You may have heard the term "Urbex" whilst browsing Facebook or Google and wondered what it is.
I discovered Urbexing purely by accident whilst, out of boredom, I was browsing images on google looking for inspiration, something new and different to shoot with my camera.
Among the menagerie of articles I read about Night photography, wildlife, light painting etc I came across a local photographer who's name escapes me at the moment, but the images on his website were what caught my attention.
Among dust covered units, cobweb encrusted books and rusting vehicles this man had captured something disturbingly beautiful, an art form that creates beauty from decay and ruin.
Of course I had to find out more and so I began researching Urban Exploration, it seems it began mostly in the USA and Japan then spread across to Europe and Britain, however do not quote me on that one as it was a long time ago and my memory isn't what it used to be so I may be recalling it incorrectly.
To begin Urban Exploring all one needs is a camera, flash, tripod, a torch and sturdy footwear and a bit of courage to potentially break the law.
Some would call it trespassing, Security guards may be present and be prepared to be arrested by the Police if caught.
Personally I tend to seek out places which I know either have no security or that I can gain access to easily, often I will try to find out who owns the property and gain permission or will shoot from a public access rather than entering a property.
Others will break into a location and explore the inside fully, and in the process often take much better shots than I get.
I am not going to break copyright by sharing others images, just search for "Urbex" "Urban Exploring" or even visit my Facebook group Urbex Yorkshire and view some of my own and our members images.
There are some unwritten rules to Urban Exploration, the first and foremost being "Take nothing but photo's and leave nothing but footprints" in layman terms.... many properties which have been abandoned still hold the previous owners possessions, and we like to leave a place as we find it, this means no stealing items left behind.
Trespass at your own risk, as I mentioned earlier personally I try not to trespass onto a property but many places can only be accessed illegally so be cautious and do not damage any part of the property.
Enjoy, the reason for Urban Exploration is enjoyment, as all photographers know, the taking of an image is a personal thing, we choose our frame and lighting to create what either our own eye sees or what we envision in our mind and that is part of the enjoyment to create a mind capturing image.
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