<div style="margin:5% 0 0 0;">
What&#39;s a Leap of Faith workshop? Over the past 10 years, Matthew Christopher of Abandoned America has run workshops where the location is a secret, and registrants only find out a week or so beforehand. Previous locations include an enormous abandoned school, the Trolley Graveyard, a massive vacant resort, and a vacant seven-story bank, among many others. 
 
As Matthew states, &quot;I deeply appreciate people&#39;s trust in my selection and it is important to me to live up to that by delivering a place that is worth the surprise. This year&#39;s location is less than a 30 minute drive from Flourtown, PA, and in my opinion it&#39;s the best yet of my Leap of Faith spots.&quot; It is a very large, very beautiful building that no photo workshops have ever been held at, and while you may have been there if you regularly sneak into abandoned buildings, you&#39;re definitely in for a pretty terrific surprise if you aren&#39;t a hardcore urban explorer. 
 
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&#39;s safety). 
 
 
/ &nbsp; HEALTH &amp; 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&#39;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 university@uniquephoto.com 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. 
 
 
/ &nbsp; WHAT TO BRING 
&bull; Respirator (highly recommended) 
&bull; Flashlight 
&bull; Bottled water/snacks 
&bull; Sturdy boots that protect your feet 
&bull; Weather-appropriate clothing 
&bull; Tripod 
&bull; Fully charged cell phone 
&bull; Extra batteries, memory cards 
&bull; Camera manual (if you&#39;re unsure how to change settings) 
&nbsp;
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<div class="video-container" style="margin-top:25px"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BVYxZVQ9MEY?si=M-mM-bd_c8TqR1w1" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div style="margin-top:25px; margin-bottom:5%; background-color:#333; padding:50px; font-family:arial; font-size:12px; line-height:1.4em; color:#fff; margin-bottom:0px;"><a href="https://www.abandonedamerica.us/" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.uniquephoto.com/resources/uniquephoto/images/uu/hs-matthewchristopher.jpg" style="float:right; width:150px; height:auto; margin-left:15px; margin-bottom:15px; border-radius:150px;" /></a> <a href="https://www.abandonedamerica.us/" style="color:#fff; font-size:18px; font-weight:700; font-family:'Open Sans'; text-decoration:none; letter-spacing:2px;" target="_blank">MATTHEW CHRISTOPHER</a> 
has 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, &quot;Abandoned America: Dismantling the Dream&quot; and &quot;Abandoned America: The Age of Consequences&quot; 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&#39;s Forum, The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, the Daily Mail, NY Daily News, and many more.</div>

Abandoned America: Leap of Faith Workshop with Matthew Christopher

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Calling All Creators! 
 
We&rsquo;re inviting photographers, videographers, and creators of all kinds to join us at Unique Photo Philly on Saturday, June 28th for an unforgettable Creators Challenge event! Whether you&rsquo;re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this event has something for everyone. 
 
Bring your own camera or take advantage of the opportunity to demo the latest gear from top camera manufacturers. Don&rsquo;t miss out on the chance to participate in guided photowalks where you can explore the area, meet fellow creators, and get tips from experts. We&rsquo;re also featuring unique live model shoots&nbsp;that will excite and inspire.&nbsp;You&rsquo;ll have access to a variety of amazing shooting opportunities, each designed to challenge your creativity and skills in different ways. This is a fantastic chance to experiment with new gear, connect with other creators, and showcase your work. Don&rsquo;t miss your chance to be part of this action-packed event. We can&rsquo;t wait to see what you create! 
 
After the event, submit your 5 favorite images (captured at any of the photowalks or shoots)&nbsp;for a chance to win a Unique Photo Gift Card! 
 
<a href="https://www.uniquephoto.com/university/creators-challenge"><img src="https://cdn.uniquephoto.com/resources/uniquephoto/images/uu/UUUPCC001-cc.png" style="padding: 10px 0 0 0; max-width:100%; height:auto;" /></a>

<div style="text-align:center; margin-top:35px; background-image: linear-gradient(to left, #fc899f, #ffde6c); padding:40px 20px 40px 20px; border-radius:50px 50px 0 0;">
Creators Challenge Photowalks Schedule 
Sponsored by <a href="https://www.uniquephoto.com/products/fujifilm" style="color:#fff;">Fujifilm</a> 
*All Included with Free RSVP* 
 
10am - 11am:&nbsp;Intro with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/allanali_" style="color:#fff;" target="_blank">Allan Ali</a> and Fujifilm&nbsp;+ Gear Rentals 
11am - 12pm: Photowalk with Allan Ali &amp; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jcphotomedia/" style="color:#fff;" target="_blank">JC Carey</a> ft. <a href="https://www.phillysuns.org/lion-dance" style="color:#fff;" target="_blank">Philadelphia Suns Lion Dance</a> 
12pm - 1:30pm: Photowalk with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gerrityphoto/" style="color:#fff;" target="_blank">Rick Gerrity</a> ft. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fletcherstreeturbanridingclub/?hl=en" style="color:#fff;" target="_blank">Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club</a> 
4pm - 5pm: Photowalk with Allan Ali ft. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oneway_lilman/" style="color:#fff;" target="_blank">oneway_lilman</a> + <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sofar_ahead/" style="color:#fff;" target="_blank">sofar_ahead</a> 
 
<a href="https://www.uniquephoto.com/product/fujifilm-x-half-premium-compact-camera-charcoal-silver" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.uniquephoto.com/resources/uniquephoto/images/uu/UUUPCC001-xhalf.png" style="width:170px; height:auto;" /></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/philadelphiasuns/" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.uniquephoto.com/resources/uniquephoto/images/uu/UUUPCC001-lion.png" style="width:170px; height:auto;" /></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fletcherstreeturbanridingclub" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.uniquephoto.com/resources/uniquephoto/images/uu/UUUPCC001-fsurc.png" style="width:170px; height:auto;" /></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oneway_lilman/" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.uniquephoto.com/resources/uniquephoto/images/uu/UUUPCC001-lilman.png" style="width:170px; height:auto;" /></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sofar_ahead/" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.uniquephoto.com/resources/uniquephoto/images/uu/UUUPCC001-sofar.png" style="width:170px; height:auto;" /></a>
</div>

<div style="text-align:center; margin-top:1px; background-color:#46d7d8; padding:40px; border-radius:0 0 50px 50px;">
Want to shoot even more? 
Creators Challenge Live Model Shoots&nbsp;with Nikon, Sony, Canon, Westcott, and Sigma are also available from 1pm - 4pm, but require separate registration ($10 with $10 token back). <a href="/event/PCC002" style="font-weight:bold; color:#fff;">Click here for more information&nbsp;and sign up before it sells out!</a>
</div>
</div>

Unique Photo Creators Challenge (Philly)

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