Artist /Oddball. AKA Lost America: Night Photography and Light Painting innovator at abandoned sites and junkyards, since 1989. Countless print appearances and displayed and sold in galleries and museums all over the world.

 

Visit the Lost America site for more info.

 

Thanks for all the testimonials, comments and favorites over the years.

 

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  • JoinedNovember 2005
  • OccupationPhotography / Writing / Illustration / Design
  • Current cityNorCal
  • CountryUSA
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Photos of Troy Paiva

Testimonials

Je kiffffff votre univers Gooooood spots Richard

July 30, 2020
secretive scarf (deleted)

Simply the best. .....My favourite artist......

April 20, 2015
Maniacal Lunchroom (deleted)

Troy and his first book got me started on photographing the old forgotten subjects and have continued to inspire me. His gallery and website warrant repeat visits and are full of outstanding photos.

September 17, 2012

Anyone who tries their hand at light painting objects in the dead of night is merely paying homage to Troy. I most certainly do with my weak attempts at it. The thing I enjoy most about his continuing adventures in this field is that he's far from being in a rut and being stagnant. The man keeps evolving, using new … Read more

Anyone who tries their hand at light painting objects in the dead of night is merely paying homage to Troy. I most certainly do with my weak attempts at it. The thing I enjoy most about his continuing adventures in this field is that he's far from being in a rut and being stagnant. The man keeps evolving, using new techniques and various imagery, I enjoy visiting his page several times a week. Troy is truly inspirational! …he's a pretty cool guy too!

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September 29, 2011

I am so glad I came across your photostream. I was first introduced to your brilliant work by a book Night photography: Finding your way in the dark in which you were a guest contributor. Only later did I obtain the book Night Vision: The Art of Urban Exploration. Wonderful and highly inspirational!

September 1, 2011

I've enjoyed your work for many, many years -- thanks for making the world a better (and more interesting looking) place!

December 12, 2010

Troy was one of the first photographers I came across when I first started photography two years ago. His style has directly influenced mine . My technical knowledge really increased after being inspired to go and try his techniques for myself. Troy's images are truly unique and special.

August 30, 2010

Whether creepy, beautiful or sad, Lost America's photos are regularly mindblowingly awesome and stunning. Many of these photos whetted our appetite and provided inspiration for our own Route 66, thanks for sharing them with us all! :)

July 31, 2010

Honestly, Troy has to be the best night-photographer ever. He is the single reason that I have decided to try long exposure shots. I didn't even know what a gel filter was, or that such a thing even existed, untill I visited his photostream. Not to mention all the cool abandoned places he's visited. Keep up the great w… Read more

Honestly, Troy has to be the best night-photographer ever. He is the single reason that I have decided to try long exposure shots. I didn't even know what a gel filter was, or that such a thing even existed, untill I visited his photostream. Not to mention all the cool abandoned places he's visited. Keep up the great work!

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March 3, 2010

Cant stress enough how much i am inspired by your photography, you have taught me many awesome techniques and i cant honestly say you are one of the most creative and inspiring photographers i have come across, Favourite part of your photography would have to be the places you take these pictures, the old planes and ca… Read more

Cant stress enough how much i am inspired by your photography, you have taught me many awesome techniques and i cant honestly say you are one of the most creative and inspiring photographers i have come across, Favourite part of your photography would have to be the places you take these pictures, the old planes and cars simply amazing, thanks so much for sharing your pictures and experience with us lowly photographers. Cheers ~jon

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December 17, 2009

The best part about Troy's work is that he is willing to share his technique with the world. His transparency and helpfulness has created an entire genre of photography which, to me, is the most impressive achievement in art.

October 7, 2009

I've followed Troys work since the early days of Lost America. I've always been impressed with his imagination, and his determination to get a shot just right.

September 20, 2009

Amazing work, thank you for sharing.

August 7, 2009

I think, he's simply the best photographer in the world, and the Master Of Night Photography. I promise, I can learn a lot from his photos!

May 13, 2009

Lost America presents a unique vision of the American West in his haunting photos. His lonely images are ready made for any kind of narrative the viewer desires. Brilliant.

