Cautionary Tale

[Shadowman]

I've done it a few times; entered deserted structures but never gotten arrested. I guess I thought about the ramifications later but at time I thought the action was harmless.

http://buffalonews.com/2017/06/19/co...trial-sublime/

http://eleventwentyprojects.com/

[RandyRFJP]

Urban exploration of abandoned/deserted areas and structures, or urbex, is growing in popularity. There are, however, risks. Besides the obvious downside of being arrested or fined for trespassing, there are potentially significant health hazards in entering abandoned structures, particularly abandoned factories. Factories many be contaminated with toxic industrial chemical residues, friable asbestos, inhalable spores from mold, lead- or other heavy metal-based paints, unsafe flooring and stairs, etc.

Here's a link to a news story regarding "exploration" of the old Joliet, IL Prison gone awry:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburb...112-story.html

[Shadowman]

Urban exploration of abandoned/deserted areas and structures, or urbex, is growing in popularity. There are, however, risks. Besides the obvious downside of being arrested or fined for trespassing, there are potentially significant health hazards in entering abandoned structures, particularly abandoned factories. Factories many be contaminated with toxic industrial chemical residues, friable asbestos, inhalable spores from mold, lead- or other heavy metal-based paints, unsafe flooring and stairs, etc.

Here's a link to a news story regarding "exploration" of the old Joliet, IL Prison gone awry:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburb...112-story.html

Randy,

Nice link, gives me cause to pause before attempting again.

[Mike Buckley]

I have a really strong objection to the photographer's attitude: She laughs about the experience and explains that getting arrested was worth it because she got the shot.

In the U.S., it's illegal to write a book about a crime one is convicted of. That law was passed because so many people were willing to commit the crime so they could then reap the financial benefits of the book; the sentence was nothing more than a cost of doing business. Similarly, I think the laws should be written to include the confiscation of all photographs taken while committing the crime.

She also said that there will never be places like this again. That comment seems really unimaginative for a photographer. I think she's saying that purely as a form of rationalizing her activities.

[Shadowman]

I wonder what are the thoughts of our international members, are abandoned structures (villages, farms, tenements) interesting photographic subjects, are some places taboo or held in high esteem that one wouldn't venture?

[Manfred M]

Canadian laws on trespass are very similar to the ones found in the USA and expect other Common Law countries (i.e. English speaking ones whose laws are based on English Common Law) to be somewhat the same. I've seen very few shots taken inside of abandoned buildings by photographers up this way, and the ones I have seen tend to be located in rural areas where oversight / security is less intense than in more urban areas.

I have shot a few of these types of buildings in the past, but only from the outside and from public spaces. Old barns and similar out buildings are quite common in rural areas, but it is not the type of shooting I've really gotten into.

[Shadowman]

Canadian laws on trespass are very similar to the ones found in the USA and expect other Common Law countries (i.e. English speaking ones whose laws are based on English Common Law) to be somewhat the same. I've seen very few shots taken inside of abandoned buildings by photographers up this way, and the ones I have seen tend to be located in rural areas where oversight / security is less intense than in more urban areas.

I have shot a few of these types of buildings in the past, but only from the outside and from public spaces. Old barns and similar out buildings are quite common in rural areas, but it is not the type of shooting I've really gotten into.

I was far more adventurous in my younger years, would explore old barns, buildings, and along railway lines with no regard for my safety; didn't know a percent of what I know today about what could be lurking in those areas. I guess I still hold onto some of that curiosity, the unknown can be very inviting.

[Manfred M]

I was far more adventurous in my younger years, would explore old barns, buildings, and along railway lines with no regard for my safety; didn't know a percent of what I know today about what could be lurking in those areas. I guess I still hold onto some of that curiosity, the unknown can be very inviting.

In my younger days, I weighed a lot less and was much less concerned about rotting beams, asbestos insulation, black mold and other health hazards. Liability to the owner (even if there is trespass involved) is the reason for the security measures we see today.

I know some photographers who had a wonderful shoot in an old abandoned mill last year, but they had permission from the owner and had to sign liability releases before they were granted access.

[Shadowman]

In my younger days, I weighed a lot less and was much less concerned about rotting beams, asbestos insulation, black mold and other health hazards. Liability to the owner (even if there is trespass involved) is the reason for the security measures we see today.

I know some photographers who had a wonderful shoot in an old abandoned mill last year, but they had permission from the owner and had to sign liability releases before they were granted access.

