Abandoned America: Lynnewood Hall with Matthew Christopher
Lynnewood Hall is a 110,000 square foot, 110-room Neoclassical Revival Gilded Age estate that has been left to the elements for decades. Designed by Horace Trumbauer, construction finished in 1900. It was the home of Peter Widener, whose fortune was made from a variety of business endeavors including supplying mutton to the Union Army during the Civil War, building streetcar lines, and being a founding member of U.S. Steel and the American Tobacco Company. Widener is regarded as one of the 100 richest Americans. He passed away at Lynnewood in 1915, and the estate had several different owners in the following decades, including a theological seminary who purchased it in 1952. It was purchased by First Korean Church in 1996, after which the building was mostly vacant and barely maintained.
The nonprofit Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation purchased the building in 2023, with the hopes of restoring the grounds and hall and making them accessible to the public. The majority of the funds from this workshop go towards their efforts to save the property. Over the course of 2024, $51,541 was contributed towards the preservation efforts.
Lynnewood has not been legally accessible for photography for decades, and this is an exclusive first look at a magnificent building. As one person who signed up for the workshop described it, it’s bit of a unicorn – a place that many, many people have wondered about for years. You’re about to see what’s inside – and Matthew can tell you from his own firsthand experience... it's amazing.
Attendees are welcome to stay with Matthew and learn camera settings, how to use a tripod, exposure bracketing, specialized types of photography (like panoramas and infrared), shooting and editing tips, and more for the whole duration. Attendees are also welcome to go at their own pace and explore the building on their own. The event is indoors and will be held rain or shine (except in the case of a weather emergency that would endanger the group's safety).
/ HEALTH & SAFETY
Potential risks include, but are not limited to, uneven terrain/fall hazards and dust/mold exposure. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring a respirator. We take precautions to ensure everyone's safety, but by registering you are acknowledging that you accept known and unknown risks are present and will not hold any organizations/individuals involved in the workshop liable for any injuries or damages that may occur. Please email us at [email protected] if you have any specific concerns before registering. A comprehensive waiver and more details will be sent via email to all registrants prior to the workshop date.
/ WHAT TO BRING
• Respirator (highly recommended)
• Flashlight
• Bottled water/snacks
• Sturdy boots that protect your feet
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Tripod
• Fully charged cell phone
• Extra batteries, memory cards
• Camera manual (if you're unsure how to change settings)
MATTHEW CHRISTOPHERhas had an interest in abandoned sites since he was a child, but started documenting them a decade ago while researching the decline of the state hospital system. His two books, "Abandoned America: Dismantling the Dream" and "Abandoned America: The Age of Consequences" and his website, also titled Abandoned America, have chronicled the stories of modern ruins of all kinds across the United States and abroad. He also has recently created an Abandoned America podcast to share interviews and stories that delve into the mysteries, histories, and stories of abandoned places.
Matthew has an MFA in Fine Art Photography from Rochester Institute of Technology and has taught photography at a college level and now teaches photography workshops. He has had gallery shows across the US, lectured on abandoned spaces and mental health history, and his work has been in dozens of publications and media outlets including the New York Times, ABC and NBC News, PDN, The Atlantic, Photographer's Forum, The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, the Daily Mail, NY Daily News, and many more.
Unique University® is the highly acclaimed education component of Unique Photo®, NJ’s only camera and video superstore. There is over 2000 sq. ft. of learning space, including our state-of-the art, 1000 sq. ft. main presentation hall. Unique University’s mission is to help our visitors “Create Better Pictures” by providing photography education for beginners to pros. With events daily, it is the place where photography groups such as local camera clubs, ASMP, PPA and others meet. We have a full curriculum of classes and seminars from world famous speakers such as Art Wolfe, Rick Sammon, Michael Yamashita, Tyler Stableford, Lindsay Adler, and Will Crockett. We offer photography experiences to such places as the Lakota Wolf Preserve, Wolf Conservation Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rutgers Football, Longwood Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more. Our technical classes include such topics as basic digital photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, macro photography, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlights, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much, much more.
Where are classes held?
Unless stated otherwise, most classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo Superstore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004). We also hold classes at our Philadelphia, PA location (28 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106).
What should I bring to class?
You're encouraged to bring your camera and a notebook and pen to most classes. Some classes will require additional equipment, so please check the class descriptions.
Will lunch or refreshments be included?
Lunch and refreshments are not provided for any classes under 6 hours unless noted.
How do I register for a class?
You can register online, in-store at the concierge, or by phone at either 973-377-6454 or 973-377-2007. Please note that you will need to provide payment information.
Can I register at the door?
For most classes, you're free to register at the concierge desk prior to the start of the class. Please note that there are some classes that offer "Early Bird Special" rates and others that have limited seating, so it would be in your best interest to register early for such classes.
I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list?
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with the following information: your name, phone number, email address, and the class name and date.
My question has not been addressed here. Is there someone I can contact?
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with any additional inquiries.
