COOK BANK BUILDING 2016

During a recent commercial shoot in Las Vegas, I seized the opportunity to take an adventurous detour into the Nevada desert to photograph the iconic ruins of the historic Cook Bank Building in the ghost town of Rhyolite. My assistant had mentioned this fascinating location earlier in the day, sparking my curiosity. Although my return flight was scheduled for 11 am the next morning, I calculated there was just enough time for a midnight drive, a twilight shoot, and a quick return to catch my flight.

The journey into Rhyolite was surreal; the road and sky were pitch black, illuminated only by my headlights piercing through the night. As I navigated down a dirt road toward the ghost town, the darkness deepened, and finding the exact location became a challenge. After some searching, the skeletal outline of the Cook Bank Building emerged from the shadows, a testament to its enduring legacy.

With limited equipment—just four lights powered by a 1000-watt DP running off my 2k generator—I meticulously set up the shoot. It was crucial to strategically position my lights and capture the building in segments due to my limited resources. Although a full complement of lighting gear would have streamlined the process, my decades of experience enabled me to adapt quickly and effectively.

The shoot culminated as dawn began to break, illuminating the historic ruins against the stunning backdrop of the desert sky. The resulting image beautifully captures the connection between humanity’s past and the endless expanse above, a tribute to careful planning and creative adaptability under pressure.

As a commercial photographer with over 20 years of experience, thriving in challenging environments has become second nature. If you’re looking for a professional who can deliver exceptional results under demanding schedules, I invite you to explore my portfolio and reach out to discuss your project.

Watch the behind-the-scenes video here: [Behind the scenes video]