Getting into an abandoned hospital.

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chris-red

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Hi all,

Round the corner from me is an abandoned hospital I was hoping to get in and get some pictures. There is a security hut with I assume a couple of guards in there. Is the best approach just asking them if I can have a poke around? maybe sweeten the deal with a 6 pack or something? Is there anyway I could get official permission? I imagine that would be a complete ball ache though!

The only other thing I was thinking was was maybe contacting the local paper and asking to use their influence in return for some photos of which they could use as a story?

Any other advice?

As for the shoot I was planning on using...

50d
11-16 f2.8
50 f1.8 (possibly 1.2 if I can borrow my uncles.)
18-135 f3.5-5.6 for all of focal lengths
Medium tripod
Various torches/flashes for lighting etc.
remote trigger.
 
chris-red said:
Hi all,

Round the corner from me is an abandoned hospital I was hoping to get in and get some pictures. There is a security hut with I assume a couple of guards in there. Is the best approach just asking them if I can have a poke around? maybe sweeten the deal with a 6 pack or something? Is there anyway I could get official permission? I imagine that would be a complete ball ache though!

The only other thing I was thinking was was maybe contacting the local paper and asking to use their influence in return for some photos of which they could use as a story?

Any other advice?
Click to expand...

From a H&S and insurance point I doubt you would get official approval or permission. Have a look at 28dayslater.co.uk for inspiration/advice.


chris-red said:
As for the shoot I was planning on using...

50d
11-16 f2.8
50 f1.8 (possibly 1.2 if I can borrow my uncles.)
18-135 f3.5-5.6 for all of focal lengths
Medium tripod
Various torches/flashes for lighting etc.
remote trigger.
Click to expand...

I doubt even security will look the other way if you rock up with enough equipment to mount an advertising campaign.

Think camera + fast lens + a light source, if you look like its a professional shoot they are going to kick you off site faster than your legs can carry you.
 
Having a reason other than "I want to take pics" will have more likelihood of success if you go the "ask" route. I did this with a chemical plant (said it was for my college course) and was granted escorted access. It was interesting to get the history as part of the tour - even though my guide thought me rather odd taking photos of old boots in the abandoned rec room.

Getting in touch with the paper would be an excellent opportunity as it would not only (probably) get you access, but would be good exposure for your work. Going official allows you to take all the time you need to get your shots.

Of course, everyone could say no, in which case you're back to sites like 28DaysLater for inspiration.

I would try the official route first. H&S may be a concern, but the company may have a waiver document similar to what I had to sing for the chem plant access.

Ian.
 
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If there is secutrity guards on site it means that someone owns it, does not matter who owns it they will more than likely not let you in for H&S insurance purposes.

Breaking in and being caught is probably worse as you cannot run fast with your gear :lol: oh and if its got guards on that means its private land as well so issues come into it for taking pics.

I would go down the route of asking first if they will not let you keep an eye on when its starts to get modernised or knocked down and ask the site manager then, he might be more approachable than the security guards.
Remember they are there to do a job of keeping people out not letting people in.
 
I've asked permission in a number of instances, and occasionally been successful. For some of the more 'popular' venues, you've got precisely zero chance IMO, and I've been doing this for a godo few years now.

The advice above is good - travel light (although a tripod is useful normally), avoid using flash (it's a great way of drawing attention to yourself) and spend some time trying to find a way in, without actually creating it for yourself. I'd also check out the exploration forums to see if there have been any recent reports of people getting in - access points come and go so if there's been no recent reports then it's probable that things are tight.

Be mindful also of the inherent dangers of wandering round abandoned buildings - some people will wear a P3 mask in case there's any asbestos around, and of course you've got the risk of rotten floors, etc.
 
Council owned properties seem easy enough to get permission from... I just contacted the local council and they said I'd need to sign a disclaimer but apart from that there was no issue. Sadly the place was torn down before I got the chance.

When I contacted them about it they just said to let them know if there were anywhere else I'd like to use that they owned and again it'd be no problem.

I think asking permission 1st will always be better than trying to sneak in or bribe the security guards
 
viewfromthenorth said:
I've asked permission in a number of instances, and occasionally been successful. For some of the more 'popular' venues, you've got precisely zero chance IMO, and I've been doing this for a godo few years now.

The advice above is good - travel light (although a tripod is useful normally), avoid using flash (it's a great way of drawing attention to yourself) and spend some time trying to find a way in, without actually creating it for yourself. I'd also check out the exploration forums to see if there have been any recent reports of people getting in - access points come and go so if there's been no recent reports then it's probable that things are tight.

