10/16/2026
THE LONGEST SILENCE
October 2026 PPA Merit Image Review | Illustrative
Photographed at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a pioneering penitentiary built around the idea that isolation could lead to penitence and reform.
The light illuminating this image comes through a dead eye in the ceiling, an architectural feature that allowed light into the cells below. In a place designed to keep prisoners separated from one another, even light had a carefully defined way in.
Opened in 1829, Eastern State became one of the most influential prisons in the world. Its imposing architecture and history of solitary confinement still carry a weight that is difficult to put into words.
I'm excited to share that The Longest Silence earned a merit in October's PPA Merit Image Review (MIR).
For those unfamiliar with MIR, it's a professional image evaluation program through Professional Photographers of America. A panel of 5 approved jurors evaluates each image against 12 elements of a merit-worthy photograph. Images that meet the standard earn an exhibition merit toward a PPA degree.
This is my second MIR merit toward my Master of Photography degree. Every submission is an opportunity to challenge myself, refine my work and grow as an artist.
Two down. More to come!