There’s a strange beauty in decay. A quiet story in peeling paint, a haunting echo in an empty room, a sense of wonder in a place that time forgot. If you're a photographer, you've probably felt that pull. The desire to capture these forgotten spaces—abandoned houses, derelict factories, and forgotten garages—is the heart of urban exploration, or "urbex" photography. It's a genre that's part history, part adventure, and ALL about seeing the beauty in the breakdown.
But let's be honest, getting started can feel intimidating. How do you find these places? How do you stay safe & legal? And how do you take photos that truly capture the soul of a location?
I've spent years with my boots muddy in overgrown lots & my camera pointed at crumbling walls, learning mostly through trial and error. It’s a craft you learn from experience, not a manual. So, I wanted to put together a real-deal guide, the kind of thing I wish I had when I started. This isn't a list of secret spots—most explorers keep those close to the vest—but it’s a roadmap to help you find your own and shoot them with confidence.
The Allure of the Abandoned: Why We Explore
So what’s the big deal with old, empty buildings? For photographers, it's about capturing a moment in time. These structures are unpredictable; no two fall apart in the same way. You're not just taking a picture of a building; you're documenting a piece of history that might not be around much longer. You’re telling the story of the people who lived or worked there, the life that once filled those halls, & the slow, inevitable creep of nature reclaiming its territory.
It’s the thrill of discovery, the peace of the silence, & the challenge of shooting in difficult conditions. Social media has definitely made urbex more popular, but the core of it remains the same: a personal journey to find & photograph something truly unique.
The Detective Work: How to Find Abandoned Gems
Alright, this is the million-dollar question. Finding locations is the biggest hurdle for newcomers. The truth is, it takes patience & a bit of detective work. Here’s how you can start your search:
Digital Scouting: Your First Port of Call
Before you even touch your camera bag, your search begins online.
- Google Maps & Earth are Your Best Friends: This is ground zero for urbex. Start by scanning satellite views of areas known for industrial history or urban decay. Look for tell-tale signs: overgrown parking lots, collapsed roofs, boarded-up windows. Use search terms directly in Google Maps like "abandoned factory" or "derelict hospital" combined with your city or region. You might be surprised what pops up in user reviews or photos.
- Historical & News Archives: Dig into local history. Scan online newspaper archives for stories about factory closures, school shutdowns, or businesses that went under. Local historical societies and public libraries often have digital collections that can offer incredible leads.
- Online Forums & Social Media: This is a bit of a double-edged sword. While many experienced explorers won't give away locations, forums like 28 Days Later or specific Facebook Groups can be amazing resources for tips & inspiration. You can see what others are shooting, learn the lingo, and eventually, once you’ve built some trust, you might be able to swap location info with other photographers. Instagram hashtags can also be a goldmine, but be prepared for a lot of dead ends.
Old-School, Boots-on-the-Ground Methods
Digital tools are great, but nothing beats real-world exploration.
- Just Drive (or Walk): Seriously. Some of the best spots are found by just wandering around. Take a drive through older industrial parts of town or rural backroads. Pay attention to places you might pass every day—that rundown garage or boarded-up farmhouse could be your next subject.
- Talk to Locals: Don't underestimate the power of a friendly conversation. If you're in a rural area, chat with someone at the local diner or gas station. They often know the history of nearby properties. When asking about a place, framing yourself as a photographer or amateur historian interested in documenting local history can go a long way.
The Legal & Ethical Tightrope
Okay, let's talk about the serious stuff. Urbex often exists in a legal gray area. Here’s what you NEED to know.
Trespassing is a Real Risk
Even if a building looks completely abandoned, it's almost always private property. Entering without permission is trespassing, and that can lead to fines or even arrest. A fence, a "No Trespassing" sign—these are clear indicators you shouldn't be there. But even without them, the law generally considers entering a structure to be trespassing.
The Golden Rule: Get Permission
The absolute best & most legal way to explore is to get permission from the property owner. It's not always easy, but it's ALWAYS worth trying.
- Find the Owner: Start by looking for a "For Sale" sign. If there isn't one, check local tax records or real estate listings online. This public information can often point you to the owner. You can also ask neighbors; they might know who owns the property.
- Reach Out Professionally: Contact the owner, explain that you're a photographer interested in documenting the building's history & decay, and ask for access. Having a simple portfolio or website to show your work can prove you're serious & respectful.
- Be Prepared for "No": You won't always get a "yes," and that's okay. Respect their decision and move on. There are countless other places to find.
The Urbex Code of Conduct
Whether you have permission or are in a gray area, every explorer should follow this code:
- Take Only Photographs, Leave Only Footprints: This is the cardinal rule. Do not take souvenirs. Do not move things around to "stage" a better shot. And DEFINITELY do not leave trash behind. The goal is to document, not disturb.
- Don't Break Anything: Your entry should be non-destructive. If a door is locked, it's locked. Don't force your way in. Look for an existing, safe opening.
- Be Discreet: Don't advertise your presence. This protects you & the location from unwanted attention, like vandalism.
