Then in the late 1990s, Gladstone realized corporate photography was becoming mundane and decided he needed to become a “different photographer.”

On a lark, Gladstone decided to spend a week traveling to different flea markets, shooting for the pure enjoyment of the craft and creating photographs that might give his portfolio a fresh, new look.

With the help of an assistant, Gladstone fired off images of unusual flea market treasures and relished in seeing groups of items that would otherwise never be put on the same table together.

“I had a wonderful time,” Gladstone said, “and I thought, really, I had a great portfolio builder.”