One of my favorite subjects to shoot is a long forgotten structure being slowly taken back by nature. These buildings speak of days gone by and whispered stories that have long faded from the walls. Photographing abandoned locations is not for the timid photographer.

There is still beauty left in these old buildings, it just requires a little work to show everyone else what you see. A building can be photographed a hundred times and each photograph can be different.

Every photographer sees something different even though they are all looking at the same structure. Don’t make the mistake of trying to copy what someone else has already done, look for your own angle.

Tips For Photographing The Exterior

Photographing an abandoned structure from the exterior is a fairly simple process. The lens will depend upon the distance from the property being photographed. A long focal-length lens will be ideal for shots that need to be taken from a good distance away. It’s also a good idea to carry a wide-angle lens for shots where you might want to capture more landscape as well as the dwelling. Don’t forget the tripod!

Abandoned structures are ideal subjects for HDR photography. The rust, peeling paint, and exposed wood are wonderful eye popping details for HDR. Set up a tripod and try taking series of pictures with different lighting settings.

If you’ve never attempted HDR photography you can find a tutorial with easy instructions here.

Tips For Photographing The Interior

Photographing the interior of an abandoned building can be a bit trickier than the exterior. Chances are lighting is going to be very poor in some locations, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some great shots. It does however mean more work than just setting up the camera.

Auto mode is not going to cover the lighting situations. Study up on what settings are best for what type of lighting and make notes to stick in the camera bag. The tripod is not optional. Low lights will require that the camera is very steady. It’s a good idea to bring a shutter release cable or remote as well.

Finally, be sure to include an LED flashlight or two. A flashlight can be used to lighten up areas of a room or highlight an area of interest in a photo. It also has the handy ability to provide light so you can see where you’re going.

Legalities of Photographing Abandoned Structures

(Please do not use the following as any type of legal advice. Many of these laws will vary by state and country.)



The legalities behind visiting abandoned structures can be a tricky thing. As a photographer you have to find a balance between the desire to create and the risk of being arrested. Many abandoned structures will have a posted “No Trespassing” sign. The best way to get around this sign is to contact the owner of the property and ask for permission to enter. A lot of owners may say no on the grounds that the structure is unsafe and fear you may become injured while on their property.

You can offer to sign a legal wavier that would release them of responsibility of any injuries sustained while on the property. 

State roads usually expand 2 feet past the actual road to include a pull off area. As long as you are still on part of a state maintained road you are not trespassing onto property.

This does not include many roads which are considered private drives and part of the owner’s property. I always recommend contacting the owner whenever possible to get permission before trespassing onto private property no matter how tempting it may be.

What if I can’t find out who owns the property and there is no signs about trespassing?



Legally speaking, if a “No Trespassing” sign is not displayed then you are still technically trespassing onto private property. This is illegal. The “No Trespassing” sign is considered a warning, it’s not a requirement. At this point you have to decide if capturing the property is worth possibly being arrested. Many photographers who specialize in abandoned structures have been charged with trespassing on several occasions and came out with some amazing images to show for it. But, this is in no way promoting trespassing, just stating a fact.

Common Problems & Warnings

As mentioned above, these structures are often unstable and could collapse at any time. Before you enter an abandoned building I would suggest purchasing some steel-toed boots and wearing tight clothing. These places are covered with rusty nails and glass, so be aware of your surroundings at all times. Many old homes will also be covered in dust, pollen, and possibly asbestos. If you have problems with allergies or asthma be sure to bring a mask and inhaler if applicable.

Danger can come from all directions and be prepared to run into all manner of wildlife. Possums, rats, bats, termites, snakes, and spiders are some of the most common animals found in abandoned structures. Animals are generally very territorial. If you come across a wild animal try to back-track your path without sudden movements. Make sure you carry a phone for emergencies and keep an eye on your signal.

The last surprising thing you may encounter is other people. Homeless people will often seek out abandoned structures as a place to escape the weather. If you encounter other people just be courteous and use your best judgment.