Mount Vernon Furnace
Mount Vernon Furnace is a hulking stone blast furnace dating to the late 1700s, rising 30 feet high with two distinctive arches that make it a compelling subject for architectural and historical photography. The rough-cut stonework, weathered surfaces, and arched openings reward close-up detail shots as much as wider compositions that place the structure in its wooded surroundings. Shoot from a low angle looking up to emphasize the scale and mass of the masonry, or frame one of the arches as a natural window into the scene beyond. Overcast days work particularly well here, softening harsh shadows and bringing out the texture of the stone without blowing out highlights. A wide-angle lens suits the full structure, while a macro or short telephoto lets you isolate mossy stonework and crumbling details. The site is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path stop, so arrive prepared with sturdy footwear and scout around the perimeter for the best angles. (Bullskin Township, Pennsylvania, United States)
