Urbex - has anyone done it?

[Izzy]

I am getting into some Urban Exploration shots. Seeing that I am in a rural dominant area I have found the rural stuff rewarding too. For my first Urbex I am trying politically to gain access to the Badger Ammunition Plant in Baraboo WI. I think the days of the machine gunners nest are gone but I know it is still guarded which is why I am using the open, honest, and political avenue. In this case it is much better to gain permission rather than forgiveness, which I am certain they will be in short supply. I am interested in this location because it will make for great abandoned manufacturing shots. I am sure most of the machinery is still there. With nearly 100 buildings I am sure they have yet to clear it all out.

What the heck is Urbex?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_exploration

And yes I have found the numerous Urbex forums. I just figured I would drop this question here.

[Niresangwa]

I always thought it would be neat to get into these places. I have a friend from home in the UK who does this stuff almost exclusively, and the settings he finds are great. Heck, I remember as a kid getting into these places... in the US though, I wouldnt even know where to start, but maybe it's just because I'm now an adult who actually has to think about the consequences of doing it...

I'm sure there are plenty of blogs and articles you could find that would help. Obviously their biggest concern would be liability issues, and I doubt they'd be happy enough for you just to sign a waiver. Like I said, I wouldnt even know where to start with coming up with ideas to circumvent their concern and their probable ambivalence to your request..

[deadgirlreading]

I haven't done 'proper' urban exploration. Mostly I just lurk on the outside of the abandoned gas stations to take photos.

I posted more pictures over on my blog but didn't want to monopolize this post with them.


There's an abandoned shopping mall around here which I am dying to explore but I don't know who to contact about exploring legally and I'd rather not have to break in. I did explore the parking garage next door as part of a portrait session with some friends.



Please let us know if/how you get permission to explore.

[cleamon]

I do quite a bit of it myself. I always show respect for private property especially when posted. I've also found that when I wear a hard hat, orange vest, boots, etc., I have less of a chance of being chased off. I look like I belong there. It at least shows that I am aware of the inherent dangers typically found in these areas.
Here are a couple of examples:

[deadgirlreading]

What is the second photo of? It looks really cool.

[kuvahmagh]

Looks kinda like an old gas pump

Originally Posted by kuvahmagh

Looks kinda like an old gas pump

^^ Ding.

~Eric

[cleamon]

Originally Posted by deadgirlreading

What is the second photo of? It looks really cool.

It's an old gas pump (missing the front cover) at an abandoned factory.

[Jim Bryant]

Find out who their PR person is and give them a call.

[Izzy]

Originally Posted by cleamon

I do quite a bit of it myself. I always show respect for private property especially when posted. I've also found that when I wear a hard hat, orange vest, boots, etc., I have less of a chance of being chased off. I look like I belong there. It at least shows that I am aware of the inherent dangers typically found in these areas.
Here are a couple of examples:

Like'em big time.

If there is no way in without crossing the signs I will not bother. Otherwise I think I could pull it off. Unlike the young ones who get away with looking stupid I know at my age I had better appear professional and misguided.