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Abandoned Buildings Photography: Scenes from the Worksite
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Abandoned Places Behind the Scenes Photography

Abandoned Buildings Photography: Scenes from the Worksite

Keith Dotson
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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.
That’s my foot on the sidewalk near an abandoned mill building in Virginia, surrounded by discarded liquor bottles and detritus.
I think my tripod needs a tetanus shot.
I think my tripod needs a tetanus shot.
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.
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.
Peeking into the window of the abandoned old mill, you can see the sunrise glowing warm on the distant wall.
Peeking into the window of the abandoned old mill, you can see the sunrise glowing warm on the distant wall.
On another side of the old mill building, a filthy mattress on the ground inside a strange space below street level.
On another side of the old mill building, a filthy mattress on the ground inside a strange space below street level.
My book is available in print or as a digital edition.
My book is available in print or as a digital edition. Click to buy a copy.

Thanks for reading.

Be sure to visit me on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest, or on my website at keithdotson.com.

~ Keith

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