It has been 5 or more years since the last time I posted here. (profile says 08 but i know It was closer to 2010) I quit exploring in 2010, I had just started teaching full time, got married, bought a house and my kids would arrive there after. Since then I have grown my (non abandoned) photography as well as changed teaching jobs. Abandonments have always been something I loved but were now generally off limits because of family and job limitations.

Fast forward to this past summer and I was put in contact with the county land bank. They get properties that have been abandoned and try and get them redeveloped. Now I know this is counter productive to preservation but often these are not historically significant properties. Anyways after some emails to contacts on the board of directors I have signed on to shoot all the new larger properties they acquire before they are sold and redeveloped. This means I get full access, no time limit, permission and its all legal.

The first property was a Assisted living facility which was a hotel prior, ironically abandoned in 2010
Lobby

Kitchen

Piano Man

Left Behind

Are people still doing stair shots?

The Doctor will see you now

Can we say privacy violation

Room with a view

Hallway


I don't know if this is true exploring, getting permission and a key, but it is the most relaxed I've ever been while in a place.

If I have made an error in my forum placement forgive me as you know it has been a while.

Nice!

In my opinion exploring is exploring. Doesn't matter if you have keys and permission or not! It does not have to be illegal to count.

Getting out to shoot is good for the mind and soul.

GOOD FUCKING SET!!!!

I have been to multiple places I would not have seen if t weren't for permission. So yea, exploring is exploring, no matter what.

That's awesome that you get permission. I'm always grateful when I get that opportunity. Great shots as well.

It was weird having permission and actually being able to take some time and not worry about anything. I'll be honest it took some of the thrill out of it. I am very grateful as I was missing the abandoned beauties since I "retired" It was good to get back in there.

I think their good exploring karma in entering places with permission as well as on our own fruition. I just explored 2 schools yesterday with permission and it was very rewarding and some of the best pics I have gotten in a while

I have yet to succeed with getting permission. But I'm sure I would be much more relaxed and less on edge. Sure some of the thrill would be gone, but a worthy trade off for reduced stress levels. Great shots dude and welcome back to the exploring world!

I agree with most of the above - exploring is exploring. I find that in locations when I feel comfortable and "safe" I tend to get much better shots.