Urban Exploration

[Gipetto]

I'm wanting to try this out and I found a great canditate for my first exploration of an abandoned building. It was easy to get to, plenty of open areas to gain indoor access from, but one major flaw: I was alone.

I admit - I'm 6'1", 220 lbs., and strong, but I got 20' into the building and got a little scared. The amount of graffiti inside told me that the place was relatively well traffic'd and the satanic imagery on the walls didn't help either (even though the chances of it being truly satanic were pretty low).

So I left. Quietly. Maybe if I wasn't toting camera gear I might have made it a bit farther in.

So here's a question for those that do urban exploration: how many people do you usually go with and what precautions and supplies do you take before entering?

Also, anyone been caught doing it?

[marcochi?]

Wow....finally a subject I know a lot of!!!!
Where should I start....?
-Abandoned buildings are good places to hide from the wiew of the public, I found all sorts of things: lots of stolen cars including a couple of russian mafiosi guarding them, junkies, whole apartments built out of recyicling, clochards, stash of drugs and drug dealers.....etc etc etc.....
a good idea is to park your car away and leave your equipment, check the place very carefully and try not to be detected; come back only when u`re sure it`s not going to cause problems. Always better to be with some fellow photographers.
-Be very very very very careful, behind every corner there might be something dangerous; when u`re in an old industrial complex most of times there are going to be barrels of maleodourant toxic substances, huge holes left from machinery that`s been brought away and usually they`re going to be in pitch black (see Murphy`s law:lol:)
Be aware of where and on what u step: rusty metal must be checked very carefully, but unless in an horrible state it`s generally safe; wood it`s a no-no-no-no even if it looks safe, mainly if the buildig has been left since years, might be rotten inside and looking fine from the outside.
Safety boots, a pair of gloves, letherman or gerber or whatever multitools, flashlight, a pair of jeans and a jumper (sweater for the american fellas:lol:) u don`t care much of anymore: guaranteed u`re going to be veeeeery dirty...
Now....if u get cought by someone.....if it`s just the caretaker, apologize and kindly explain u`re just a nutcase and a photographer; some will ask u to leave and some just won`t care....
In case the police gets involved u might get charged with private property trespassing (in case it`s a private property) but most of the times it will just end up in a friendly chat...police tends to recognize u weren`t cousing any trouble.

Mhhhhhh...if anything else pops in my mind I`ll let u guys know.

P.S. Sorry for my english....after years in London I still have troubles with writing....:oops::)

[Gipetto]

No worries on the English...

Thanks for all the info. A lot of good stuff there.

Speaking of malodorous - I did detect the smell of feces. Not sure if it was human or not, but it was another reason to come back another day.

[adam8080]

I always have my cell phone if something happens, and a knife to use as a tool or a weapon depending on what situations may arise. No problems before and hopefully none in the future. And bring a friend or two if possible.

[photoguy6405]

I think "urban decay" photos can be very intriging, but places are usually in such states of decay for a reason, so I don't have as many as I'd like.

What I really want is that cell phone network following me around when I shoot to protect me. LOL!

[Karl C]

While shooting abandoned buildings can offer interesting photography, I wouldn't suggest or recommend entering a building alone. Too many bad things can happen, from encountering criminal elements to becoming injured.

Cell phones and Leatherman's are good but having one or two other photogs with you would be best.

[mitchella68]

I agree take a friend if possible. It maybe a good idea to have a way to defend yourself enough to get out of the place depending on your local laws. ( peper spray) I don't know if it is legal to defend yourself in California! Consider a reliable flashlight, I like surefire products because I have had many large D cell flashlights fail to stay on. Go with the least amount of equipment possible. You made the right decision not proceeding as your instincts shouldn't have been ignored! have fun just be prepared and not a victim.

[chauncey]

Taurus Firearms Makes a handy-dandy revolver that uses .410 shotgun shells.

[Mark_Cohran]

A Concealed Carry Permit, .357 Mag Revolver, and a Crimson Trace grip works for me. :) J/K I don't suggest this for just anyone and armed or not, I wouldn't venture into abandoned buildings alone and with expensive equipment. I think there would be greater safety in numbers and advanced scouting.

[Karl C]

Just carry one of these (http://www.maglite.com/product.asp?psc=6DCELL). Perfectly legal and a great source of light.

;)

[xpsentity]

Get a good vapor mask. Wear hard sole boots. No shorts.

I carry a concealed .45 when alone in places I don't trust, personally. It's a big debate between UE people.

[Karl C]

I carry a concealed .45 when alone in places I don't trust, personally. It's a big debate between UE people.

