Black and white photography tip: Use an urbex location

Wednesday 10 July 2024, 13:31 by Elja Trum | 2,072 views | 0 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

Using an 'urbex' location, short for 'urban exploration', can provide a powerful setting for black and white photography. Urbex locations are often industrial or derelict places such as old factories.

Deirdre - f/5, 1/125s, 200 ISO @ 70mm
An urbex location is often rich in texture, from rusting metal to peeling paint and broken windows. Without the distraction of colour, the viewer can focus more on the raw aesthetics.

An urbex setting can also help convey a certain mood or atmosphere. The lack of colour can emphasise the desolate and abandoned feeling of a location. This works particularly well for portrait photography. The background can help tell a story or bring out the character of the subject more clearly.

Pay attention to your safety when photographing at urbex locations. It is advisable to get permission from the owner of the site. Do not go alone and let people at home know where you are going.

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About the author

Elja Trum is the founder of Photofacts and online photography course website Photofacts Academy. He has been writing about photography since 2006. Elja is also the author of (Dutch) books on composition, black-and-white photography, flash photography and portrait photography.

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