If you've seen Richard Stanley's surreal, thought-provoking and experimental horror film Dust Devil (if not, seek it out; it's well worth watching), you no doubt remember the haunting, sandblasted landscapes of the abandoned Namibian mining town of Kolmanskop, where many of the film's key scenes were shot.
Photo: Jonas Kisselbach
While over two decades have passed, those deserted locations are still standing... though not for long, it seems; Nature has a way of taking back what's hers, and in the case of this eerie ghost town, the dust storms have been steadily consuming what's left.
Photo: Romain Veillon
Founded by German miners in 1908, Kolmanskop was once a thriving community, but in 1954, it lost its final battle with the constantly drifting sands once the last occupants deserted. Since then, it's been converted by the Namibian government into a tourist attraction, and is still sought out by photographers drawn to its incredible alien landscapes.
Photo: Sometimes Interesting
One of those visitors, French photographer Romain Veillon, has captured some of the most amazing images from Kolmanskop for his collection “The Sands of Time.”
Photo: Romain Veillon
You can see Veillion's haunting photos at his website, and many more amazing images of Kolmanskop at Dangerous Minds and Sometimes Interesting.
Photo: Romain Veillon
Looking for ghost towns a little closer to home? They're scattered all across North America... including historic Bodie, California and the infamous (and well-named) Helltown, Ohio.