Be mindful also of the inherent dangers of wandering round abandoned buildings - some people will wear a P3 mask in case there's any asbestos around, and of course you've got the risk of rotten floors, etc.
Click to expand...

This.

It will almost definitely be private land and in any case, without permission you're talking about civil trespassing which carries an escort off the property if caught.

Criminal trespassing carries heftier charges so if you have damaged anything or have anything on you which the police could prove intent to cause damage.

I usually spend around 2hrs researching the site and find the easiest and safest route available. Travel light, a DSLR is great, but a burden. Good compact with mini tripod is much better.

I recently did battersea power station which had on site 24hr security. Boring though since it's just a bit construction site now...

Haven't done a hospital yet!
 
viewfromthenorth said:
Be mindful also of the inherent dangers of wandering round abandoned buildings - some people will wear a P3 mask in case there's any asbestos around, and of course you've got the risk of rotten floors, etc.
Click to expand...

This is one of the reasons it will be aboandond and have guards on the gate and cordened off.
 
chris-red said:
Hi all,

Round the corner from me is an abandoned hospital I was hoping to get in and get some pictures. There is a security hut with I assume a couple of guards in there. Is the best approach just asking them if I can have a poke around? maybe sweeten the deal with a 6 pack or something? Is there anyway I could get official permission? I imagine that would be a complete ball ache though!

The only other thing I was thinking was was maybe contacting the local paper and asking to use their influence in return for some photos of which they could use as a story?

Any other advice?

As for the shoot I was planning on using...

50d
11-16 f2.8
50 f1.8 (possibly 1.2 if I can borrow my uncles.)
18-135 f3.5-5.6 for all of focal lengths
Medium tripod
Various torches/flashes for lighting etc.
remote trigger.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't bother taking all those lenses, I would stick with the wide and keep the 50mm in the bag. Load up too much and you won't be able to move about as easily.

I would also leave the flashes and triggers at home and stick to using natural light and a tripod, as this is a far more stealthy approach. Keep a torch with you, but use it for navigating the dark spaces rather than light painting.

As for asking, I have only ever done that when there has been no other approach. I haven't tried the bribing route, but the last guard who showed me round did appreciate the giant pack of jaffa cakes I have brought with me :lol:
 
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I've done boat loads of this sort of stuff across the country even some in Europe and further afield - hospitals/asylums, rooftops, construction sites, theme parks, underground stuff.

I've generally been quite successful just talking to the security on site and arranging it with them.
 
Well I thought I'd stop by and ask, the guy seemed more than happy for me to come in:) He said weekends were best I'm planning on doing it in a couple of weeks time!
 
chris-red said:
Well I thought I'd stop by and ask, the guy seemed more than happy for me to come in:) He said weekends were best I'm planning on doing it in a couple of weeks time!
Click to expand...

Good result, don't leave it too long, the good natured guy could be replaced by a security nazi who sets the dog on you when you arrive ;).
 
chris-red said:
Well I thought I'd stop by and ask, the guy seemed more than happy for me to come in:) He said weekends were best I'm planning on doing it in a couple of weeks time!
Click to expand...

Good on you! If you've got permission, then there's no reason not to take more gear.
 
Could I also add a couple of pointers from a safety point of view.

1. Tell someone exactly where you are going and give them a time you expect to be out. Also consider a telephone call arrangement to say you are out. (ie give the person an eta for the phone call and what to do if you don't make the call to them).

2. Take a fully charged mobile phone with you.

It may seem a bit OTT but "better to be safe than sorry" especially considering the types of buildings that may be involved.

Andy
 
Always carry a small first aid kit when you're on an explore and wear thick boots in case of sharps lying around.
 
Some more tips:

Take a torch with fresh batteries! And check it's working before you leave home. Doesn't have to be a big one, although I often take a big maglite on a belt strap myself. Head torches are popular as they're effectively hands free.

A small pack of wet wipes is useful for cleaning hands etc if you're not wearing gloves.

The most important thing is to use common sense. If it looks dangerous, it probably is. If something doesn't feel right, leave.

Enjoy!
 
And then covered it with a waterproof plaster - bad mistake
 
Surely if there's security, then it's not truly abandoned?
Ask yourself what they might be guarding.....

Do something like that with an x-listed or ex-govt/military related building and you may literally "disappear" without trace.
 
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Lyonspride said:
Surely if there's security, then it's not truly abandoned?
Ask yourself what they might be guarding.....

Do something like that with an x-listed or ex-govt/military related building and you may literally "disappear" without trace.
Click to expand...

There would be many reasons. listed buildings for example would have security to prevent vandalism. Private properties may just like the piece of mind of security until they are ready to go ahead with their renovations. And of course there is public safety.
 
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