Unique University Class Cancellation Policy
- Classes costing less than $99 may be canceled up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. For classes costing $100 or more, advanced notice of seven days before the class is necessary for a full refund.
- Requests for cancellation made after these deadlines will be awarded store credit in the amount paid for registration towards a future Unique University seminar or workshop.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the beginning of a class will not be honored and no refund or credit will be given.
- Cancellations of any class utilizing models will be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the purchased price (up to $100).
- Cancellations of any class that includes an admission ticket (including, but not limited to: museums, gardens, shows, exhibits, and special events or locations) may be subject to forfeiture of the admission ticket fee.
** Attention American Express cardholders: If you cancel a registration for a class costing $100 or more, there will be a 3% cancellation fee deducted from your refund or store credit.
Getting Started
How to Submit
Who Can Enter
Must be 18 years or older at time of entry.
Employees & affiliates of Unique Photo are not eligible.
Photos must be original work submitted by the photographer.
Content must be free of offensive or inappropriate material.
Judging Criteria
Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The panel's decision is final.
Entry Requirements
Contest Rules
All photographers retain full copyright to their images. By entering, you grant Unique Photo permission to use your photos on social media for promotional purposes.
Please upload a JPEG image. Resize photographs to under 8MB per photo before submitting.
DO NOT include watermarks on photographs — images with watermarks will be disqualified from entry.
Winners will be announced one week after the deadline on Instagram @UniquePhoto.
Having trouble with the form? Email your info and photos directly to our team.
[email protected]Terms & Conditions
Submission Guidelines: Photos must be original and submitted by the photographer. Submissions must not contain offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content. Number of photos and submission deadline will be determined by the specific Creators Challenge contest.
Copyright & Usage Rights: All photographers retain full copyrights to their submitted photos. By entering, participants grant Unique Photo a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, and publish their submitted photos on social media and other digital channels for promotional purposes. No modifications will be made without prior consent, except for minor cropping or resizing.
Judging: Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The decision of the judging panel is final and binding.
Liability: By entering, participants agree to release Unique Photo and its affiliates from any liability, injury, loss, or damage arising from this contest or any prize won.
Privacy: Personal information collected will only be used to administer the contest and will not be shared with third parties.
Modifications: Unique Photo reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the contest due to technical issues or unforeseen circumstances. For questions, contact [email protected].
*Workshop is rain or shine (barring weather emergencies that pose a threat to the group's safety).
*Attendees will need to fill out a comprehensive waiver prior to the workshop, and then another waiver on-site.
*There will be an outdoor porta potty on-site.
*All details (including gear recommendations and waiver) will be sent via email.
Get a $50 Gift Card Back
with Your Registration
Bring your cameras! There will be a Creators Challenge where attendees can submit their best shots from the workshop for a chance to win Unique Photo Gift Cards. Details to be announced soon... Stay tuned!
Lynnewood Hall is a 110,000 square foot, 110-room Neoclassical Revival Gilded Age estate that has been left to the elements for decades. Designed by Horace Trumbauer, construction finished in 1900. It was the home of Peter Widener, whose fortune was made from a variety of business endeavors including supplying mutton to the Union Army during the Civil War, building streetcar lines, and being a founding member of U.S. Steel and the American Tobacco Company. Widener is regarded as one of the 100 richest Americans. He passed away at Lynnewood in 1915, and the estate had several different owners in the following decades, including a theological seminary who purchased it in 1952. It was purchased by First Korean Church in 1996, after which the building was mostly vacant and barely maintained.
The nonprofit Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation purchased the building in 2023, with the hopes of restoring the grounds and hall and making them accessible to the public. The majority of the funds from this workshop go towards their efforts to save the property. Over the course of 2024, $51,541 was contributed towards the preservation efforts.
Lynnewood has not been legally accessible for photography for decades, and this is an exclusive first look at a magnificent building. As one person who signed up for the workshop described it, it’s bit of a unicorn – a place that many, many people have wondered about for years. You’re about to see what’s inside – and Matthew can tell you from his own firsthand experience... it's amazing.
Attendees are welcome to stay with Matthew and learn camera settings, how to use a tripod, exposure bracketing, specialized types of photography (like panoramas and infrared), shooting and editing tips, and more for the whole duration. Attendees are also welcome to go at their own pace and explore the building on their own. The event is indoors and will be held rain or shine (except in the case of a weather emergency that would endanger the group's safety).
/ HEALTH & SAFETY
Potential risks include, but are not limited to, uneven terrain/fall hazards and dust/mold exposure. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring a respirator. We take precautions to ensure everyone's safety, but by registering you are acknowledging that you accept known and unknown risks are present and will not hold any organizations/individuals involved in the workshop liable for any injuries or damages that may occur. Please email us at [email protected] if you have any specific concerns before registering. A comprehensive waiver and more details will be sent via email to all registrants prior to the workshop date.
