When you photograph abandoned buildings, your working environment is often sketchy
I love making photographs of abandoned buildings! I love it so much I even published a book about it.
But abandoned buildings, by their very nature, tend to be found in the rundown and sketchy parts of town. Abandoned buildings are typically old, often pre-1900, which means they’re in older parts of cities that have fallen into neglect.
My approach when working in these areas is to just set up and make photographs like I belong there. Between shots, walking around, I do my best to remain inconspicuous, which is difficult when carrying a camera bag and tripod.
I never trespass and I’m always aware of my surroundings, even in the midst of composing shots. I usually work early in the morning, which gives me the best light and helps me mostly avoid people. While I generally work alone, it’s a good idea to have a companion present whenever possible.
![That's my foot on the sidewalk near an abandoned mill building in Virginia, surrounded by discarded liquor bottles and detritus.](https://icatchshadows.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_4945-2-960x1280.jpg)
![I think my tripod needs a tetanus shot.](https://icatchshadows.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_4944-2-960x1280.jpg)
![This was my subject, an open window into the collapsed interior of the old mill. Sadly, the photographs didn't really work. Seen in the bottom right corner, my Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E-Mount.](https://icatchshadows.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Screen-Shot-2021-09-01-at-7.09.02-AM-960x545.jpg)
![Peeking into the window of the abandoned old mill, you can see the sunrise glowing warm on the distant wall.](https://icatchshadows.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Screen-Shot-2021-09-01-at-7.09.37-AM-960x545.png)
![On another side of the old mill building, a filthy mattress on the ground inside a strange space below street level.](https://icatchshadows.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Screen-Shot-2021-09-01-at-8.40.14-PM-960x542.jpg)
![My book is available in print or as a digital edition.](https://icatchshadows.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_8835-iPad-Book-960x720.jpg)
Thanks for reading.
Be sure to visit me on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest, or on my website at keithdotson.com.
~ Keith