The Reluctant Urban Explorer

Black And White Photography, David, Photography

20110506-untitled shoot

 

When I posted my first guest post here at Monochromia I said that I did a little UrbEx.  Let me explain.

It all started with me seeing some shots from a local abandoned psychiatric hospital.  They were taken by a mate, also a photographer who lives almost as a neighbour to the building.  He invited me along on a shoot and it scared the hell out of me.  That is why I don’t do this kind of thing too often.  My disposition is on the nervous side.  When I do this kind of shoot I just have to concentrate so hard that it’s mentally exhausting.  If I stop to think where I am, I’d run, and run fast.  It’s a horror film waiting to happen.  However after a few days I just want to do it again. It’s a strange kind of drug, if that’s not too strong a word for it.  At least I got a few good shots before It all got a bit too much for me 🙂

Camera:- Leica MP

Lens: – Nikkor 20mm f2.8 manual focus lens on a Novoflex LeiNik adaptor.

Film: – Ilford Xp2 at ISO 400 exposure about a quarter of a second.

30 thoughts on “The Reluctant Urban Explorer”

  2. joanne sisco's avatar

    I’m going to echo the comments made by others – the peeling walls and floor tiles give such a rich texture to the photo in contrast to the wheelchair looking all sterile and shiny. Great photo!
    I would love the opportunity to do some urban exploring. I’m afraid I’m not much good on my own though. I need a partner ‘in crime’ 🙂

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  3. Emilio Pasquale Photography's avatar

    Such a creepy, yet emotional image. The wheelchair looks almost new, except for the flat tires. The chipped and peeling walls and the warped floor tiles just add to the overall texture of the place. Fantastic lighting, too. Even though you say this is now merely a shell, I think there would still be some powerful images to be had.

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  5. Stacy P. Fischer's avatar

    Uh-uh, no way, my imagination went wild just looking at your photo (which makes it a very successful photo!). So it seems you and Joe have both tried your hands at UrbEx – having just commented on Joe’s photo, he has encouraged me to give it a try. Like I said, uh-uh, no way, and I won’t be at all surprised if I have a few bad dreams tonight 😉 Hats off to you, though, for getting in there. What we do for our art ….

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    1. kilted1's avatar

      Thank you Stacy. I really had to pull myself together when I said yes to this trip. One thing to bear in mind. is , My wish for some,shall we say pictures that were not run of the mill drove me to it . :0)

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    1. kilted1's avatar

      Hi Robert,
      Unfortunately ;since this place became well known thanks to some Urbexers wanting publicity, and to showing journalists from the local papers around. the Hospital has been emptied of all the interesting things that were to be found.The building is now just a shell.

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  13. Joe's avatar

    Great image David and you were lucky to be able to get in. In all of my UrbEx attempts I seem to not be so lucky, although it must be creepy when you are in there. Great job 🙂

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    1. kilted1's avatar

      I wasn’t easy. I needed my mate to guide me. Creepy is right.It’s a strange atmosphere. Maybe I just a bit more receptive. My guide has been there on all nighters without any ill effects. Not me however.

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