Turn Urban Decay Into Photography Art
Urban decay is everywhere I'm afraid, from the rubbish on our streets to the burnt out cars and derelict buildings.
Almost every day we can come across some eyesore of the modern disease of wastefulness and thoughtlessness.
I wanted to show that even though in themselves piles of rubbish etc are not particularly attractive they can still be shot in such a way as to create very powerful and imaginative images.
I have chosen four areas for this project; each will surprise you with its range of creative expression, and highlights how photography in the right hands and with a little imagination can turn anything into a work of art.
Wrecked cars
- Or abandoned cars just can't be ignored when you come across them. Some may be burnt out, others are simply rusting away but all will have some story to tell.
I tend to look at these abandoned cars as pieces of sculpture; they certainly make their presence known and dictate a certain message about their environment.
By using their textures, colours and shapes in thoughtful and original ways through the photographic lens, you can turn a piece of urban decay into either an attractive abstract image or a powerful social statement.
Rubbish
- or trash is simply a part of everyone's daily existence. How and where the rubbish is found and displayed can make the difference between pure ugly, or a striking and even sometimes amusing image.
If we look at rubbish as an opportunity for an interesting or at very least colourful array of images, we may discover that we are never stuck for a photographic project again.
Shopping Trolleys
- trolleys, trolleys everywhere. Upside down, in the river or even amazingly lined up ready for use.
I suspect that everyone has at least one picture of a trolley amongst their urban photography collection.
Considering that vandals have decided to make them a part of our metropolitan surroundings and have added to the general urban decay, it is not surprising that they catch the photographer's creative eye.
Abandoned Toys
- What is sadder than seeing a childs toy abandoned and broken on the streets and amongst the rubbish?
On the other hand it does give a wonderful juxtaposition for the photographer.
A colourful, soft, harmless plaything against a hard grey dirty urban backdrop can be used to create many different viewpoints.
From a very poignant image of lost youth or a humorous union between a child's forgotten toy and the harsh adult world.
Submit your own Urban Decay Photographs
Share your images and experience of taking photographs of urban decay photography (see below categories) with others.
Send us your own image and the story of how and why you took it.
Rubbish/Trash
Wrecked Cars
Shopping Trolleys
Abandoned Toys
Comments on this photograph
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Marsh Barton, Exeter, Devon Urban Decay.
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I took this photography for my Final Major Project back in 2008 for my Foundation Lens Media class. Just shows how a busy environment such as Marsh Barton ...
Urban Jungle
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I discovered this abandoned Lada half hidden amongst some trees in a side street in Bucarest, Romania. It struck me that it was gradually being swamped ...
Urban Photography - In the hands of God
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I took this photo at Calvary Cementary located in East Los Angeles.
Chained
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Taken in NYC on Broadway, in the Thirties (block that is). Question, How long before the newer bike meets the same fate?
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