Ruins photography, sometimes called ruin porn,
Is a movement in photography that takes the decay of the built environment (cities, buildings, or infrastructure) as its subject. Wikipedia
Also known as Urban exploration photography. Photographing abandoned locations that provide a window into forgotten worlds, inviting viewers to see the beauty and poetry within decay and neglect. It offers a glimpse into the interplay between human creation and nature’s reclamation, often sparking a sense of curiosity and contemplation.
**SELECT AN IMAGE FOR THEIR DETAILS**
I have purposely not included the exact locations for some to preserve the sites. Unfortunately, some people aim to destroy them. Through this page, I hope to inspire interest in discovering and expanding creative ideas. And help encourage the development of sensitivity to the subject. These images are available for use as reference material for artwork
The creative inspiration in an abandoned building for an artist can vary depending on the artist’s individual perspective and interests. For some, the building itself can be a source of inspiration, with its decaying walls and forgotten spaces providing a unique atmosphere that can be used to explore themes of loss, decay, and transformation. For others, the building can provide a blank canvas to create something entirely new, with its empty spaces and forgotten objects providing a unique opportunity to explore the creative process.
Additionally, the building can provide a unique opportunity to explore the history of the area, with its forgotten stories and forgotten objects providing a wealth of material for creative exploration.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographic art created by urban explorers of abandoned locations often captures the unique atmosphere, beauty, and decay found within these forgotten spaces
ATMOSPHERE AND MOOD
Urban exploration photography emphasizes capturing the distinctive atmosphere and mood of abandoned locations. Through careful composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques, photographers aim to convey the sense of mystery, nostalgia, and often haunting beauty that permeates these spaces.
TEXTURES AND DETAILS
Abandoned buildings are rich in textures and details that can create visually compelling images. Photographers focus on capturing peeling paint, weathered surfaces, decaying structures, rusted metal, broken glass, and other elements that reveal the passage of time and neglect. These details add depth and visual interest to the photographs.
LIGHT AND SHADOW
Exploring the interplay between light and shadow is crucial in this type of photography. Natural light filtering through broken windows or artificial light sources can create dramatic effects, casting intriguing shadows and highlighting specific elements within the scene. Photographers often leverage these lighting conditions to enhance the mood and atmosphere of their images.
COMPOSITION AND PERSPECTIVE
Urban exploration photographers carefully consider composition and perspective to create visually captivating images. They may experiment with unconventional angles, close-ups, or wide-angle shots to emphasize the unique architectural features or the vastness of the space. Framing techniques, such as utilizing doorways, corridors, or other architectural elements, can add depth and guide the viewer's gaze.
NARRATIVE AND STORYTELLING
Abandoned photography often tells a visual story, weaving together elements of the location's history and atmosphere. Photographers strive to capture the essence of the space and convey its narrative through their images. This can include showcasing the building's former purpose, the people who inhabited it, or the events that led to its abandonment.
HUMAN PRESENCE AND ABANDONMENT
Photographers sometimes incorporate the presence or traces of human life within the abandoned locations. This can include capturing remnants of furniture, personal belongings, or signs of past activities, which evoke a sense of the space's abandonment and invite viewers to contemplate its history.
CREATIVE INSPIRATION
An abandoned building can be a rich source of creative inspiration for an artist due to its unique atmosphere and the stories it holds
ATMOSPHERE AND DECAY:
Often there is a distinct atmosphere created by decay, neglect, and the passage of time. The peeling paint, crumbling walls, and overgrown vegetation can evoke a sense of mystery, nostalgia, or even melancholy. Artists can explore the contrast between beauty and decay, capturing the unique textures and colors found within the space -
HISTORY AND NARRATIVE
Every abandoned building has a history and a story to tell. Researching the building's past, its former inhabitants, or the events that took place there can provide a wealth of inspiration. Artists can incorporate these narratives into their work, whether through visual representations, installations, or mixed-media pieces, giving new life to forgotten stories.
CONTRAST AND TRANSFORM
Abandoned buildings often exist in stark contrast to their surroundings. The juxtaposition of derelict structures against a modern cityscape or natural landscapes can be visually striking. Artists can explore themes of transformation, rebirth, or the passage of time by incorporating these contrasts into their artwork.
SPATIAL AND CONCEPTUAL EXPLORATION
Offering a blank canvas for artists to experiment with new ideas, forms, and concepts. The vast open spaces, unusual architectural elements, and remnants of human presence can inspire innovative and thought-provoking artwork. Artists can play with the notions of absence, presence, or transformation within these spaces.