Every time Greg (who is now deceased) and I passed The Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg, we drove on. Neither of us drank wine and weren’t interested in visiting the wineries represented there. So here I was shooting at the venue with my Toastmasters Photography Club–All About Photography.

I started this Toastmasters Club a couple of years ago to combine my two passions. Both have changed and added to my life. When this venue was chosen for our quarterly outing I thought, “Well you’re going to have to shoot whatever is there.” For all my trepidation, I had a great time. I do believe you need to challenge yourself to grow as a photographer.

While it now houses 11 wineries, the factory, built in 1934, was an operating beet sugar refinery. You’ll see pictures of the old buildings with broken windows, etc. Most of them were locked up for safety reasons. Oh, I would have loved to been able to shoot in them. I was told renovations are in the future.

Now, it’s also available for weddings and other events. They do have a nice lawn area and one building, which you will see, is quite usable for a themed wedding.

What did I learn? Never say never. Challenge yourself. You might be surprised at the outcome. Have you found yourself shooting in a place you thought you’d never go into?

This wine barrel and sign welcomes you inside.

Close up of an old wagon carrying a wine barrel.

I loved how the red light cast on these barrels inside a winery room.

We got there early and the wineries were setting up.

Looking up.

I’m wondering if these barrels are full?

The old buildings and their windows drew my attention.

A green door?

You could see through these yellow framed windows. Yes, color attracts my eye.

Reflections and visions of the building’s interior.

I caught my reflection plus.

Looking up again!

An alley between buildings. They must use this for parties. There are lights strung high.

This building is usable for events. There were some wineries in it.

It is a great place for wine lovers to visit.

A door in one of the older buildings.

Tools leaning against an old building. Notice the cobwebs on the window sill.

At the back of the main building, a place to sit and enjoy your wine.