If you're stopped by law enforcement while trespassing in an abandoned building and you're in possession of a concealed weapon for which you do not possess a permit, chances are very good you will be arrested.

Why take that risk?

[Roach711]

I gotta agree with Mark. I consider my little pocket .380 to be essential equipment when hiking or poking around abandoned buildings (or going to the mall). You definitely want to do it legally with a proper permit.

Carrying concealed doesn't mean you should leave common sense behind. If a place looks dicey it's time to beat a hasty retreat. You don't want to look for trouble.

[marcochi?]

guys....be serious...if u ever venture in an abandoned building where some real criminals hide and/or stash things most of u (no offence, probably me included) would be dead b4 reaching the gun....I think it`s very disturbing that a discussion about urban exploration became advices about what is the best gun to carry around....Moderators...where r u?

[SlowBlink]

If there's people around I don't worry about altercations but If it's deserted I'll carry my BJ. I've been threatened a few times but I just make eye contact and hold it. I don't find any specific place more dangerous than any other. Usually I don't worry about it. Be prepared to get the hell outta there is the best plan.

edit: Pro or anti firearm wasn't the question. What precautions and "supplies" do you take. If it's legal to carry a sidearm where you live then that's a valid form of self defence whether you agree with it or not. I wouldn't but the option is open to people in some countries.

[marcochi?]

U want a very effective weaqpon and some company...? Bring your dogs/dogs with u, go with a group of friends...even the most ruthless criminal thinks twice b4 killing 10 people like that.....

[SlowBlink]

I try and avoid thinking I know what goes on in the mind of a ruthless criminal. I wouldn't take my dog into a situation where he could be stabbed or step on dirty needles either. Even if I had a dog. Please stay on topic.

[marcochi?]

Please stay on topic.
Sorry but it`s exactly what I meant....since when givin tips about weapons has anything to do with photography....?

[Mark_Cohran]

Sorry but it`s exactly what I meant....since when givin tips about weapons has anything to do with photography....?

The OP was asking about Urban photography in abandoned buildings and what others do in those circumstances. He specifically asked: "how many people do you usually go with and what precautions and supplies do you take before entering?"

My precautions in such circumstances include a legal firearm. I think it's absolutely on topic.

[marcochi?]

My precautions in such circumstances include a legal firearm. I think it's absolutely on topic.
OK....but @ a certain point several people started giving their advice on what particular type of gun they carry/would carry...again...sorry but I find it quite disturbing, I`ve been a squatter for 10 years and as you can see from my very first entry I do know something about urban exploration and close encounters of the criminal kind....never felt like needing a gun even when I had one pointed @ my face...
Didn`t mean to disrispect anyone`s idea...

[SlowBlink]

You're taking this thread personally, it's not about you. No one suggested or endorsed carrying a firearm but stated what they carry. Please re read the original post. We don't need to make every thread mentioning a firearm a protest, it's been done to death.

[Karl C]

Disregard...

[marcochi?]

I honestly would let my gear go rather than take a life for a few thousands whateverthecurrency....(even if, as u can see my gear is more like some hundreds...:)) as I said I already had guns pointed @ my face (not to steal my gear, I happened to be in the wrong place @ the wrong time...), I just kept it cool and walked away unharmed....I don`t think it`s a matter of what the police would tell u, it`s a matter of conscience....

[adam8080]

No one ever said that you have to use any weapon to fight back. The good thing about having a weapon concealed though is that if you need it, you have it. When in a situation that pulling a weapon is only going to get you or someone else hurt, then you had better leave it where it is. But not having one when you really needed it can be a life saver. A good quote I saw a a CCW message board: "I carry for the reasons that I can't think of, not the ones I can," or something along those lines.

[chauncey]

I quite agree with you marcochi, they can have my gear and money and anything else except...taking my children's father. That is where I would draw the line.

Better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.

[Bootlegger0173]

I don't do many of these types of camera explorations, but I do carry my collapsable ASP baton in rear pocket when I think it might be needed. Yes, properly trained.

[jra]

May I suggest keeping on the topic as posted by the OP and not turn this into a firearm or firearm situational debate. Some people carry, some don't...do what you're comfortable with (with the legality issue in mind of course ;) ) and let others do their thing. I say this out of pure kindness and respect for the OP (I know tone is tough to deciefer over the net at time :) )

[Gipetto]

May I suggest keeping on the topic as posted by the OP and not turn this into a firearm or firearm situational debate. Some people carry, some don't...do what you're comfortable with (with the legality issue in mind of course ;) ) and let others do their thing. I say this out of pure kindness and respect for the OP (I know tone is tough to deciefer over the net at time :) )

Yeah, we could debate the ethics of self defense all day... and I've been in enough situations to know about what I'd do. But I do want to thank everybody who piped up. Granted, I don't feel any more eager to go in that building alone, but if I can muster up a few buddies (anyone in Denver interested?) I'd certainly give it a shot.

