A Day at the Eastern State Penitentiary

Set in the vacant Eastern State Penitentiary, join Michael Downey for a day of photographing and capturing the moods and atmosphere of this unique location!
Monday, October 29th (6:30am - 3:00pm)
The bus will leave promptly from Unique (Fairfield) at 6:30am and arrive at ESP at approximately 8:30am. At 9:00am, the group will be led on an hour long history tour of the grounds by one of ESP's guides.
Once the tour is completed, Michael will briefly go over lighting, exposure, bracketing, using HDR photography in-camera, and the best locations to capture in each cell block. Attendees may stay with the group or roam through all of the authorized locations at their own pace. Either way, Michael will be around to assist you in capturing some great images within ESP!
*A few days prior, Michael will email attendees about gear and attire.
*Each attendee may bring one tripod OR monopod.
*Transportation is included from and back to Unique.
*Please bring a lunch or snack and extra water.
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 at the Prudential Center for Nets Basketball, Meadowlands Horse Racetrack, Lakota Wolf Preserve, NJ Jackals Baseball, Botanical Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more.
Our technical classes include such topics as basic D-SLR photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop, Elements, and Lightroom, macro photography, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlites, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much more.
Where are classes held?
Unless stated otherwise, classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo SuperStore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004).
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.
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 prior to the dates of such classes.
Are there age limitations for any of your classes?
The "Understanding Your DSLR" series of classes are appropriate for all ages, along with most of the guest speaker seminars and Digital Learning Lab software classes. However, there are some workshops with model shoots that may be inappropriate for students under the age of 18. Depending on the shoot, a parent or guardian may be able to sign a consent waiver. Please note that there are also some nude shoots that have an age requirement of at least 21 years old with a valid ID shown at the door.
If I register my child/teen for a class, may I sit in on the class with him/her?
If you'd like to accompany your teen, you will need to purchase a seat in the class.
I am registered for a class, but I will no longer be able to attend. What is your cancellation policy?
Classes under $100 require a 48-hour cancellation notice for a full refund. For classes over $100, you will need to notify us 7 days before the start of the class for a full refund.
I was registered for a class, but was unable to attend. Can I still receive a refund?
If the class has already passed, you will receive credit (in the amount of your class registration fee) towards a future Unique University class(es).
I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list?
Please contact Pamela at 973-377-6454 or email [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?
If there is no specific contact listed on the class description, please contact Pamela at 973-377-6454 or email [email protected] with any additional inquiries.
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].
SEMINAR: October 4th 2012 (Thursday) 6:30pm-8:00pm
EXCURSION: October 5th 2012 (Friday) 8:00am-5:00pm
Transportation is included!
*Please bring your lunch or snack. It is recommended to bring extra water.
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 at the Prudential Center for Nets Basketball, Meadowlands Horse Racetrack, Lakota Wolf Preserve, NJ Jackals Baseball, Botanical Gardens, Festival of Ballooning, and much more.
Our technical classes include such topics as basic D-SLR photography, lighting techniques, Adobe Photoshop, Elements, and Lightroom, macro photography, composition, editing and printing, wedding photography, HDR photography, working with speedlites, how to use social media, digital organization, one-on-one instruction, and much more.
Where are classes held?
Unless stated otherwise, classes are held in the Unique University classroom within the Unique Photo SuperStore (123 US Highway 46 West, Fairfield, NJ 07004).
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.
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 prior to the dates of such classes.
Are there age limitations for any of your classes?
The "Understanding Your DSLR" series of classes are appropriate for all ages, along with most of the guest speaker seminars and Digital Learning Lab software classes. However, there are some workshops with model shoots that may be inappropriate for students under the age of 18. Depending on the shoot, a parent or guardian may be able to sign a consent waiver. Please note that there are also some nude shoots that have an age requirement of at least 21 years old with a valid ID shown at the door.
If I register my child/teen for a class, may I sit in on the class with him/her?
If you'd like to accompany your teen, you will need to purchase a seat in the class.
I am registered for a class, but I will no longer be able to attend. What is your cancellation policy?
Classes under $100 require a 48-hour cancellation notice for a full refund. For classes over $100, you will need to notify us 7 days before the start of the class for a full refund.
I was registered for a class, but was unable to attend. Can I still receive a refund?
If the class has already passed, you will receive credit (in the amount of your class registration fee) towards a future Unique University class(es).
I wanted to register for ______ class, but it is now sold out. Is there a waiting list?
Please contact Pamela at 973-377-6454 or email [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?
If there is no specific contact listed on the class description, please contact Pamela at 973-377-6454 or email [email protected] with any additional inquiries.
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].