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John Paul 6/14/25 John Paul 6/14/25

Capturing History Through Architecture — Koreshan State Park

Exploring Historic Architecture at Koreshan State Park in Estero, Florida
Capturing the preserved 1800s buildings of the Koreshan Unity Settlement, these rare structures tell the story of Florida’s unique history. As an architectural photographer, I specialize in documenting historic preservation, cultural landmarks, and architectural design across Southwest Florida. If your historical society, architect firm, or preservation project needs professional photography, let’s connect.

Since moving to Florida, I’ve heard many portrait photographers talk about Koreshan State Park — known for its lush landscapes and as a favorite backdrop for portraits. But I wanted to approach it a little differently. As someone who sees architecture as a story frozen in time, I set out to capture the structures themselves, not as props for portraits, but as living history.

The Koreshan State Park, located in Estero along U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road, holds a unique chapter of Florida’s past. Originally home to the Koreshan Unity, a religious communal society from Chicago, these buildings date back to the late 1800s. The Koreshans believed in a hollow Earth theory — that we live on the inside of the world — and sought to build a utopian community free from competition and monetary exchange.

Today, remarkably, many of their original buildings still stand — preserved and weathered, telling the quiet story of a group who dared to live differently. As a photographer, it’s not every day you find 100-year-old structures in Southwest Florida still intact, with character etched into every board and beam. And while I wasn’t on assignment for a historical society that day, I simply walked, observed, and let the architecture speak for itself.

These are the kinds of projects I love to photograph — where history, preservation, and design meet. Whether for historical societies, preservation commissions, or private owners, capturing the essence of architecture is about honoring both the past and those who preserve it.

If you're involved in historic preservation or architectural documentation — or just love places like this — I’d love to connect and help tell your project’s story through the lens.