Being a seasonal paintball geek I have heavy clothing and I'm not afraid to get dirty. A good flashlight is probably in order - I just have a mini maglite that can't really light a room like its full sized brothers.

[stillresonance]

I think going in a group of three at a minimum is a sensible idea. If one person gets hurt it. It is much easier for two people to help them than one. Walkie talkies in case of getting seperated would not be bad idea if you have them, cell phone reception may be spotty. Flashlight or a head lamp for dark interiors. Some kind of dust/face mask would be good, all kinds of funky molds and stuff can grow inside abandoned buildings.

[Bootlegger0173]

I had a chance to shoot in an abandoned building which didn't pan out, but the plan was to concentrate on the subject, and have a friend watch everything else. He was to have OC spray, and radio on same channel as mine to advise of anything that might come up if he was out of earshot.

I plan to execute a similar plan the next time.

[xpsentity]

If you're stopped by law enforcement while trespassing in an abandoned building and you're in possession of a concealed weapon for which you do not possess a permit, chances are very good you will be arrested.

Why take that risk?

It's legal ;)

[c_boogie]

Hmmmm...this thread reads a little weird to me...

I've been out of the UE loop for a while, but I've done it since I was a kid. I never really carried a camera along - I guess it had never entered my mind.

It's not a bad idea to take someone along, but that's not always necessary if you do some research. There are UE forums out there that you can join and get the low-down on a lot of sites before you go. Also, trust your gut. If you don't like a place, leave - but at the same time, try to seriously evaluate your situation (it's easy to overreact to the unknown).

As for supplies, some of the basics have been mentioned already. Good boots, long pants, a hoody is always good (or a dark, long-sleeve shirt - just in case you need to hide for a minute or two...) a backpack and a cell phone are all good starts. A good multitool or knife is handy, as would a decent pair of gloves. (A lot of UE folks, especially people that go into drains and tunnels prefer the mechanics gloves that have the velcro straps and the printed grippy material screen printed on the palm side).

If you go into an industrial site, you def. want to carry along a good respirator - there's a standard but I can't recall it off the top of my head. You want something that will block asbestos dust particles (on the large side) and nasty disease germs (on the small side) - paper dust masks aren't what you want...also a decent flashlight. Something on the large side if you plan on using it for photo lighting - if you need something small, headlights are the way to go (I have a Petzl Tactikka).

If you're doing night photography, you'll want a "tossable" tripod. Tossable means either disposable, or one tough enough to toss around like you stole it...seems like a monopod would be a good happy medium, but I've never messed with one, so I don't know...

On the forum thing: in your area there is probably a group that goes out all the time and does UE and photography. You can lurk around the forum, ask questions and get to know others in your area and maybe link up with experienced explorers who are into what you're looking for (there's a lot of different types of UE - there are people that do abandoned buildings, others who get into places that they don't belong - there's an element of social engineering in that - there are people who just do drains and underground stuff, etc) - most of these folks follow a pretty strict ethic and take what they do pretty seriously. There's a "leave only footprints, take only pictures" philosophy that's really taken root in the hobby. As long as you don't come off as an undercover cop, you'll probably be able to hook up with a group, get out into some great locations and get some intriguing photos - if you're willing to put the time and effort into it that is.

Good luck!

[rustyjaw]

I've done a good deal of urban exploring. I almost always go with someone else, although I also have done a number of explorations alone. I much prefer places without graffiti for aesthetic reasons, which means they are places that are little-known, hard to get into, or just out of the way. In these cases, I don't have any reservations about going alone. The biggest risk is being injured, which I am extremely careful about. The odds of running into another person, say, at an abandoned military facility with a regular security patrol, are low. I have been to many of these locations and have never once met someone I didn't go with.

On the occasions when I have gone into more traveled locations covered with graffiti, I went with a group. A couple of times I have run into graffiti artists in the act and didn't feel the least bit threatened. They acted like you might expect anyone who is practicing their art, and they seemed to appreciate having a photographer around, because they know it's the only way their work will be seen outside the location (it seems to me, a lot of graffiti artists photograph their own work).

