by Jay Freeman

Created on: February 28, 2007   Last Updated: July 31, 2011

Urban Exploration, or is exploitation! Myself a photographer with interests similar to your hobby. The Internet and this subject, some of them i have personally encountered are Internet Arm chair Explorers. Many different people involved in this hobby.

1. You have the people who go by "Take pictures and leave only footprints"

2. You have the historical aspect of hobby for some, Researching the locations and finding out the uses and what happened their to make a story to go along with their photo projects or such.

3. You have those who will Destroy, Loot, and Draw unwanted attention to ones favorite hobby.

I'm sure we could break down this into more groups and types, I'm positive we could do to an 8 month battle with some names I won't mention, over their own version of the hobby "Urban Exploration".

Unwanted attention and online forums: Drama of the hobby.

There are ways to legally go about entering some locations, Myself having permission to an abandoned asylum for being on the grounds. But then the excitement goes out and your left walking around with permission and taking time to photograph without rushing, might provide a better shot. But, the hobby isn't about that, and I'm not out to Dis, I'm here to share that even though mentioning some things on hobby, there are always downsides also.
Some include and this is only from my side of the fence:

• Health Hazards: Tunnels being steam tunnels, asbestos used early in insulation of pipes. Lead paint on the walls.

• Monetary , Getting caught in a posted building. Arrests , Bail, court case to follow when and if caught.

The following is only my opinion and I can and might add more, who knows since the above hobby is an interest of mine, however I suggest staying away from the ones who desire to mainstream and add they founded or are one of founding people. They are only ones who made a site and wrote a book on something people have been doing long before the phrase Urban Exploration, and that's going where it catches your eye and is unknown.

If you're inquisitive, you will go; if not, you'll walk by.

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