"Don't break your face, take extreme caution and apply things as realistically as they come. It's probably illegal, dangerous and not advisable. Why are you planning on doing this? Not my problem, but here are some tips on how to be safe."
Photos of urban decay will woo many, but taking those photos endures more than just snapping a shot.
Explore your neighbourhood’s abandoned beauties, find ripped wall paper, fire damage, vintage furnishings and whatever else those who abandon things leave behind.
Know, in any scenario- that that roof may fall on you, that floor may be completely rotted, you are (in most cases) trespassing, and the basement is without a doubt something you do not want to fall into.
Take precaution with each step, if Mike Homes goes into a family dwelling and tells them how shit their house is when it looks fine- imagine how this piece that you are exploring might get evaluated.
My experience comes from the ton of abandoned homes, schools, and random buildings that I have toured since I was a young girl.
Aside from helping my Dad with renovations as a young girl, or building my own treehouse, I have vague-er than vague idea of how a home is built.
If you are completely unfamiliar, that’s okay.
Think of how a home is framed, the walls, the floors, all that jam.
Consider the floor unpredictable at all times. Walk with the floor’s framing, and try to be a good judge on whether or not the materials can still hold support.
Look for the obvious, sunken floors, wilted ceilings and fire damage.
If you’re unsure, then don’t, it’s simple.
Busted grow-ops, closed down hospitals or schools, or abandoned ministry buildings are understandably sought after in explorations.
In this case, it doesn’t hurt to google the building/ landscape you are planning a hike to.
Grasp an idea as to why it was closed down, the structures layout, or even some spooky backstory.
Busted grow-ops are not for everyone. Think of it as a Indiana Jones obstacle in that there are ‘booby-traps’ everywhere.
These areas are extremely dangerous because people protect their drugs, and who knows if the cops are able to find all traps.
My theory, if you stumble across a field of drugs- GTFO!
Other great photo opportunities like the ministry’s Powerhouse in Jordan River is open to explorations.
Although tunnels run underneath and the building is decrepit, they know you are there and if you don’t break shit, no one is going to come and ruin your day.
The older the home, the older the features. We once had an abandoned cottage on my friend’s property. The entire home was decorated in a funky fab vibe complete with scarves over the lamps and a shag rug.
This home was completely furnished, but after years of nature’s best, the remains were covered in moss, and other thriving plants.
There was no basement, just a attic filled with old photos where we would imagine the lives of it’s subjects.
Too bad I didn’t have a camera when I was ten. This home, although safe to enter, was covered in lead paint, and had other toxic features worth looking out for.
We had to stop going there because a group of vagabonds began to squat there one summer. You may not be alone! Be extremely cautious, and respectful. You don’t know whose territory you are crossing.
Treat these situations like how you would at a public pool, don’t run around. There are bear traps, and other nasty things you don’t want to step in. Let out your inner grandparent and be careful out there!
- Wear boots, durable and strong.
- Flashlight or Headlamp
- Camera (optional)
- Gloves
- First Aid knowledge
- Mini First Aid kit
- Water
- Extra sweater, socks
- Backpack
