Suggested locations in Dundee

philthejuggler

philthejuggler

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Hi all

I'm travelling to Dundee in a couple of weeks and plan to do a model shoot while I'm there.

I could ideally do with a disused railway, some derelict locations / ruins and somewhere I could shoot on location that has some cover if it rains.

Any suggestions gratefully received!

Many thanks in advance,

Phil
 
The railway is pretty much out the question, mate, as the only line around here now is the main Aberdeen - London line, and that's pretty busy as you can imagine - all the old minor route lines were ripped up years ago as far as I know....

Will have a think about other locations for you and get back to you - how long will you have? Will you be alone? What time of day will it be? Will you have transport and satnav or someone local with you?
 
DekHog said:
The railway is pretty much out the question, mate, as the only line around here now is the main Aberdeen - London line, and that's pretty busy as you can imagine - all the old minor route lines were ripped up years ago as far as I know....

Will have a think about other locations for you and get back to you - how long will you have? Will you be alone? What time of day will it be? Will you have transport and satnav or someone local with you?
Click to expand...


Many thanks for the response. I will be with a model and have a satnav. The model has recently moved to the area so will be clueless! Probably meet at about 2pm and shoot 'til (or perhaps beyond) sunset - will have flashes / tripod for night shots.

Phil
 
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gm43uk said:
Just across from Dundee is Tentsmuir forest, where there are old WW2 pill boxes, observation posts and tank traps.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmarkie_pics/2499545343/in/set-72157605052658000

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmarkie_pics/2500364292/in/set-72157605052658000/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmarkie_pics/2501113331/in/set-72157605052658000/

The area is very quiet and if you go mid week, chances are you won't see anyone.

Hope the weather's kind when you are up here.

George
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Fantastic! Many thanks for the suggestion!

Phil
 
I thought Dundee was pretty much all derelict!



sorry couldn't resist it
 
BazEP said:
I thought Dundee was pretty much all derelict!



sorry couldn't resist it
Click to expand...

Not half as derelict as I am :)

Actually Dundee's changed a lot in recent years and there are big developments planned for the future including a branch of the V&A to be built at the waterfront.

Anyway, another area in Dundee that might appeal is the area around Douglas Street, West Henderson's Wynd - lots of derelict buildings, graffitti, rusty gates etc. You can see it on google street view.

I've taken some photos in that area
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmarkie_pics/5180635761/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmarkie_pics/5180635383/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmarkie_pics/4821634466/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmarkie_pics/4821637368/

A word of warning though, there can be some dodgy types lurking about so it's worth being cautious. But during the hours of daylight it's not too bad, lots of students from the nearby Uni and workers from local firms going about.
George
 
Phil....

I'm going to have a scoot around for you tomorrow or Friday and see what's what, although I have kept my eyes open when around town and nothing screams photo location to me; not the type you're looking for anyway - you could actually be struggling with derelict locations, as the council have clamped down on any kind of access to derelict buildings over the last few years, and enforce it quite strictly after a few serious accidents - they even demolished a listed building after a youngster was killed in it.

Your best bet would have been old jute mills, and I can only think of two that haven't either been demolished or converted into flats, so will check them out tomorrow for you. The old WW2 stuff mentioned above is ok, but nothing special, and it's a long walk to it since they stopped vehicular access to the beach. Basically what you see in the photos above is it; nothing more....
 
The jute mills are a no-no. The one next to our old office collapsed a few months back. The entire structure caved in.

As has been said already, Dundee is in the beginnings of a 35 year masterplan which will see the entire Riverside area redeveloped. And about time too.

You're best bets are Tentsmuir, but also for cobbled streets you can try some of the alleys in the city center. As always though walking around at night in dark places with expensive gear is never recommended no matter what city you're in.

There is an old ruined priory called Resteneth Priory which might be worth a visit if you're willing to drive out into the country, about 20 minutes from the city.

