Chasing Tin

Finding Historic Rural Architecture to Document

In this course, I'll take you through my process to find historic rural architecture no matter where you are.

We will cover my research methods that I go through beforehand and also, tips for finding more places while you're out exploring.

This course focuses on RURAL historic architecture in America.

The course is designed to be accessible to everyone, so the software I work with in the course is all free and easy to use. We also have a Facebook group for additional support and community!


Your Instructor


Kelly Gomez
Kelly Gomez

I'm Kelly Gomez and I have wandering the backroads of the United States since 2010 looking for historic rural architecture (mostly abandoned). I call this 'Chasing Tin' because of the rusted tin roof lines that are sometimes the most visible sign of present life.

In the time since I began, I've tracked down more than 800 places across 15 states and I'll share everything I know with you about how I've found so many places.

You can follow my project here:




Course Curriculum


  Introduction
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  Module 1 | Foundations + Systems
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  Module 2 | Presearch
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  Module 3 | Satellite
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  Module 4 | In the Field
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  Conclusion
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
Who is this for?
This course is designed to be accessible to people from a wide range of backgrounds, abilities, and interest levels. Some past students have been: photographers of rural architecture, location scouts for films and shoots, a watercolor artist looking for old barns, genealogists, historic preservationists, property/land investors, and most commonly, folks who just enjoy rambling back roads!
Will this course give me a list of location to go to?
No. Instead I'll be teaching you a simple framework to help you find spots for yourself, no matter where you're from or heading!
What skills + equipment are required for this course?
Required: A computer with reliable internet. Recommended: a smartphone (to help with mapping in the field), a camera to take photos (smartphone cameras are just fine!)
Is this course for photography?
No. This course will not cover photography at all and you do not need to even have a camera to take this course- although a camera is highly recommended!

Get started now!