April 24, 2009

cet univers et juste à couper le soufle, irréel, figé, mystérieux. Bravo un stream époustouflant !!!

April 19, 2009
daffy time (deleted)

Troy's work is superb! Abandoned artifacts, cars and places come to life with creative approach. With all of his valuable information, he's inspired me to play with night photography and light painting.

January 18, 2009

Troy's night photography is a wondrous, touching, color-soaked time machine trip. Thanks man, keep it up.

January 22, 2009

Probably the most inspirational set of photos I've come across on Flickr. I get lost in Steinbeck Country every time I look at the desert sets.

October 10, 2008
Parallel Smile (deleted)

I'm honored

September 10, 2008

The best night photographer I've ever met. El mejor fotógrafo nocturno que he conocido. En España creas escuela amigo! You have many supporters in Spain!

September 2, 2008
kruhme says:

Du hast eine tolle Atmosfäre für deinen Bildern, sind super.

August 21, 2008
joe ☮ says:

Troy is a master of Night Photography. He is my hero and have learned so much from his work. He brings old and forgotten subjects back to life. I love his use of color. He is one to watch for sure. Genius! =]

July 14, 2008

There's not much I can say about Troy that hasn't been boundlessly (and better) said already before me. What I can say is that his photos are like being a kid on Christmas. Excitedly you unwrap it, finding joy inside. If I can someday achieve just a few night shots with the drama and excitement of his, I'll be dar… Read more

There's not much I can say about Troy that hasn't been boundlessly (and better) said already before me. What I can say is that his photos are like being a kid on Christmas. Excitedly you unwrap it, finding joy inside. If I can someday achieve just a few night shots with the drama and excitement of his, I'll be darned happy.

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July 3, 2008

In the dusty desolation of the American west the ghosts of once shining dreams still haunt the barren landscapes. Troy Paiva gives a voice to those ghosts, infusing them with life for a glorious moment and then capturing that moment forever. The sound of those ghostly voices emanating from Troy's work lifts us fro… Read more

In the dusty desolation of the American west the ghosts of once shining dreams still haunt the barren landscapes. Troy Paiva gives a voice to those ghosts, infusing them with life for a glorious moment and then capturing that moment forever. The sound of those ghostly voices emanating from Troy's work lifts us from our earthly bonds and transports us to a place we always knew was there, but never had the map to find it. That place is called Lost America and each of us has a passport to enter thanks to these truly uplifting, inspiring and wondrous images.

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May 13, 2008

Troy takes phenomenal photographs. I really don't know how he does it! His ability to compose shots and add color to them brings the dead to life. Its such a unique experience clicking through his photos and seeing desolate scenes breathe and move. He should be proud of his work. Every one of his shots really show… Read more

Troy takes phenomenal photographs. I really don't know how he does it! His ability to compose shots and add color to them brings the dead to life. Its such a unique experience clicking through his photos and seeing desolate scenes breathe and move. He should be proud of his work. Every one of his shots really shows his dedication, patience, and passion!

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April 29, 2008

Thanks for your great work over the years, you're an inspiration.

April 28, 2008

Troy’s work has inspired me (and many others) to explore light painting. He has taught me a whole new dimension in the world of lighting and photography. I am forever thankful for having discovered Lost America. Thank you!

April 26, 2008
Relieved Advice (deleted)

An inspiration to myself and many others. Troy's photos really make you want to just go out there and "try it too".

March 24, 2008

Not that Troy needs any more endorsements, least of all from someone as new to night photography as I am. I just wanted to say what an inspiration he has been to me, as he has been for so many others too, of course. I was completely out of photography, saw one of his images one day and BAM...I was simultaneously hook… Read more

Not that Troy needs any more endorsements, least of all from someone as new to night photography as I am. I just wanted to say what an inspiration he has been to me, as he has been for so many others too, of course. I was completely out of photography, saw one of his images one day and BAM...I was simultaneously hooked and inspired, and I have been ever since. There are lots of pretenders out there, but Troy is the original genuine article. His night work, to my mind, stands above all others and continues to impress his many fans in new ways each and every day.

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March 13, 2008

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