10 Tips: Urban Exploration Photography of Abandoned Places

Published on 18 July 2023 9 min read

Urban exploration photography: capturing the beauty and mystery of abandoned places. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? It's a unique genre of photography that combines the thrill of exploration with the artistry of capturing stunning visuals. From the silent corridors of an old asylum to the rusted machinery of a forgotten factory, these abandoned places tell a thousand stories, each one as captivating as the last. But how does one venture into this world of urban exploration photography? Here are ten practical tips to help you start your journey into the enigmatic world of abandoned spaces.

1. Prep Your Gear

Before you take your first step into the world of urban exploration photography, you need to make sure your gear is ready. You're not just packing for a photo shoot; you're preparing for an adventure. Here's a quick guide to what you should have in your bag:

Camera: This is a no-brainer. You'll need a reliable camera that can handle a variety of lighting conditions. Something like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the Nikon D850 would be a great pick.
Lenses: A wide-angle lens is your best friend when capturing the vastness of abandoned spaces. But, don't forget a good zoom lens for those intricate details.
Tripod: Low light conditions are common in abandoned places. A sturdy tripod, like the Manfrotto Befree Advanced, can help you capture sharp images even in low light.
Flashlight: You're exploring places that have been left untouched for years, maybe even decades. A powerful flashlight is as important as your camera.
Protective Gear: Safety is paramount. A good pair of boots, gloves, and a hard hat can protect you from potential hazards.

Remember, the idea is to be prepared, not burdened. Pack smart, pack light, and you'll be ready to capture the beauty and mystery of abandoned places through your urban exploration photography.

2. Pick Your Location

Now that you're all geared up, it's time to pick your location. But where do you begin? The world is full of abandoned places, each with its own unique story and visual appeal.

First, start local. Every town or city has its share of forgotten buildings and hidden gems. Places like the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia or the Detroit Packard Plant in Michigan are just a couple of examples. These sites are not just visually stunning, but they also hold fascinating histories.

But remember, before you head out, make sure you're not breaking any laws. Trespassing is illegal and not something we endorse. Always get permission where necessary, and respect the sites you visit. After all, urban exploration photography is about capturing the beauty and mystery of these places, not causing further damage.

Also, consider the time of day for your visit. Early morning light can create a beautiful, eerie glow in abandoned buildings, while the golden hour can add an additional layer of mystery to your photographs.

Remember, the goal is to capture the beauty and mystery of abandoned places. So, don't rush. Take your time in choosing a location that speaks to you and fits your vision for your urban exploration photography.

3. Research the Site

You've picked your location, and it's looking promising. But before you start snapping away, it's a smart move to do some research. This isn't just about knowing the lay of the land—it's about understanding the history and context of the site. This knowledge can help you capture the true essence and mystery of the place in your urban exploration photography.

Start with a simple Google search. Look for old maps, historical records, or even newspaper articles about the site. If you're exploring a place like the old Poveglia Island in Venice, Italy, you'd find it was once a quarantine station for plague victims and later a mental hospital. Knowing this could guide your photographic approach.

Also, engaging with other urban explorers can be a gold mine of information. They can provide tips on access points, interesting features to look out for, and even potential hazards. Just remember to respect their hard-earned knowledge and not to spoil the location for others.

Research not only enriches your understanding of the site, but it also helps you plan your shots better. You'll know what parts of the site to focus on, what time of day would provide the best light, and how to stay safe. In short, research is key to capturing the beauty and mystery of abandoned places in your urban exploration photography.

4. Observe Safety Measures

Urban exploration photography of abandoned places is thrilling, but it's not without its risks. From unstable structures to unexpected wildlife, safety concerns are part and parcel of this exciting hobby. Here's how you can stay safe while capturing the beauty and mystery of abandoned places.

Firstly, never go exploring alone. Always have a buddy with you—it's not just safer, it's also more fun. Plus, you never know when you might need someone to hold a flashlight or help you climb over an obstacle.

Next, make sure you're wearing the right gear. Sturdy boots, long pants, and gloves can protect you from sharp objects and rough surfaces. And don't forget your helmet—old buildings aren't known for their structural integrity.

Bring a basic first aid kit as well. Hopefully you won't need it, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Always respect any 'no trespassing' signs. Not only is it illegal to ignore them, but they're often there for a good reason. If a building is deemed unsafe, it's best to admire it from the outside.

Finally, always let someone know where you are and when you expect to be back. This way, if anything goes wrong, help can get to you as soon as possible.

Remember, your safety should always come first. There's no photograph worth risking your life for. With these precautions in place, you can focus on the fun part—capturing the fascinating world of abandoned places through your lens.

5. Capture the Atmosphere

Once you've found your location and taken safety measures, the next step in urban exploration photography is to capture the true essence and atmosphere of these abandoned places. These places are often filled with history and stories waiting to be told through your lens. So, how can you capture this in your photographs?

First, take a moment to soak in the surroundings. Listen to the silence, feel the textures, and observe the play of light and shadow. Get a sense for the place and its past. This can guide you in deciding which elements to focus on in your pictures.

Next, consider the mood you want to convey. Are you aiming for an eerie, haunting vibe, or do you want to highlight the sad, lonely beauty of abandonment? Perhaps you're interested in showcasing the resilience of nature as it reclaims these man-made structures. Whatever your goal is, let it guide your shot selection and composition.

