10 Satirical Techniques to Elevate Your Urban Ruins Photography Game

Urban Ruins Photography Techniques: A Satirical Guide
If you’re into urban exploration, then chances are you’ve come across the trend of photographing abandoned buildings and structures. But how do you make your shots stand out from the thousands of other urban ruins photos flooding Instagram and Tumblr? Fear not, fellow explorers! In this satirical guide, we’ll take a look at some unique techniques to elevate your urban ruins photography game.
1. The “Look Back” Shot
You know that classic shot where someone is walking away from the camera with an abandoned building in the background? It’s time to switch things up. Instead of walking away, have your subject look back over their shoulder with a wistful gaze – bonus points if they hold a flashlight or wear a gas mask.
2. The “Peek-a-Boo” Shot
Nothing screams edgy like peeking through holes in walls or broken windows. Get creative with your framing and make sure the building looks as ominous as possible.
3. The “Abandoned Object” Shot
Find an object left behind in the building – maybe it’s an old chair or a rusted bike – and frame it prominently in your photo. Make sure to include plenty of dramatic lighting and shadows for maximum effect.
4. The “Stairway to Nowhere” Shot
Is there anything more eerie than a set of stairs leading up to nothing? Find one of these gems in your next urbex adventure and get shooting!
5. The “Selfie Reflection” Shot
Step aside, Kim Kardashian! You can take selfies too – but instead of posing in front of a mirror, find an interesting reflective surface within the abandoned structure (a broken mirror or shattered glass works well) and snap away.
6. The “Framed by Nature” Shot
Sometimes nature takes over abandoned buildings, creating beautiful scenes that juxtapose decay against growth. Frame your subject with vines, flowers, or ivy to create a hauntingly beautiful image.
7. The “Creepy Doll” Shot
If there’s one thing that can make an abandoned building even creepier, it’s a forgotten doll. Find one and position it in your shot for maximum eerie impact.
8. The “Light Painting” Shot
Grab a flashlight and get ready to paint with light! This technique involves using a long exposure and moving the flashlight around the scene to illuminate different areas of the building. It takes some practice, but the results can be stunning.
9. The “Staged Scene” Shot
For this technique, you’ll need some props – think old books, bottles, or anything else you might find within an abandoned building. Arrange them in a visually interesting way and have your subject interact with them for an added layer of storytelling.
10. The “Infrared Filter” Shot
If you’re feeling extra experimental, try shooting with an infrared filter on your camera lens for an otherworldly effect. This works best when there are still green plants growing within the urban ruins – they’ll appear bright white against a dark background.
In conclusion, urban ruins photography is all about capturing the beauty in decay while also creating unique images that stand out from the crowd. So go forth and explore those crumbling buildings armed with these satirical techniques – just don’t forget your gas mask!