ABANDONED BUILDINGS

10 years 4 months ago #326985 by PixieBlue
I really want to intensify my images in 2014. Currently I am entertaining the thought of sneaking into an old and very creepy asylum in my county. I believe it housed a morgue as well, so who knows what chemicals linger within that space. I am thinking of wearing a surgical mask and gloves, bringing a change of clothes just to be on the safe side. Has anyone had any experience with abandoned hospital/asylum shoots? Any advice would be great....and yes, I'm definitely going during the day!

Thank you and Happy New Year to all!

Amy


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10 years 4 months ago #327007 by Justin
This sounds like it would be a fun photo opportunity. I would be careful of homeless or drifters who might be in there. If possible have a photo buddy with you and always have some protection. I have not explored many abandoned buildings but would if I could find some interesting ones. The one you mentioned sounds like it has some really interesting history. Are there any posted signs in front of it?

Very nice to meet you!
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10 years 4 months ago #327009 by Hassner
Hi Amy, there is a few friends on Flickr that frequent those places.

www.flickr.com/photos/matdur69

www.flickr.com/photos/e-strella/

Have fun!


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10 years 4 months ago #327011 by Frisco
Hello Amy, what no night time exploration of creepy old buildings? :rofl: I don't blame you, you just never know what is going on in old buildings. I think Hassner posted some good links that should get the ball moving on ideas of what you could be photographing there. I do agree with having a photo buddy with you. Even as a guy, when I know I'm going to be exploring stuff like this, I'll have a friend with me. When you have a lot of expensive looking gear, having that additional person could mean the difference in safety.

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10 years 4 months ago #327029 by PixieBlue
Thank you gentlemen for responding! I think I will bring a couple of people, now that I've been reading up on the site, as reports are saying really weird and strange things are heard in that place. Now, if my spine will remain intact, I'll be fine.

Great links Hassner! Thanks a million!

Justin, there are "No Trespassing" signs posted....one is even next to the big hole in the chain link fence. However, they do not have any security patrols and I've heard access is easy.


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10 years 4 months ago #327035 by PixieBlue
Boy, oh boy! The images on those links are wild! A great reminder that life, and all it contains, is a very temporary condition.


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10 years 4 months ago #327037 by Hassner
You made us curious now. Please post some results. Make your company dress weird and add them in your shots, otherwise you are just adding to the images that are out there already. Dream big!


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10 years 4 months ago #327059 by Joves
For you I would suggest you have someone with you. It really depends on what city this is in, because most likely the noises are from somebody squatting there, or it is a drug users gallery. As far as chemicals from the past, that also depends on how long it has been abandoned. Most of the chemicals used in morgues will have dissipated long ago. I bet the reason it was abandoned is that it had asbestos, and that the cost were too great for them to do the abatement. Which is really a scam, but we will not go there. My only concern is that of getting caught, and getting arrested for trespassing, especially true if it was a government facility. Other than that just keep your awareness factor at maximum, and have fun.
There is one in the Detroit area that they closed that I would love to hit up. They called it the Gray Lady, and is a turn of the previous century building. It is absolutely huge, and would take a longtime to explore, even half of it.


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10 years 4 months ago #327137 by JHoward
All good advise here, nothing new for me to add other than the big advise worth repeating is have someone with you and be very aware of your surroundings. Run down buildings provide shelter for drifters, drug users, and random trouble makers. I would almost do a quick run through the building without your gear first, in the event you run into questionable people who might be otherwise very interested in your expensive camera gear, you can exit the building with less to worry about.

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10 years 4 months ago #327155 by Scott Klubeck
:goodpost:


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10 years 4 months ago #327219 by Sawyer
+1 on the photo buddy

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10 years 4 months ago #327259 by effron

Sawyer wrote: +1 on the photo buddy


When I venture into dangerous places, I always take two buddies...Smith & Wesson......My choice, maybe not yours. :)

Why so serious?
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10 years 4 months ago - 10 years 4 months ago #327295 by garyrhook

effron wrote: When I venture into dangerous places, I always take two buddies...Smith & Wesson......My choice, maybe not yours. :)


Huh. I thought they were in the home security business... or maybe it was insurance? In any event, I did not know that they had branched out to chaperoning.

:banana:


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10 years 4 months ago #327315 by Ruby Grace
As a woman, I think the guys have given some really good advice over and over in this thread about security. :agree:

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10 years 4 months ago #327317 by PixieBlue
Yes, I will post the results. I don't think I will get over there until next Wednesday. I really like the idea of dressing my back ups. I have a friend who is beyond beautiful....it would be nice to have her dressed in a white evening formal. The juxtaposition would be cool.

My initial visit next week will be a test of how to enter, make sure it's safe as far as it not being a drug den, etc. and to check the lighting inside. It's called Sunny Acres, but as far as photographing that place, the lighting within is anything but that.

I will let you know when the photos are posted.

Happy New Year,
Amy


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