Speaking of unwanted attention, finding a good, discreet place to park is often an overlooked challenge. You don't want your car to be a dead giveaway that someone's inside a property. This is where an app like Prked can be a lifesaver. You can often find and book a private driveway or garage space for a few hours, just a short walk away from your location. It’s a way to blend in, keep your vehicle safe, & avoid drawing suspicion.
Gearing Up: What’s in the Bag?
You don't need top-of-the-line gear to get started, but a few key items will make your life a LOT easier & safer.
The Photography Essentials
- Camera with Manual Controls: A DSLR or mirrorless camera is ideal because you'll need to control your settings in tricky lighting.
- Wide-Angle Lens: A must-have for interiors. Something in the 14-24mm or 17-55mm range will help you capture the scale of a room when you're in a tight space. A 24-70mm lens is a great all-rounder if you only want to carry one.
- A Sturdy Tripod: This is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Abandoned buildings are dark. You'll be using long exposures, and a tripod is the only way to get sharp, blur-free images.
- Flashlight/Headlamp: Another absolute essential. Many places will have no electricity. You need a light to navigate safely and for creative techniques like light painting.
- Spare Batteries & Lens Wipes: Dust, moisture, and cold can drain batteries fast. Always bring spares. And these places are filthy; you'll need lens wipes.
The Safety Must-Haves
- Solid Boots: You'll be walking on broken glass, rusty nails, and unstable floors. Protect your feet.
- Gloves & a Dust Mask/Respirator: You'll encounter sharp metal, mold, and dust. Asbestos can be a serious risk in older buildings, so a good mask is crucial.
- First-Aid Kit: A small, basic kit is just common sense.
- A Buddy: NEVER go alone. It's a massive safety risk. A friend can help if you get into trouble, and honestly, it's less creepy. Always tell someone else where you're going & when you expect to be back.
Storing all this gear can be a pain, especially if you live in a small apartment. If you find your collection of tripods, lenses, & safety equipment is taking over, a service like Prked can be a surprisingly good solution. You can rent out a small, secure space—like someone's garage, attic, or even a large closet—to keep your gear safe & out of the way between shoots. It’s cheaper & more convenient than a traditional storage unit.
The Art of the Shot: Techniques for Capturing Decay
Okay, you've found a location, you're geared up, and you're inside. Now what? The goal is to capture the feeling of the place, not just what it looks like.
Mastering the Light (or Lack Thereof)
Light is everything in urbex photography.
- Embrace Natural Light: Look for how sunlight streams through broken windows or holes in the roof. This natural, soft light often creates an ethereal, moody vibe that artificial light can't replicate. Shooting on a sunny day can create dramatic light rays, while an overcast day provides soft, even light.
- Long Exposures are Your Friend: Since it's dark, you'll be using your tripod to take long exposures. This allows you to use a low ISO (to minimize grain) and a narrower aperture (like f/8 or f/11) to get everything in focus, from the foreground to the background.
- Light Painting: In very dark spaces, use your flashlight to "paint" light onto your subject during a long exposure. This is a great way to highlight specific details and create dramatic, moody lighting that you control.
Composition & Storytelling
How you frame your shot tells the story.
- Go Wide, Then Get Close: Start with wide shots to establish the scene and show the scale of the space. Then, move in to capture the details: a forgotten book on a desk, a peeling poster on the wall, the texture of rust on a machine. These detail shots often tell the most powerful stories.
- Look for Leading Lines & Symmetry: Abandoned buildings are full of strong lines—hallways, staircases, window frames. Use these to draw the viewer's eye into the image. Symmetrical shots can be powerful, but sometimes breaking the symmetry slightly by moving to one side creates a more dynamic and interesting composition.
- Change Your Perspective: Don't just shoot from eye-level. Get low to the ground and shoot up to make a room feel vast & imposing. Shoot through doorways or broken windows to create a sense of framing & depth. Experiment with creative angles to emphasize the disorientation and mood of the space.
- Capture Nature's Reclamation: One of the most beautiful aspects of abandoned places is seeing nature take over. Vines crawling through a window, moss growing on a floor, a tree sprouting in the middle of a factory—these shots are powerful symbols of time and change.
A Quick Word on Garages
While grand theaters & hospitals get a lot of attention, don't overlook smaller, more common structures like abandoned garages. These spaces have their own unique charm. They often contain forgotten tools, old cars, or personal items that paint an intimate picture of a past life. The same principles apply: find them on backroads, be mindful of the law, & use light and composition to tell their story. An old, forgotten garage can be just as compelling as a massive industrial site.
And think about the flip side for a moment. If you HAVE a garage that's sitting empty, it could be an asset. People are always looking for parking & storage. With Prked, you could list your unused garage or driveway and turn it into a source of passive income. You'd be helping someone find a convenient spot & earning extra cash from a space that's just collecting dust. It’s a pretty cool way to monetize something you already own.
Final Thoughts: Stay Curious, Stay Safe
Photographing abandoned places is an incredible journey. It connects you to history, challenges your skills as a photographer, and takes you to places most people will never see. The best advice I can give is to be patient, be respectful, & above all, be safe. Every location has its own story to tell, and it's your job to listen and capture it.
It takes time to build up your confidence and find your style, so don't get discouraged. Get out there, start exploring, & see what forgotten beauty you can find.
Hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think.
