Discover the Forgotten: Urban Spelunking

Urban spelunking is growing in popularity amongst photographers and the more adventurous types everywhere.  Known also as Urban Exploration, or UrbEx, urban spelunking involves seeking out and investigating abandoned man-made structures ranging from obsolete subway lines and shuttered factories, to discontinued institutions and tunnels.  Really, anything that involves a waiver of responsibility to enter could qualify as a spelunking opportunity.

As photographers, we are driven to seek out the unusual.  Once you’re done shooting the everyday accessible locals, seeking out urban ruins provides unique opportunities for creativity in your art.  

Finding locations to explore and shoot takes a little bit of effort – which is why the rewards are so high.  Many sites have begun to cater to photographers with special access tours. Word of mouth is a powerful tool to help locate them.  Also helpful are groups who specialize in photography or urban exploration – MeetUp is a great resource to find group trips or to use as a tool to find locations.  VirtualTourist is another great site to search for venues in your region.

Once there, you will find a wide choice of image subjects to shoot.  Look for dichotomies of urban machinery being reclaimed by nature. Focus in on the details of the face of decay.  Don’t forget to take a macro lens if you have one to capture unique textures and materials. Show modern against antiquated.  Use the settings to make your own personal statement on urban sprawl or the perils of pollution.

Shooting in urban decay is a study in contrasts.  Dark, deserted locations beg for a HDR treatment to bring out the rich layers of light and textures.  It is essential to use a tripod in these locations, and bringing along additional lighting is helpful as well.  Especially useful is a hands-free headlamp for moving about and composing shots.

Many of these locals will have low light conditions making them an ideal environment to try your hand at light painting.  Bring light sources with a variety of intensity and size. Try your hand at complex techniques like creating orbs with Christmas lights, using steel wool to create spark trails or drawing imagery in light.  

Use the images you capture as backgrounds in future compositions, or be adventurous while shooting by bringing costumes and props to the location.  Your ability to create a unique impression is truly limited only by your imagination when you go on an urban adventure.

Stock photo copyright Karen Foley via Dreamstime.com