"The Silent Narrative of West Lawn"

In the heart of Canton, West Lawn Cemetery stands as more than just a resting place; it is a permanent archive of the people who built this city. From the industrial legacies of names like Aultman, Harter, and Renkert to the quiet, unnamed watchers in stone, these grounds hold a narrative that often goes unheard in the rush of modern life.

Renkert Family Mausoleum

This ongoing series, captured for the Joe Albert Signature Series, is a study in texture, light, and legacy. Using the Leica 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M, I’ve focused on the "bite" of the weathered granite and the soft, respectful isolation of these monuments. By working primarily in Black and White, we strip away the distractions of the present to find the timeless integrity of the past.

Whether it’s the imposing architecture of a family mausoleum or a simple, moss-covered veteran’s marker, each frame is an act of preservation. This project is about honoring the craftsmanship of those who carved these stones and the history of those who rest beneath them. It is an exploration of how we choose to be remembered—and how that memory evolves over centuries of Ohio winters.

Finding Silence: A Leica Study of the Lost and Forgotten (Rowland Cemetery)

Finding Silence: A Leica Study of the Lost and Forgotten

This past week, I visited Rowland Cemetery, not for a commission, but for a deeply personal pilgrimage. I was searching for someone I never met—my aunt, who was buried there at just two years old. Like many of the older stones in this quiet corner, her grave is unmarked. We don't know exactly where she is. This photograph captures the essence of that search—a singular, weathered marker standing as a quiet testament to a life that once was.

‍ Passed away in the 1800’s ‍

The detail in this shot, captured on my Leica M10-R, is a reflection of my experience. The mossy texture of the stone, the soft, respectful fall-off in the background—it all speaks to the dignity that remains, even as nature takes its course. I am grateful to the volunteers who dedicate their time to maintaining this sacred space, ensuring that these forgotten stories are not completely erased.

My Brother capturing some old graves with his phone

My 'Signature Series' is about capturing the enduring spirit of a moment. This visit to Rowland Cemetery was a reminder that even the quietest, most unmaintained places have a story to tell. It's my honor to document them.