Urban exploration is the act of accessing locations that are typically restricted to the general public. It’s also known as UE or urbex in some circles, but is often mistaken as simply the discovery of “urban decay” or “abandonment” properties. However, the broader definition also includes the exploration of rooftops, drains, sewers, construction sites, or any other location that may have restricted access.
Urban exploration and photography are mutually exclusive activities, though most explorers have cameras on hand to capture their adventures. To become an urban explorer is easier than you might think, but it isn’t for everybody.
Who Are They
Explorers are not criminals. They have a great deal of respect for each location they visit, often doing a great deal of research on the historical significance and role the location once played in the community. They don’t spray paint graffiti. They don’t steal, and they don’t break down doors, or smash through windows to gain entry. They’re there to take pictures. They “take only pictures and leave only footprints”.
Research
The first question a beginner getting into UE will have is inevitably: “how did you get in there?” Well, there’s a number of online forums relating to urban exploration that can help you answer that and more; the main one being Urban Exploration Resource. This is a good starting point if you want to get a feel of what it’s all about. It will allow you to browse through the beginner’s forum, organize or meet up with explorers in your area, and to research some locations. Your area may also have its own local websites relating to urban exploration too.
Flickr is another good resource for researching potential urbex locations. If you type in a search for your city followed by “urban exploration”, “urban decay”, or “urbex” as keywords, you’re bound to find some recent images from locations in your area. Newspapers can also offer hints on locations being demolished, renovated, or preserved.
Safety
Every location will have some sort of hazard, be it unsafe flooring, fall risks, flash flooding risks, asbestos, or even irate squatters. It is up to you to do the research and prepare yourself for every possible situation. For example, if there’s rain in the forecast, DO NOT venture into any drains; if there’s asbestos in an old building, wear a respirator that filters it. Generally, be smart and take all the precautions you need to be safe. That is priority #1. Never explore on your own. Ever. Also know what to bring in addition to your camera gear! Water, first aid kit, flashlight, and other safety equipment are just a short list of items you may want to carry with you.
Learn
The best way to learn about urbex is to make friends with others who share the same interest. You can organize local meets through a number of online forums and photography websites, and once you meet a core group of explorers, you’re pretty much set! Be open to what they have to say and soak in as much information as you can. Most of them are very willing to share their experiences and to pay it forward to the next generation of explorers.
Legal Risks
Urbex is not without some potential legal drawbacks. Depending on the location you are trying to access, urbex may be considered illegal activity (trespassing or mischief). Know the legalities of what you’re doing and always prepare for a worse case scenario. Many times abandoned locations are patrolled by third party security companies or even local police. Though arrests are rare (fines are more likely), it is still best to know all of the potential risks involved.
If you are exploring with only good intentions (just taking photos!), many times they will simply ask you to leave the premises. There may also be legal implications after you’ve shared your pictures online, so it is wise to look into all angles of this activity as well.
Exercise Patience
When you first get involved with UE, you are filled with excitement! You’ll likely want to tear down the doors and go bonkers with your camera! The reality is far less glamorous. You will need to exercise great patience and show restraint once you’re on site. You will need to wait for the perfect time to access the area, which can take a number of hours in some instances. Just be aware that it takes a lot of patience to get these stunning images!
Have Fun!
In the end, all of the extra risks and precautions you take will be worth it. Urban exploration allows you to see and experience locations very few people ever have. It gives you a greater appreciation of the local history, and you feel an increased affinity with each location and its surrounding community. Urban exploration will introduce you to a number of great people and amazingly talented photographers. It will truly transform your lifestyle and the way you see your city.
