Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints: How-to guides for ruin photography

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The UrbEx phenomenon has produced numerous websites and publications, both as guides for locating particularly enticing ruin sites, and as guides for how to have the kind of experience that explorers seek: namely, to be the first to encounter something not yet valued by others, and to produce a visual record of its ephemerality, while those who come after can only replicate the experience. Exploring the exploration guidebooks themselves offers a unique insight into “how to” have the desired sublime experience long associated with visiting ruins, particularly with reference to urban ruins photography. This chapter will explore the impulse towards routinising desired types of ruin photography and UrbEx adventures through an examination of “how to” UrbEx photography books and websites.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationRuin Porn and the Obsession with Decay
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Pages83-102
Number of pages20
ISBN (Electronic)9783319933900
ISBN (Print)9783319933894
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences(all)

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