The walk to the old WW2 installations isn't that long if you park in Tayport and walk along the beach. Perhaps 20 minutes... but it might seem longer if you are carrying a lot of kit... You can park in Shanwell Road South at the North West of the Forest.
 
I guess if your toying with Tentsmuir, then Arbroath Abbey is around the same distance (a little more).

There is an abandoned mansion that I have not visited for some time (no dog anymore) on the outskirts of Dundee. It was for a time the haunt of druggies and less desirables and was the scene of a suicide but certainly has that abandoned feel to it. I do re-iterate I have not been to it for a while though so not too sure what condition it is in.

Go to Google Maps then type:

56.501688, -2.984879

It should pull it up.


There is also the Houff graveyard in the centre of the city...that also has Robertsons furniture store to the side which is in a sorry state of repair.
 
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Charlatan said:
Go to Google Maps then type:

56.501688, -2.984879

It should pull it up.
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Baldovan House - That's the place that was a listed building that the council flattened some years ago.....

The two jute mills I mentioned are doable, but not with a model in tow.... more of a two guys urbex expedition than model shoot territory, so you can safely forget them....
 
Thanks for all the great suggestions guys (although some sound like I need a hard hat and bodyguard in tow!!)

I like the idea of Tentmuir and then Forgan church.

Phil
 
Strathmartine Hospital!!! How could I forget.
 
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There is an old railway line - it's now called The Miley, try a Google "Miley Dundee"


For derelict, soon try Dens Park :)
 
Bawbee said:
There is an old railway line - it's now called The Miley, try a Google "Miley Dundee"


For derelict, soon try Dens Park :)
Click to expand...

Arab! And the Miley has no tracks, only grass.... suppose he could photoshop them in though..... :lol:
 
KayJay said:
Strathmartine Hospital!!! How could I forget.

http://www.newvibes.com/blog/a-visit-to-strathmartine-hospital/
Click to expand...

I think you will struggle with that one. Lots of it is fenced off and it is used for airsoft (paintball without paint). 2 years ago it would of been perfect.

Ive been mulling this over all night and anything I can think of is going to be needle in a haystack sort of place to find. If anything else pop's up ill let you know.


Just seen Dereks post. It has not been bulldozed to my knowledge anyway, certainly not a few years ago as I used to walk that way over a year ago. Regardless you make a valid point about the model in tow... not a suitable location.
 
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Charlatan said:
I think you will struggle with that one. Lots of it is fenced off and it is used for airsoft (paintball without paint). 2 years ago it would of been perfect.

Ive been mulling this over all night and anything I can think of is going to be needle in a haystack sort of place to find. If anything else pop's up ill let you know.


Just seen Dereks post. It has not been bulldozed to my knowledge anyway, certainly not a few years ago as I used to walk that way over a year ago. Regardless you make a valid point about the model in tow... not a suitable location.
Click to expand...

Those shots were from a couple of months back. It's accessible from a number of points.
 
How did this go, Phil? Where did you end up going?
 
There are a bunch of alleys near the town centre, the 'mills' area around West Hendersons Wynd and other cobbled streets. Mary Ann Lane might do for the sort of look you are after.

There is a ruined church in Invergowrie. The old railway lines are all taken up (since the '60s) but you might find a good spot in there - The old siding to the Camperdown Mill can be accessed with a bit of care (it is in Lochee - get in through the gate by the mill at Burnside Road)

Wellbank by davidmamartin, on Flickr
Good luck.

..d
 
DekHog said:
How did this go, Phil? Where did you end up going?
Click to expand...


I was dreading this question......

I ended up going to Arbroath as the Dundee model let me down at about 10pm the night before the shoot.

I emailed a few other models on PureStorm and thankfully one in Arbroath was available. We started the shoot outdoors, but the weather turned within a few minutes and ended up shooting in her back room...

Results are here:

http://www.philhackettphotography.com/kaiyee

I intend to return to the area soon and I will use the many excellent suggestions then!

Thanks

Phil
 
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