Urban Living

[Marty]

I finally got to shoot an abandoned building I had planned for a while.
It's inner-city, and I found out somebody actually lives (squats) here.
This is the style of photography I like - urban, b/w.
I don't post my images often as they are not too everyones taste.
So any comments/criticism appreciated.

Firstly an 'outdoor' lounge area. Who needs air con..?



And complete with artists studio.



And of course, it's a high security building.

[blinkblink]

I like'em a lot. You should post more.

[stubbsy]

Mart

Worth posting and bugger other people's tastes!

#1 - The light coming through the window relly makes this pic, although I wonder how it would have looked if you moved the chair to the right so it sat in the beam (or waited for the sun to move)

#2 - the weakest of the three for me. The vacant foreground draws my eye away from the rest of what is a fascinating image. Maybe a little crop from the bottom above the pool of light on the RHS would help.

#3 - my favourite here. Great composition and the perfect depth of field complemented by spot on B & W conversion

I'd like to see more of your stuff too.

[ABG]

I'll add to the chorus. Why give a shit about what others think? These are fantastic images and I'd definitely like to see more of your work.

[Alpha_7]

I enjoy this genre and would love to see more, my order of preference is #1, #2 and #3. I think in #1 something of interest could of been placed in the "spotlight" as it were to good affect (may have been difficult to make it look un-contrived).

[daniel_r]

All three images are quite good. They certainly capture the atmosphere of the location and bring that to the viewer.

They tell a story, but leave you guessing. Is it an old warehouse... maybe an old hospital?

And to echo the comments of those above, go ahead and post more of this kind of work.

[pharmer]

This is the style of photography I like - urban, b/w.
I don't post my images often as they are not too everyones taste.
So any comments/criticism appreciated.

Post more. I like this type of topic & enjoy taking urban decay shots myself.

#1 is fantastic, the stream of light really gives it depth and feel

#2, I like the composition on this. Glass and spray cans give it a lot of depth and interest

#3 is great also - fastastic focus and shallow DOF isolate the glass perfectly

Nice subtle B&W treatment all round

Cheers

[Mal]

I like them.
Number three for me. And I also agree with Stubbsy that number one would be more powerful if the chair was in the light.
Keep em coming, great shots.

[Marty]

Thanks for the comments guys.
Just a few notes on this shoot.
I didnt move anything, just shot as I found it, the way it should be.
It is a derelict building, which is a bit dangerous due to the roof collapsing, broken glass, rusty items, etc.
But it got much worse, its a maze of rooms, each with little side rooms, and only one way in/out of the building.
Towards the end of the building, I felt very trapped as there was no quick way out and I didnt know if anybody would return.
There were a few rooms so dark I didnt have the courage to even look inside.
The final room I entered made me realise it wasn't a safe place to be.
There were fresh spoons and syringes on the floor from junkies.
At this point I quickly made my exit.
But I am so annoyed with myself, I should have taken a shot of the junkies equipment, I think this would have added to the series.
There are over 250 images in the series, I am planning on pp these in colour as the colours of the building, decay, grafitti and light were fantastic.
Stay tuned.
Marty

ps
Yes I went alone, yes it dangerous and yes I know I am stupid..

[rooboy]

As others have said, this is simply amazing work. I very much doubt you'll get any nasty criticism with images like those. #1 is my pick, but really, they work so well as a series. Can I ask what/where the building is?

[DionM]

I like the topic and composition of all 3 of the images. Post more!

[Alpha_7]

ps
Yes I went alone, yes it dangerous and yes I know I am stupid..

I was going to suggest actually that you should bring a wingman if you return, I'd also suggest thick boots or surdy shoes and preferably jeans. I guess it's a risk vs reward thing, I think you've been rewarded by the shots, but it's always good to bear in mind the risks involved in getting the shots.

[PiroStitch]

Personally they are all too clean to be urban images. If you want to create grungy, urban pics, try using higher ISO to bring out the noise/grain.

The third image is the strongest out of the set. The composition of the smashed glass strongly creates the atmosphere and emotion of the urban and abandoned theme

[Geoff]

Marty - great series!! Can't wait to see more mate. #1 and #3 stand out here....very nice work indeed. Hopefully next time you will have some company

[bindiblue]

Great shots Marty,, Love the black and white, and #3 is my fav,

Suzanne

[Simon]

Marty,

Cool pix, like #1. I reckon you could get even more contrast into these b/w's

[Manta]

Terrific series Marty. I love this style of photography as well - reminds us of what happens under the glitzy facade of modern society; things we'd rather not acknowledge. The urban architectural equivalent of the handicapped or the homeless.

I think you've handled the technical aspects of these shots rather well and I particularly like your take on leaving things as they are.

Well done.

[Marty]

Thanks guys for your comments and advice.
This type of photography is my favourite.
In my mind I consider these places beautiful, it shows some of the reality of modern living, in the 'real world' which luckily for most we never have to experience.
I am going back for another shoot at dusk, but common sense tells me I have to take a few 'big tough' friends with me for protection.
I will work on the colour versions over the weekend and post more.
Cheers
Marty

[obzelite]

nice series.

would be good if you got an online gallery going as you obviously have more and I would be interested in seeing them.

[Marty]

Cheers Simon,
more to come soon.
I took over 250 shots, will hopefully get that down to 50 to post on the web.
Altough pp 50 images in a similar style is going to take me a while.
Marty