My FAVORITE thing to photograph!

[molested_cow]

I've lived in and traveled to many places and I am so used to living in a new environment that I feel insecured when I've lived in one place for too long... this is almost a joke.

Urban decay is definitely an awesome subject to shoot. I myself am addicted. I was in Detroit for 6 years. It's quite intimidating at first because you simply don't know how to prepare yourself. First you got to know what is the context for the site. Is it actually owned by someone who may shoot you with a shot gun? Are there homeless getting high in the building? Is the structure sound to walk in? Where are the exits? Are you alone?

The best tool you can have is confidence. People ask me "Isn't Detroit dangerous?" Well, danger is when you feel dangerous. Appear like a local and you will less likely be a target.

So engage the sites carefully but with confidence. I like to bring my tripod just because. Well, if you have a metal long stick in your possession, people will probably think twice about jumping you. Also, wear solid shoes. You don't wanna get hurt by stepping on some rusty nail or dirty needle. Just keep your senses alert, don't stay at one spot for too long. Have buddies to be your extra eyes and ears. Stay within sight of each other.

You know, as suspicious looking a person with a camera may seem in many occasions, having a camera at an abandoned building may actually help you. At least people know you are carrying a camera, not a gun.

 

[NikonNewbie]

I tell you. I can tell you'll go far. Not everyone can take that much criticism and keep posting.

yeah seriously...even I cried a little for you
tough skin...good start.

 

[o hey tyler]

I'd love the opportunity to shoot urban decay, or go urban exploring..
with that said, you can learn how to add an interesting crop to most photos..it said your photos are okay to edit, so i took a second to edit one of your photos, just to see if that would help..
a crop and slight contrast increase was all it took

I like it.

But, personally, I think the parking meter adds the 'urban vibe' to the picture.

Personally, and I am sure many of the forum members agree... The parking meter doesn't add anything to the photo. It's cropped off and it's in the bottom left hand corner of the frame. It's not like there's a whole lot to look at in the photo to begin with, but the parking meter is just more of a distraction.

 

[NikonNewbie]

I'd love the opportunity to shoot urban decay, or go urban exploring..
with that said, you can learn how to add an interesting crop to most photos..it said your photos are okay to edit, so i took a second to edit one of your photos, just to see if that would help..
a crop and slight contrast increase was all it took

I like it.

But, personally, I think the parking meter adds the 'urban vibe' to the picture.

***** for real? that parking meter is totally useless because I dont think anyone in their right mind would get the hell out of their car long enough to even put a freaking quarter in it! Who would stay in a place like that longer then to open the door to puke or pee?
or were you thinking...once upon a happier time...people did screw here and not for 150 bucks an hour or for crack?.

 

[white]

 

[enzodm]

Personally, and I am sure many of the forum members agree... The parking meter doesn't add anything to the photo. It's cropped off and it's in the bottom left hand corner of the frame. It's not like there's a whole lot to look at in the photo to begin with, but the parking meter is just more of a distraction.

I agree... . Plus, cropping makes it more evident the decay vibe: this is an hotel, in the initial, more crowded, image was not so evident. Suddenly, its sign becomes the subject.

Even if you have a basic camera, you can at least exercise in composition. Fokker and others told you some useful hint; I would also read here (or similar page) for some guideline: 10 Top Photography Composition Rules | Amateur Snapper .
Although the best thing is to shoot a good picture since the beginning, some work can (must) be done after, as demonstrated by the couple of elaborations done by others: cropping, making picture straight if leaning, adjusting colors (your pictures are all dull).
Sixteen is the right age to learn: do not expect to have more free time when you grow .

 

[Trevor!]

I've lived in and traveled to many places and I am so used to living in a new environment that I feel insecured when I've lived in one place for too long... this is almost a joke.

Urban decay is definitely an awesome subject to shoot. I myself am addicted. I was in Detroit for 6 years. It's quite intimidating at first because you simply don't know how to prepare yourself. First you got to know what is the context for the site. Is it actually owned by someone who may shoot you with a shot gun? Are there homeless getting high in the building? Is the structure sound to walk in? Where are the exits? Are you alone?

The best tool you can have is confidence. People ask me "Isn't Detroit dangerous?" Well, danger is when you feel dangerous. Appear like a local and you will less likely be a target.

So engage the sites carefully but with confidence. I like to bring my tripod just because. Well, if you have a metal long stick in your possession, people will probably think twice about jumping you. Also, wear solid shoes. You don't wanna get hurt by stepping on some rusty nail or dirty needle. Just keep your senses alert, don't stay at one spot for too long. Have buddies to be your extra eyes and ears. Stay within sight of each other.

You know, as suspicious looking a person with a camera may seem in many occasions, having a camera at an abandoned building may actually help you. At least people know you are carrying a camera, not a gun.

Thank you for all those tips!

But, you may be interested to know that only the 3rd and 7th photos were shot in Detroit.

 

[themedicine]

check out David E. Jackson's Simple + Dirty
great urban decay stuff.
SIMPLE+DIRTY | PHOTOGRAPHS OF NOT-SO-CLEAN PLACES

 

[Trevor!]

Is this any better?

 

[Stradawhovious]

At least people know you are carrying a camera, not a gun.

The presence of a camera doesn't guarantee the absence of a gun.


Trust me.

 

[mrpink]

Is this any better?

No.

Please Trevor. Spend a few hours researching "urban decay". There are countless photo's that you will be able to pull inspiration from. When taking a photo of these types of buildings, you want your image to do one of two things, create a mood or tell a story. If you can do both you have a real winner.

Kudos for actually getting out of the car to photograph this time.





p!nK






p!nK

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Detroit, scary neighborhood with burnt out houses and shops galore...
None of it boarded up, which means nobody gives a sh!t about that area.

Consumption

Wind Thunkers

Our Lady of the Burning Embers

 

[mrpink]

Detroit, scary neighborhood with burnt out houses and shops galore...
None of it boarded up, which means nobody gives a sh!t about that area.

Wind Thunkers

Trev, do you see (or feel) the difference in these two photographs? I do.

Bitter... Have you seen this video set? Worth a look if you visit Detroit often.






p!nK

 

[AprilEye]

Don't try to do too much too fast. This kind of thing takes practice. Sometimes you have to develop an eye for it in conjunction with learning the "tips". Get a better camera, research, even take a photography class and PRACTICE. If you truly love to shoot urban decay (or anything for that matter) you will eventually "get it". Take your time. You got time!

 

[Biggs88]

Is this any better?

Trevor, as a fellow Philadelphian and NEW photographer may I suggest going to the library.

I have and read over 15+ books on both photography and digital photography.

There is a lot of work one has to do before he even hits the shutter button. You have to find good subject matter, then you must compose it into somthing someone wants to look at. It's very easy, as millions of people do it evey day, to just take snap shots of things that intrest you. But to make a photograph that jumps out at people and slaps them in the face while saying LOOK AT ME!!! Is very hard.

I have yet to do it, so don't worry, your not alone!!!