All of that said, I would still think twice about going to a well-traveled abandoned location alone. Among the things I have come across repeatedly are hypodermic needles. Drug addicts are more likely to be desperate and irrational, and possibly mentally unstable even without drugs.

As others have said, trust your gut. I have left places many times simply because something didn't feel right.

As far as being caught, I have not been yet, although I've had a number of close-calls. Basically if you are alert and calm, you will probably go undetected.

[JuiceBox]

I started exploring a year ago, but I didn't get my D50 (I know, I know) until after my most recent outing (about 8 months ago). So, I have a ton of photos, but none that are exceptional. I'm definitely going to check out a building near my school soon.

I never go without a partner. I've had enough close calls with faulty flooring to know that it's not smart to not have help with you when you go.

[ThomGascoigne]

Don't be fooled by thinking you will be safe due to your size.

Your size wont help you against someone on meth, or if your hit in the back of the head with a piece of iron.

When you enter into a abandoned building you are breaking the law (bs law at that!) but you need to consider are there junkies in there with needles.

Is someone living in there and if so will they take kindly to you invading there house.

Read: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=155169&page=17

and http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=6308209#post6308209

(marked on certain pages but I'd recommend reading the whole thing.)

There's plenty of website out there about urbex you just need to wade through abit of bs and ego until you get good solid information and advice.

I explore alot of stuff by myself, Including some very dangerous places like storm water drains. But I do my research first. I have plans for escape routes already worked out. I carry back up gear, Self defense gear and I've had quite alot of experience as I have gone out with groups such as the Cave Clan and other "expert" urban explorers.

Being street wise counts for alot as-well. If you know how to deal with junkies and the homeless talking can help. But don't count on it. If you come across someone living where your exploring. back out straight away. be confident but not stupidly over confident.

When exploring I also take a good pair of leather gloves such as rigger's. 1 main light 1 back up light and one small omg both my lights just died light.
Pair of medium sized wire cutters or pilers with a wire cutting ability that can cut solid cyclone fencing.

Man hole key, For popping man hole covers. Very solid steel capped boots (also a good self defense mechanism) Solid work pants or pants that wont tear to easily. Work helmet (sounds silly I know but some buildings you go into don't have much of a roof, See my Thom Gascoigne's flicks post for photos. Also being careful as to what your steeping on like when walking on rooftops (which is very dangerous!)

I also carry with me plenty (at-least 1.25 liters of fresh drinking water) a paper dust mask, I don't use it much but if I walk into a building and realize I'm surrounded by asbestos dust that I've distributed I put the mask on and gtfo!

Another thing I also carry is a professional worker retro reflective vest. This helps in making you look like you belong there while entering and exiting a building. And so cuts down on your chance of having police called because the local FBI has seen a suspicious looking person walk into a old building.

Exploring I think especially in scary buildings ( see my photos ) is more dangerous and fun by yourself but if you can 1-2 other people with you is recommended. No more then 3 is recommended.

What city do you live in? You will be able to easily find other people in your area interested in urbex that will be looking for someone else to explore with.

Think first. Be careful and don't take anything for granted and you might be ok!

[ThomGascoigne]

It's legal ;)

How is it legal to trespass with a gun that doesn't have a permit?

[JuiceBox]

Don't be fooled by thinking you will be safe due to your size.

Your size wont help you against someone on meth, or if your hit in the back of the head with a piece of iron.

When you enter into a abandoned building you are breaking the law (bs law at that!) but you need to consider are there junkies in there with needles.

Is someone living in there and if so will they take kindly to you invading there house.

Read: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=155169&page=17

and http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=6308209#post6308209

(marked on certain pages but I'd recommend reading the whole thing.)

There's plenty of website out there about urbex you just need to wade through abit of bs and ego until you get good solid information and advice.

I explore alot of stuff by myself, Including some very dangerous places like storm water drains. But I do my research first. I have plans for escape routes already worked out. I carry back up gear, Self defense gear and I've had quite alot of experience as I have gone out with groups such as the Cave Clan and other "expert" urban explorers.

Being street wise counts for alot as-well. If you know how to deal with junkies and the homeless talking can help. But don't count on it. If you come across someone living where your exploring. back out straight away. be confident but not stupidly over confident.

When exploring I also take a good pair of leather gloves such as rigger's. 1 main light 1 back up light and one small omg both my lights just died light.
Pair of medium sized wire cutters or pilers with a wire cutting ability that can cut solid cyclone fencing.

Man hole key, For popping man hole covers. Very solid steel capped boots (also a good self defense mechanism) Solid work pants or pants that wont tear to easily. Work helmet (sounds silly I know but some buildings you go into don't have much of a roof, See my Thom Gascoigne's flicks post for photos. Also being careful as to what your steeping on like when walking on rooftops (which is very dangerous!)

