Any urban explorers here?

I've done it, albeit at a *very* basic level. Couple of disused factories and the like. It's good fun :)
 
It's always an interesting topic, as there are mixed views. Some approve, some don't. It's easy to get tarred with the vandal/grafitti/chav brush just for doing something 'you're not supposed to'.

Also, there are two ways to look at it. Some use urban exploration (UE) as a means to find new photo opportunities. Others, (like myself) use photography as a way of documenting what's found, and started exploring long before taking a camera/sharing finds on the web. Consequently 99% of my photo library is UE-related - I don't really photograph much else on the whole.

The link above is a good source of information, although I'm sure you can find plenty of more camera-specific advice here too.

As always though, I should advise anyone who tries this to be aware of the dangers, particularly in disused/abandoned sites, and also to be aware of laws and restrictions and how they apply. Although trespass itself is not illegal, forcing entry is (and constitutes criminal damage, not breaking and entering - I don't believe such an offence exists).

So be respectful of the location, and take care of yourself. Because when you think about it, it's natural to want to explore your surroundings, and not just confine yourself to more usual spots. In fact, trespass is by no means a requirement - when I used to take photos in Liverpool a lot, I found the rundown industrial areas at the north end of the town far more interesting than the tourist-infested Albert Docks, etc.
 
The enjoyment you can get out of UE is great. You could be the lucky one that comes across something that has not seen the light of day for many years.
But you have to do a risk assesment, what will you gain, what will you loose if something goes wrong. It's all personal choice. But don't damage anything on the way in, during the explore or on the way out. If you are caught by landowner / security be nice and polite and leave as soon as you are asked, because if you don't leave as requested, that's when it turns from a civil offence (tresspass) to a criminal offence.

Some sites may be no bigger than 15' long (ROC post) to many acres (Steetley Magnesite) for instance.

Have a go, or ask somebody else with a bit of experience if you could go with them next time.

See our history before it falls under the wrecking crews!!
 
I've done it quite a lot for many a year, I have even sort of done it as a job.

I get a great deal out of UE, I enjoy being able to go places people haven't been for tens of years and see things that most people have forgotten about. Along the way I may commit a bit of civil trespass but I can live with that.

I enjoyed UE far before I enjoyed photography, some of my early UE shots were taken at night using a flash and now they are a little better (I hope)

My UE related Flickr is here http://www.flickr.com/photos/darknessofwraith/

BTW Ian nice to see you here LAD ;)
 
Good to see you here mate!

Yes, urban exploration was responsible for encouraging my interest in photography. My early effort from two years ago were horrible harshly flash-lit efforts, poorly composed and generally rubbish. I like to think that my more recent ones are quite a lot better! As with anything, lots of practice and gaining experience brings improvements.
 
I've done a bit of this but I havnt been able to find out much about here. Just the odd rundown building.
 
My sister does urban exploring andi have been with her a few times, mainly visiting abandoned hospitals. Was pretty cool but it was a while ago when i didn't really appreciate it as much. Just wish i took my camera with me at the time to get some proper photos rather than quick crappy ones as i've only recently got into photography
 
Heeding the appropriate legal advice above, I'd say the same. It really is fun, and if you're careful, you're harming no one :)
 
You have to sign up properly, and fill in the box saying why you want to join. Membership is vetted now because so many idiots were signing up and posting crap that the moderators had to get rid of.

I'm sure urban art can be (and is) comfortably split into the existing sections on here.
 
I'd love to do it. Not sure where I would start or how to go about it, but if anyone in Manchester wants to explore, PM me!
 
Awsome stuff on your site urbansickness!

I do urban and i live near herne bay , would really like to urban explore with others in kent
 
beefykoala said:
I'd love to do it. Not sure where I would start or how to go about it, but if anyone in Manchester wants to explore, PM me!
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I'll come with you!! Not that I've a clue where to start etc, but yeah definately something I'd be very interested in.
 
I guess I've got a brilliant opportunity when it comes to this as I work for a Demolition company and have full access (unless Asbestos has been found) to sites if requried before stripping and ultimately the excavators go in.

Also get good shots during demolition.

Obviously minimum safety has to be observed which basically consists of a hard hat, high-vis vest and not going in when it's being pulled down.

Wouldn't be too much of a problem to take one or two people in with me as we are building up an image database not just for contractual use but for brochures and websites.

It's mainly Glasgow and surrounding areas and no risk of trespassing, sometimes further away - so may not suit.
 
stellarbeam said:
I'll come with you!! Not that I've a clue where to start etc, but yeah definately something I'd be very interested in.
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Cool. Let's start planning!
 
beefykoala said:
Cool. Let's start planning!
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I've just replied to your post on 28DL...'philinmanc'....we have PM's on here so if you want to explore anywhere send me a PM and we can arrange somethin! Looks like theres a couple who want to from manchester!
 
There's a big 'scene' in Manchester, lots of good guys who are very welcoming to newcomers. Some amazing places to explore too.
 
Tried a little a bit of UE, not snuck Inside buildings, just through holes In the fences.
 
Wraith said:
I've done a few things in Reading. There is quite a bit of stuff out there if you look about.
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I guess the problem is you need to know where to start in the first place. I think there's a skill set of most UE in that they know how to get in to places without any damage etc.
 
Not really - it's just like a puzzle. You walk round and look at windows and doors, missing air-vent grills, etc. It's probably more about having the confidence to do that, often in full daylight. Good old Joe Public has serious difficulties appreciating how badly secured a lot of important disused buildings are. Sometimes it might mean a night-time climb up a drainpipe to get to a skylight, or squeezing through a waste chute, but there's almost always a way.

This discussion is probably going outside the scope of this forum now though.
 
Or Nottingham :D
 
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