|
Posted by mookster
I don't think you quite grasp the idea of 'urban exploration'.
All the buildings at Letchworth are pretty much wide open and it's trashed as hell, just walk on in there.
|
+1000
"What is your favorite thing about Belchertown?"
"...the history, man" |
|
The 1st place wanted to explore was semi-occupied (small office on 1st floor that was hardly used). While photographing the outside, a woman drove up and asked what I was doing. I explained that I was taking pics and asked if she could get me in. She introduced me to the building owner who was a total douche. He was using the building for storage and was concerned that someone would see his precious items and would break in. I was nice but after dealing with his attitude I actually was hoping someone WOULD break in.
On another occasion a county courthouse was about to be renovated and I wandered in and struck up a conversation with an employee who was packing up. She introduced me to the treasurer who gave me a tour and even showed me places that are off limits to the public.
You take your chances when you ask. If they say yes it can be great - history, insight, and stories. If they say no you're screwed. They will probably be keeping a closer eye on the place and make it more difficult to gain entry. Also if anything happens to the structure, who do you think they're gonna blame.
Either way its a crap shoot. You pay your money and take your chances.
See More on Flickr!
https://www.flickr...tos/133983270@N06/
|
|
I've gotten permission before (and tend to be a bit of a goody and prefer to ask.) But I am planning in the next little bit an unauthorized trip at the local mall. There is something about letting the adrenaline rush through you as you try to act normal. There is one location I'm trying to get permission for but my boss hasn't gotten back to me (half tempted to break down his door and demand it).
Link Start! |
|
Posted by mookster
I don't think you quite grasp the idea of 'urban exploration'.
All the buildings at Letchworth are pretty much wide open and it's trashed as hell, just walk on in there.
|
I'm sorry i even posted on this forum.....
<3 rachel
|
|
Managed another permitted explore a little while back. I've access other sections of this project on my own at night, but the main access shafts are laced with cameras and security patrols. It was a great experience to get the behind the scenes VIP tour. All was arranged through a local city Councillor who likes my photography. You'll never know what sort of access you can get until you ask.
www.tohellandback.net |
|
Posted by terapr0
All was arranged through a local city Councillor who likes my photography.
|
That is awesome that he likes the photography. Aside from this one, I'm sure that will be quite useful in the future.
And totally rad photos. Especially loving 3 and 4.
|
|
Check with a local historical society. Most cities and states have them (often several). Often, they are non-profit outfits of mostly history buffs. Typically, urban industrial building are "for sale". Getting in touch with a bank-owner and/or real estate agent in conjunction with a historical society will get you access...especially from a photographic/journalistic aspect.
|
|
Fast forward past 2 unanswered emails to a property owner requesting permission to shoot inside, I finally get in on my own and take a ton of photos.
I regret ever asking. Here's to hoping he doesn't relook me up.
Flickr Pitchrs |
|
I guess I tend to favor on the side of "ask permission first, if denied, then find another way to do it or re-evaluate." Perhaps that's the anxiety speaking, though. Exploring is a hobby. I certainly don't want to go to jail over it. The main method I've used in the past is to email or call property owners/caretakers or town officials and state that I'm doing research. Research is great. You can take pictures for research, you can poke around, and you can pretty much be researching ANYTHING. If it's a historic site (and most are) I do a quick google search and come up with a relative "thesis." Once I had a friend pose as a professor. I always try to do "research" that is non-controversial and is parallel or in the best interest of whomever has the control. For example, I happen to be Jewish, but when I went to explore Holyland, USA, i avidly posed as someone who "deeply believed in the worth of such a location and the glory it had in it's youth". Yeah....in reality...not so much. You also can really look trustworthy if you ask for or let people give you a guided tour, as long as you also ask at the end that they "leave you alone so you can form unbiased opinions." It can make them feel safer that you won't vandalize.
Some other excuses I've cited:
-Religious ceremonies
-Car broke down
-Looking for an address (must be near roads/civilization)
-Geocaching (Even if there aren't caches nearby, you can say there are and that you're just looking for them. Helps to have your phone out.)
-Trying to get cell signal
-Needed to pee 
Striving / Stillness = Presence
Pronouns: He/Him/His Connor Syne |
|
Posted by terapr0
there's definitely some truth to that statement. I'll usually prefer to try first and THEN ask, because once you've been told NO, the consequences of being caught are typically amplified.
|
Amen
|
|
|
|
Camp X-Ray, Guantanamo Bay Naval Station
http://seangalbraith.com/gtmo/
"Great architecture has only two natural enemies: water and stupid men." - Richard Nickel |
|
Posted by Klinsli
I have a tendency to ask for permission because I actually am a photography student and I really don't want to lose my scholarship if I get busted. I'm also cute in a childlike way, which does help.
|
I'm in a very similar situation as a photography student myself. While it's true, the photography student title always helps my case, either if you get caught without permission, or you're asking for permission. And being a young woman helps too. People assume I'm a hipster with a fancy camera and an ego to match.
I guess I'm not too far from that...
thanks for giving it a try |
Ethics
