base era.
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