Whitney Plantation - Edgard, LA
THE WHITNEY INSTITUTE EDUCATES THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE HISTORY AND LEGACIES OF SLAVERY IN THE UNITED STATES.
Whitney Plantation (legal name The Whitney Institute) is a non-profit museum dedicated to the history of the Whitney Plantation, which operated from 1752-1975 and produced indigo, sugar, and rice as its principal cash crops. The museum preserves over a dozen historical structures, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Whitney Plantation Historic District.
In December 2024, I had the profound opportunity to photograph the Whitney Plantation. They graciously allowed me access to capture images from their property, which will be featured in my upcoming exhibition, Hallowing the Ground: Honoring Enslaved Lives Through the Spaces They Lived and Worked.
This experience was deeply moving and one I will carry with me forever.
The images in this collection were created to inspire reflection and contemplation. I carefully composed each shot to transport viewers back in time, striving to exclude any modern elements that might detract from the authenticity of the scenes. My intention was to honor the lives of the enslaved by preserving the atmosphere of the spaces where they lived and worked.
During the exhibition, these images will be accompanied by an audio narration featuring first-person dialogue spoken by former slaves. This layer of storytelling aims to give voice to the individuals whose lives were shaped by these spaces, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.
To learn more about this exhibition, feel free to email me at paul@langephotostudio.com.
If you have a historical space that needs to be captured in an authentic way, drop me a line to schedule a Zoom meeting. I’d love to hear from you and learn more about it.
“I’ve worked with Paul on several projects now, and he has consistently delivered a 5-star experience. He is communicative, creative, and works hard to fulfill the brief of the photos you are looking for. He delivers high-quality photos with a quick turnaround time. Paul’s approach is very thoughtful and artistic, and he’s extremely personable and easy to work with. I would definitely recommend working with Lange Photo Studios”
“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.”
“I just wanted to take a moment to commend your excellent eye for detail. You’ve done an exceptional job honoring the lives and stories of the enslaved Africans at Whitney Plantation.
Thank you for sharing this vital piece of art history—it’s deeply appreciated.”