St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery
Sometimes the most memorable subjects are the ones we initially overlook. I had passed St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery in Niles many times without stopping, until an unplanned walk through the nearby forest preserves led me there unexpectedly.
What I found was a remarkable collection of beautiful old stone markers, angels, crosses, and family monuments, many bearing the wear of generations yet carefully preserved and supported by newer bases. In these photographs, I wanted to isolate those forms from their surroundings and let age, texture, and sculptural beauty come forward. The deep blacks, stark highlights, and dramatic skies give the images an intentionally dark atmosphere, while the weathered stone remains the true subject.
What began as an accidental detour became a discovery of the unexpected beauty of things that have endured for generations.
