Urban decay photography and industrial archaeology
While I’m not the lucky owner of a DSLR, I can totally see how they can provide better photos of a phenomenon that I am interested in: urban and industrial decay. I had promised myself that in 2011 I would try to work on improving my photography, but I’m not exactly sure if I can create photos of this quality without a DSLR. Urban decay photography is actually something I’m interested in, and I’m also interested in industrial archaeology.
For those of you keeping count at home, one of the areas I have undertaken research in (actually, the topic of my doctoral dissertation) was industrial and urban restructuring. I have long been puzzled by what factors influence the transformation of cities and the decline of industrial plants. I’m also a bit puzzled by industrial archaeology.
At some point I might go on an urban decay photowalk. Just because actually Vancouver also provides great opportunities for this type of photowalk.
Have you ever tried to do urban decay photography?
Related posts:
- Industrial and urban transformation, land use changes and storytelling
- My goals for 2011: Improve my photography
- Industrial parks in Richmond, BC
- The industrial-to-urban transformation of Granville Island
- The World Urban Forum: Urban Sustainability Redux
I’ve been on the lookout for abandon/decayed buildings in Vancouver but I’m having very low success rate. Most abandon places are boarded up and difficult to get in. It’s even more difficult to get in if I want to bring models and light equipment in for a portrait session. If you ever find something in Vancouver certainly let me know, would be interested to explore/photo walk.
Although you can’t get inside the buildings, two of Vancouver’s most beautiful examples of urban decay are the Opsal Steel building and the old BC Sugar Refinery building. Highly recommend photo excursions to both places!
That is pretty cool lighting they have in those photos.
I do not own a DSLR either. I am fairly certain that has not limited my photography as much as my ownership of a film SLR did/does. These things are big and heavy – and you have to lug them around with you in case you see something. Or rather, you don’t. You make planned expeditions to places where you have previously researched potential locations. It turns the whole process into something like a job. I carry a small digital camera – indeed I have been thinking of getting a newer, smaller and better one – and of course many phones have cameras on them. Which has changed the way photo and video journalism gets done.
I like the unplanned aspects of photography – I suppose because so much of my previous jobs were all about planning. And the pictures I regret are the ones I didn’t take when i did not have my camera with me. YMMV
Amazing leading shot of the outside. Very impressive work.
Great pictures – I like most the first. If you still do not have a dslr, you can check the SigmaDP1 series camera. I think they are rather cheap, but have great sensor and excellent lens. I use Sigma DP1x and I like it very, very much.
Best regards, Kris