During the lifespan of a city, certain events take place that cause buildings and areas to become abandoned. With nobody around to provide upkeep or maintenance on the structures of these areas, things begin to fall into disrepair. This is known as urban decay. At first glance, these decrepit environments may seem hopeless. However, through the lens of a camera, a talented photographer can reveal beauty in the most unlikely of places.
Here are 30 incredible examples of urban decay photography. These photos are a great source of inspiration and possess many impressive qualities, including an abundance of interesting textures.
Make sure you click on each photo to see a larger version and learn more about each of the talented photographers behind the cameras.
This is awesome!!!!
Wow!
Very nice collection!
I like the one with the chalkboard the most!
Thanks for sharing
That is some truly beautiful shots, thanks for putting this post together!
Seeing many of this type of photo together shows me how gorgeous they can be. One every now and then I have easily glossed over. I need to try this, thank you!
Beautiful images.
brilliant composition in all the pics..amazing perspective,unusual place.. lovely contrast in the 10th pic..
too much hdr in my opinion
Yep. Way too much HDR.
I agree. Nice images but we are overloaded with dereliction in HDR.
I’m sure the locations are amazing without the HDR. Its unnecessary, looks ridiculous and way too overused.
I agree, too much HDR. I would much rather see shots with less post-processing. I’m not sure some of the didn’t have additional textures and ‘vintage’ type filters put on to enhance the decayed look. Which is fine, except I was expecting to see real urban decay, not imaginary one.
beautiful images
Bring on the grunge!
These are so inspiring! I love urban decay photos!
Amazing pictures! Great shots : )
Thanks for sharing – I love ratty old buildings, love to shoot them, love to look at them…
Some fine photography, but I agree with some of the other comments – too much HDR. I’ve done a bit of that, but try not to go too overboard with it. I run an urban exploration group; here are a few of my pics.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/2420604302/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/2730163008/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/3289108633/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/450393734/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/2417576067/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/2824024265
https://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/2978874235
https://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/3217497036/
Pretty good shots you got here. I especially like the one captioned Cargill Blues.
The HDR is way over the top. I’d prefer more naturally looking photos.
They are no longer photo’s once you have ADDED lighting elements that didn’t exist and shouldn’t be labeled as such. they are very nice Illustrations that use photography and they are beautiful What they are not is any kind of truth about the locations.
These are absolutely stunning! An inspiration!
Astounding… I’m a big fan of when something not so good is turned into something beautiful. These can be great for high fashion photoshoots and even album inserts :]
These examples are utterly stunning. I have a real passion for urban decay photography although none of my photos come even close. https://www.flixelpix.com/?s=barbour inspirational, the school photo is my favourite.
Fantastic!
I would like also to recomend this brazilian website specialized in show pictures of decay places in Sao Paulo, largest brazilian city:
https://www.saopauloabandonada.com.br
Unfortunately is in portuguese only yet, but photos are universal language, right ? 😉
Nice pics!!!
Thank you, really beautiful, like standing
still in time.
Some of my humble photographies on the same topic:
https://picasaweb.google.com/seb.geotrouvetout/Friches_industrielles?feat=directlink
A friend of mine’s:
https://www.gazolina-artline.com/christophe-livonnen/archives/abandon
Great collection !
Jean-Michel
are you should this shouldn’t be called “30 decent HDR photos” ???
I would very much like to see natural shots of these photos. HDR always looks like the latest 3D video game. can’t stand it really.
Like a lot. Looks ancient and urban.
i love ALL the pics .. 🙂
and thanks for post this … its realy an inspiration :’)
Pretty good shots you got here. I especially like the one captioned Cargill Blues.
Love the photos 🙂 They are stunning. Who knew that decay could be that beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing! Who are the photographers?
can only repeat what others have said – this is a beautiful collection of imagery
HDR!!!!!! all look enhanced, to the point of cliche.
Definitely some amazing photos, but I think for these the really amazing part is the post work done on them. I especially love the one with the couches.
Very Nice!
Grungy effects are the quality of these urban photographs.
There are some amazing photographers out there. I stick to weddings and portraits and really can’t do architectural stuff justice but these are wonderful to look at. The composition, use of light and post production are rocking. I’m just trying to figure using locations like this and putting a beautiful bride in, would look pretty cool.