I also carry with me plenty (at-least 1.25 liters of fresh drinking water) a paper dust mask, I don't use it much but if I walk into a building and realize I'm surrounded by asbestos dust that I've distributed I put the mask on and gtfo!

Another thing I also carry is a professional worker retro reflective vest. This helps in making you look like you belong there while entering and exiting a building. And so cuts down on your chance of having police called because the local FBI has seen a suspicious looking person walk into a old building.

Exploring I think especially in scary buildings ( see my photos ) is more dangerous and fun by yourself but if you can 1-2 other people with you is recommended. No more then 3 is recommended.

What city do you live in? You will be able to easily find other people in your area interested in urbex that will be looking for someone else to explore with.

Think first. Be careful and don't take anything for granted and you might be ok!

Lucky for me, I don't live in a city, so I have no meth heads to worry about :P. However, I see a couple of problems with what you posted. Carrying a knife, or any other tools with you make it more likely that you'll be charged with burglary/trespassing/another crime because they'll be seen as burglary tools. I've had cops catch me in buildings before, and all I do is explain that I'm here shooting some photos; I'm not stealing anything, I'm not vandalizing anything, and they can look through my bag to verify that. I've never had a problem. If I had a knife, a screwdriver, et cetera, that's all the more reason for them to be suspicious of me. I guess it depends on how much you want to get into a building. It's not hard to scale a fence, even a 10 foot chain link fence. Carrying tools just makes you more suspicious.

[ThomGascoigne]

I specifically will not carry a knife for that reason and also it can be used against me and I'd rather be hit on the head and take my chances then get stabbed in the stomach.

Here the laws are quite simple. Trespass is a crime and its up to the police discretion if they decide to charge you or not. Break and enter is when you break into a building or premiss. But it can also be a broken seal. For example if a door is closed but not locked and I open that door thats me breaking and if I then enter thats breaking and entering and trespass.

9/10 if the building is a old piece of crap and your polite to the police and upfront and honest they will let you go. They don't want the 2-4 hours worth of paper work for some bs crime like that. Having said all that if I know I can get away I will just haul ass :)

I carry rigger gloves for jumping fencers and also touching things I may want to protect my hands from. And I can't stress enough having more then 2 working flashlights!

I just typed Jersey Urbex into google and it came up with some good links.

[JuiceBox]

I frequent UER; IMO, it's one of the best UE resources on the net at the moment.

The wire cutters and pliers and such was what I was referring to before. I'd rather not get into a building if it's that sealed up; if it takes a ton of work to get into, chances are the owners would be willing to press charges.

[ThomGascoigne]

I don't carry cutting / pliers to gain access I just have them as a tool in case I get stuck or for some other emergency.

What is UER; IMO ?

[JuiceBox]

I know, but just having them can be construed as burglary tools.

UER is Urban Exploration Resource; it's a forum dedicated to Urban Exploring. It's pretty comprehensive, with an enormous database of places; some demolished, many still standing. Thousands of locations. IMO is in my opinion.

[ThomGascoigne]

Oh right. Do you have a url?

[JuiceBox]

http://www.uer.ca/

[Village_Idiot]

I don't carry cutting / pliers to gain access I just have them as a tool in case I get stuck or for some other emergency.

What is UER; IMO ?

It can still be an excuse for a leo to arrest you for burglary or B&E rather than tresspassing.

[JuiceBox]

Exactly. Which (I believe) is a felony, as opposed to just a misdemeanor.

[TrulyAlaskan]

There is a whole thread on this. :)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=247460

[Mike-DT6]

I'm wanting to try this out and I found a great canditate for my first exploration of an abandoned building. It was easy to get to, plenty of open areas to gain indoor access from, but one major flaw: I was alone.

I admit - I'm 6'1", 220 lbs., and strong, but I got 20' into the building and got a little scared. The amount of graffiti inside told me that the place was relatively well traffic'd and the satanic imagery on the walls didn't help either (even though the chances of it being truly satanic were pretty low).

So I left. Quietly. Maybe if I wasn't toting camera gear I might have made it a bit farther in.

So here's a question for those that do urban exploration: how many people do you usually go with and what precautions and supplies do you take before entering?

Also, anyone been caught doing it?



I don't know if you know about this already, but this site is very interesting and you should find some helpful information (and interesting photographs) on there:

http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/

It is based in the UK, but there is an international section too.

Mike

:-)