Of course you can limit the personal dangers of mold, rotten beams, etc.; just don't climb, touch, or breathe the surrounding surfaces. But there can also be a human danger as these structures can be the home or hideouts for some individuals who would rather not be found or who would love for an unsuspecting individual to wander into their lair.

[Mike Buckley]

When my wife and I took these photos of an abandoned silk mill, I'm reasonably confident that we were required to sign liability releases and I'm absolutely certain that we paid for the right to be inside the building. Parts of the building were taped off to discourage if not prevent photographers from going into those areas. That was for good reason, as it was abundantly clear that the floor was very deteriorated in those areas and that one would risk falling through to the floor below.

[billtils]

When my wife and I took these photos of an abandoned silk mill

Mike, thanks for posting this link - the thread is from before my time on CIC. Nice series but, oh dear, my stand-outs were two taken by Mrs B - number 9 and the shoes

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, Bill! I passed your praise along to my wife. She has a lot less experience than I do, so it's no surprise that she doesn't get as many keepers as I do. However, she almost always gets the best shot of the day.

[loosecanon]

For 45 years I have been involved in Industrial Archaeology - recording working and abondoned sites. Sometimes with permission, sometimes not. Trespass is not in most cases a crime in UK, but you must leave if requested. However asking can give not only access but additional information and better access. On the other hand I have known asking permission to result in owners knocking down the building.

[Shadowman]

For 45 years I have been involved in Industrial Archaeology - recording working and abondoned sites. Sometimes with permission, sometimes not. Trespass is not in most cases a crime in UK, but you must leave if requested. However asking can give not only access but additional information and better access. On the other hand I have known asking permission to result in owners knocking down the building.

Such a reaction (quick demolition) would make me suspicious, wondering what could've been hidden. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[JBW]

I wonder what are the thoughts of our international members, are abandoned structures (villages, farms, tenements) interesting photographic subjects, are some places taboo or held in high esteem that one wouldn't venture?

In the Philippines it is incredibly hard to find an abandoned structure. Tens of thousands of people live in graveyards There are few taboos about filming or photographing except among some of the tribal people.

Of course with a third of the country under martial law and the the rest of the country verging on it exploring dark and mysterious buildings can get you shot real quick.

[george013]

I wonder what are the thoughts of our international members, are abandoned structures (villages, farms, tenements) interesting photographic subjects, are some places taboo or held in high esteem that one wouldn't venture?

Off course they are. In every way. The other 2 questions are more moral questions. Personal I don't have problems with it. Mostly.

George

[Shadowman]

In the Philippines it is incredibly hard to find an abandoned structure. Tens of thousands of people live in graveyards There are few taboos about filming or photographing except among some of the tribal people.

Of course with a third of the country under martial law and the the rest of the country verging on it exploring dark and mysterious buildings can get you shot real quick.

Hi Brian,

Thanks for sharing, I'm sure anyone today with a camera would raise suspicion on both sides. The link answers my question about taboos.

[Shadowman]

Off course they are. In every way. The other 2 questions are more moral questions. Personal I don't have problems with it. Mostly.

George

George,

Thanks for responding, my questions also reminded me of a travelogue segment I viewed recently about excursions into the Chernobyl area, attendees were allowed to stroll through certain parts of the town, had to carry radioactive meters, and attendees had to be tested after exiting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6l2XEsQ4jM

Also, the town of Centrailia, Pennsylvania now abandoned yet people still venture there for selfies or more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRDT0EFwtvY

[IzzieK]

Interesting conversation between participants here...even if I wouldn't dare do this thing alone ... there are tours here of old jails and such but you can say I am scared of such places.

[george013]

George,

Thanks for responding, my questions also reminded me of a travelogue segment I viewed recently about excursions into the Chernobyl area, attendees were allowed to stroll through certain parts of the town, had to carry radioactive meters, and attendees had to be tested after exiting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6l2XEsQ4jM

Also, the town of Centrailia, Pennsylvania now abandoned yet people still venture there for selfies or more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRDT0EFwtvY

I've seen an exhibition here in Amsterdam about Detroit, what happened to the city when car production vanished. Huge pictures of over 3 meters. Wonderful shots.
Google on "Detroit ghost city". This is one of them http://desertedplaces.blogspot.com/2...-in-decay.html. Looking at the pictures, I think the exhibition was with these pictures.

The Centrailia video is to long for me at this moment. I'll watch it later.

George