Photographer Captures Haunting Beauty of Abandoned American Homes

Bryan Sansivero's new book 'America the Abandoned' documents the forgotten stories behind decaying residences across the country.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:58am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting the porch of an abandoned home, with peeling paint, overgrown vines, and a single rocking chair, conceptually illustrating the haunting beauty and forgotten histories of these neglected dwellings.Sansivero's haunting photographs capture the eerie beauty and untold stories of America's abandoned homes, frozen in time.NYC Today

For over a decade, New York-based photographer Bryan Sansivero has traveled across the United States, documenting the haunting beauty and untold stories of abandoned homes. From crumbling Victorian mansions to forgotten farmhouses, Sansivero's medium-format film photography captures the eerie allure of these neglected dwellings, which stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. His new book, 'America the Abandoned,' compiles his captivating portraits of these deserted spaces, preserving the 'frozen moments in time' that he uncovers on his explorations.

Why it matters

Sansivero's work shines a light on the growing phenomenon of abandoned homes across America, which have become a source of fascination for urban explorers and photographers. His thoughtful, patient approach to documenting these spaces stands in contrast to the 'chasing the highest views' mentality that has sometimes plagued the urban exploration community. By preserving the dignity and mystery of these forgotten homes, Sansivero's photographs prompt deeper reflection on the societal and economic forces that have led to their abandonment, as well as the ethical considerations around exploring and sharing these private, decaying spaces.

The details

Sansivero's fascination with neglected places began during his college days, when he documented the abandoned Kings Park Psychiatric Center on Long Island. Over the years, his focus shifted to private homes, which he seeks out through satellite imagery, tips, and serendipitous discoveries. Though the homes he encounters are not always pristine, he is drawn to those that offer a glimpse into the lives of their former occupants, such as rooms filled with antique dollhouses, holiday decorations frozen in time, and other personal artifacts. Sansivero takes great care to research the histories of these homes and their residents, while respecting their privacy by avoiding sensationalism or naming individuals.

  • Sansivero has been documenting abandoned homes across the United States for over 10 years.
  • His new book, 'America the Abandoned,' was published in 2025.

The players

Bryan Sansivero

A New York-based photographer who has spent over a decade exploring and documenting abandoned homes across the United States, with a focus on preserving the 'frozen moments in time' he uncovers in these forgotten spaces.

Kings Park Psychiatric Center

A shuttered mental health facility on Long Island that Sansivero featured in an early documentary project, sparking his fascination with neglected places.

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What they’re saying

“As I see it, it's about preserving these frozen moments in time—these hidden spots. The thrill lies in the unpredictability of what awaits.”

— Bryan Sansivero, Photographer

“If you hit it big online, you might rack up two million likes and hordes of followers, and everyone starts vying for that. But I've been doing the opposite, really. I want more film photography. Less digital, and more emphasis on vintage, distinctive gear.”

— Bryan Sansivero, Photographer

What’s next

Sansivero plans to continue his explorations of abandoned homes, with a focus on expanding his work to include European chateaus and fortresses. As time passes, he expects to uncover new discoveries that will add to the rich tapestry of stories captured in his ongoing project.

The takeaway

Sansivero's 'America the Abandoned' project highlights the complex ethical considerations surrounding the exploration and documentation of abandoned private spaces. While his work preserves the haunting beauty and untold histories of these forgotten homes, it also raises questions about the line between artistic expression and the invasion of personal privacy. The project prompts deeper reflection on the societal and economic factors that have led to the abandonment of these dwellings, and the responsibility of those who seek to bring their stories to light.