/ WHAT TO BRING
• Respirator (highly recommended)
• Flashlight
• Bottled water/snacks
• Sturdy boots that protect your feet
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Tripod
• Fully charged cell phone
• Extra batteries, memory cards
• Camera manual (if you're unsure how to change settings)
MATTHEW CHRISTOPHERhas had an interest in abandoned sites since he was a child, but started documenting them a decade ago while researching the decline of the state hospital system. His two books, "Abandoned America: Dismantling the Dream" and "Abandoned America: The Age of Consequences" and his website, also titled Abandoned America, have chronicled the stories of modern ruins of all kinds across the United States and abroad. He also has recently created an Abandoned America podcast to share interviews and stories that delve into the mysteries, histories, and stories of abandoned places.
Matthew has an MFA in Fine Art Photography from Rochester Institute of Technology and has taught photography at a college level and now teaches photography workshops. He has had gallery shows across the US, lectured on abandoned spaces and mental health history, and his work has been in dozens of publications and media outlets including the New York Times, ABC and NBC News, PDN, The Atlantic, Photographer's Forum, The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, the Daily Mail, NY Daily News, and many more.
Unique University® is the highly acclaimed education component of Unique Photo®, NJ’s only camera and video superstore. There is over 2000 sq. ft. of learning space, including our state-of-the art, 1000 sq. ft. main presentation hall. Unique University’s mission is to help our visitors “Create Better Pictures” by providing photography education for beginners to pros. With events daily, it is the place where photography groups such as local camera clubs, ASMP, PPA and others meet. We have a full curriculum of classes and seminars from world famous speakers such as Art Wolfe, Rick Sammon, Michael Yamashita, Tyler Stableford, Lindsay Adler, and Will Crockett. We offer photography experiences to such places as the Lakota Wolf Preserve, Wolf Conservation Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rutgers Football, Longwood Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more. Our technical classes include such topics as basic digital photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, macro photography, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlights, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much, much more.
Where are classes held?
Unless stated otherwise, most classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo Superstore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004). We also hold classes at our Philadelphia, PA location (28 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106).
What should I bring to class?
You're encouraged to bring your camera and a notebook and pen to most classes. Some classes will require additional equipment, so please check the class descriptions.
Will lunch or refreshments be included?
Lunch and refreshments are not provided for any classes under 6 hours unless noted.
How do I register for a class?
You can register online, in-store at the concierge, or by phone at either 973-377-6454 or 973-377-2007. Please note that you will need to provide payment information.
Can I register at the door?
For most classes, you're free to register at the concierge desk prior to the start of the class. Please note that there are some classes that offer "Early Bird Special" rates and others that have limited seating, so it would be in your best interest to register early for such classes.
I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list?
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with the following information: your name, phone number, email address, and the class name and date.
My question has not been addressed here. Is there someone I can contact?
Please contact us at 973-377-6454 or [email protected] with any additional inquiries.
Unique University Class Cancellation Policy
- Classes costing less than $99 may be canceled up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. For classes costing $100 or more, advanced notice of seven days before the class is necessary for a full refund.
- Requests for cancellation made after these deadlines will be awarded store credit in the amount paid for registration towards a future Unique University seminar or workshop.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the beginning of a class will not be honored and no refund or credit will be given.
- Cancellations of any class utilizing models will be subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the purchased price (up to $100).
- Cancellations of any class that includes an admission ticket (including, but not limited to: museums, gardens, shows, exhibits, and special events or locations) may be subject to forfeiture of the admission ticket fee.
** Attention American Express cardholders: If you cancel a registration for a class costing $100 or more, there will be a 3% cancellation fee deducted from your refund or store credit.
Getting Started
How to Submit
Who Can Enter
Must be 18 years or older at time of entry.
Employees & affiliates of Unique Photo are not eligible.
Photos must be original work submitted by the photographer.
Content must be free of offensive or inappropriate material.
Judging Criteria
Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The panel's decision is final.
Entry Requirements
Contest Rules
All photographers retain full copyright to their images. By entering, you grant Unique Photo permission to use your photos on social media for promotional purposes.
Please upload a JPEG image. Resize photographs to under 8MB per photo before submitting.
DO NOT include watermarks on photographs — images with watermarks will be disqualified from entry.
Winners will be announced one week after the deadline on Instagram @UniquePhoto.
Having trouble with the form? Email your info and photos directly to our team.
[email protected]Terms & Conditions
Submission Guidelines: Photos must be original and submitted by the photographer. Submissions must not contain offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content. Number of photos and submission deadline will be determined by the specific Creators Challenge contest.
Copyright & Usage Rights: All photographers retain full copyrights to their submitted photos. By entering, participants grant Unique Photo a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, and publish their submitted photos on social media and other digital channels for promotional purposes. No modifications will be made without prior consent, except for minor cropping or resizing.
Judging: Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and adherence to the contest theme. The decision of the judging panel is final and binding.
Liability: By entering, participants agree to release Unique Photo and its affiliates from any liability, injury, loss, or damage arising from this contest or any prize won.
Privacy: Personal information collected will only be used to administer the contest and will not be shared with third parties.
Modifications: Unique Photo reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the contest due to technical issues or unforeseen circumstances. For questions, contact [email protected].