Try capturing wide-angle shots to show the grandeur or desolation of the space. Contrast these with close-ups of specific details—peeling paint, rusty hinges, overgrown vines—that tell a story of decay and time's passage.

Remember, your role as an urban exploration photographer is not just to document these spaces, but to interpret and present them in a way that captures their unique character and atmosphere.

6. Find Interesting Details

When it comes to urban exploration photography, the devil is truly in the details. Abandoned places are treasure troves of interesting elements that often go unnoticed at first glance. These details add depth to your photographs and help narrate the story of the place.

Remember, these aren't just abandoned structures—they were once places of life and activity. Look for signs of human touch: an old newspaper, a broken toy, a faded sign. They serve as silent reminders of the people who once inhabited these spaces.

Don't overlook the natural elements either. The way nature reclaims abandoned places is a fascinating subject itself. Vines creeping up a wall, a bird nest in a windowsill, or moss growing on a stone pathway—these details add a touch of life to your otherwise desolate photographs.

Play with perspective and angles. Look up, down, and around. The most interesting details might not be at eye level. And sometimes, it's the imperfections—like cracks in a wall or rust on a gate—that make a photograph truly stand out.

Finally, remember that capturing these details isn't just about clicking a picture. It's about preserving a piece of history that might soon be lost forever. So take your time, explore, and let the intriguing details of these abandoned places guide your urban exploration photography journey.

7. Experiment with Light

Lighting can make or break a photograph. When it comes to urban exploration photography, playing with light can turn an ordinary shot into a masterpiece. Abandoned places often have interesting light patterns, thanks to broken windows or roof holes. So, don't shy away from experimenting with these natural light sources.

The way light falls on a battered wall, or the way shadows play on an old staircase can add a layer of mystery and drama to your photos. The golden hour—the hour after sunrise or before sunset—is often touted as the perfect time for photography. It provides a soft, warm light that can lend an ethereal quality to your images.

But don't limit yourself to just the golden hour. Harsh midday sun can create striking contrasts and deep shadows, adding a different dimension to your photos. You can also try shooting at different times of the day to see how the changing light affects the mood of the place.

Remember, it's not just about how much light is present, but also about how you use it. So get creative, test different light settings, and watch your urban exploration photography come alive.

8. Play with Composition

Composition is the arrangement of elements in a scene — the main subject, the foreground and background, and everything in between. In urban exploration photography, you have an abundance of elements to work with. From crumbling walls and peeling paint to forgotten furniture and overgrown plants, each abandoned place is a treasure trove of unique compositions just waiting to be discovered.

One of the most common rules of composition is the 'Rule of Thirds'. Imagine your frame divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. The idea is to place your main subject along these lines or at their intersections. But remember, rules are meant to be broken. Feel free to step outside the conventional bounds and create compositions that speak to you.

Try using leading lines—lines that lead the viewer's eye to the main subject. These could be anything from rail tracks and hallways to cracks in the wall. Also, don't forget to experiment with different angles and perspectives. Get low, get high, tilt your camera — do whatever it takes to capture the beauty and mystery of abandoned places in a way that's uniquely yours.

So, the next time you're out there in the wild, abandoned world, take a moment to play with composition. You might be surprised at what you discover!

9. Edit for Drama

Once you've captured the raw beauty of an abandoned place, it's time to add a layer of drama and mystery. This is where editing comes in. With the right editing tools and techniques, you can turn your urban exploration photographs into powerful pieces of visual storytelling.

Softwares like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are industry standards for photo editing. They offer a wide range of tools to adjust exposure, contrast, color, and more. But remember, editing is not about making a photo look unrealistic. It’s about enhancing the mood and emphasizing the elements that caught your eye in the first place.

Did a particular spot of peeling paint or a shaft of light catch your eye? Bring it to the forefront. Is the image too bright or too dark? Adjust the exposure. Do the colors look dull? Play with saturation. But the key is subtlety. A little goes a long way.

Black and white conversion can also add an extra layer of drama and timelessness to your urban exploration photography. It draws attention to the textures and shapes in the scene, and adds a sense of mystery.

Remember, editing is an art form in itself. So, take your time and experiment. See what works and what doesn’t. Most importantly, have fun with it!

Now that you've captured and edited your urban exploration photographs, it's time to share your work with the world! Showcasing your photos isn't just about gaining recognition—it's about connecting with others who share your passion for the beauty and mystery of abandoned places.

Start with your personal network. Your friends and family can provide initial feedback and might even share your work with their networks. Then, consider joining online communities of urban exploration photographers. Platforms like Instagram, 500px, or Flickr are home to many such communities. Sharing your work there can expose you to different styles, techniques, and perspectives.

Remember, sharing your work is not only about the likes and comments. It's about engaging with other photographers, learning from them, and growing as a photographer yourself. So, don't be shy—show the world how you capture the beauty and mystery of abandoned places through your urban exploration photography.

Finally, remember that art is subjective. Not everyone might appreciate or understand your vision—and that's okay. As an artist, it's important to stay true to your style and vision. After all, you're capturing and sharing these places because they speak to you, not to please everyone else.

So, what are you waiting for? Start sharing your urban exploration photography and let the world see the beauty and mystery of abandoned places through your lens!

If you enjoyed our "10 Tips: Urban Exploration Photography of Abandoned Places" blog post and want to dive deeper into capturing unique landscapes, be sure to check out Sofia Podestà's workshop, "Find Your Way in Landscape Photography." This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques to help you capture stunning landscape images, whether they're of abandoned places or breathtaking natural scenes.