Alcatraz Island- San Francisco Bay
Ahoy, history enthusiasts! Gather 'round as I share the story of Alcatraz Island—a place where the echoes of notorious criminals, daring escapes, and resilient Indigenous spirits still linger.
Long before it became a notorious prison, Alcatraz was known to the Indigenous Ohlone people, who held it as a place of reverence and mystery. Later, the island’s aura of isolation made it an ideal site for a military prison, which the government eventually converted into a federal penitentiary. Alcatraz housed some of the most infamous criminals in American history, including Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert “The Birdman” Stroud.
One of the most famous events in the island’s history was the 1962 escape attempt when three prisoners dug their way out using makeshift tools. Despite their ingenuity, they were never seen again, likely lost to the treacherous waters surrounding the island.
Alcatraz’s role as a prison ended in 1963, but its history continued. In 1969, Native American activists occupied the island, drawing on its Indigenous heritage to demand justice and reclaim their ancestral lands. This powerful protest added a new chapter to Alcatraz’s story.
Today, Alcatraz is a historic site, attracting visitors who explore its imposing structure and reflect on the many layers of history that have unfolded there.
To spark your imagination, I’ve selected 10 detailed photos that offer a glimpse into the ghostly remnants of Alcatraz’s past.
If you are a travel destination and want to showcase artiscally-curated “Behind the Scenes” photos, please drop me a line to schedule a Zoom meeting. I’d love to learn about your goals and propose a solution to create some amazing images.
“We have engaged Paul for several shoots at Meadowood and each time he has proven to be a supreme professional talent. He is thorough, efficient, and consistently hits the brief. We are always pleased with his beautiful imagery and his ability to capture the essence of Meadowood through his photographs. ”
“Working with Paul Lange was an absolute pleasure! His innate ability to capture the essence and soul of interior spaces is unparalleled. Every shot was meticulously composed to highlight the design’s every nuance and beauty. Paul has a keen eye for detail that highlights the character of the room. Not only was Paul professional and accommodating, but very patient when working with us. The images he produced elevated our designs, showcasing them in a way that mesmerized our clients. We highly recommend Paul.”
“Paul was able to step in on very short notice to do a couple of shoots for us, one of which required taking care not to photograph minors whose parents had not given permission. The photos he returned on a tight turnaround were spot on, and helped the paper truly shine that day.”