We’ve talked to Deborah Sgier, photographer, nurse, and a new mom, about visiting lost locations and Urbex photography. In this short but to the point interview she told us how she got involved in Urbex photography, what’s the real excitement behind it, and what you need to start your own Urbex journey. Read on!
Please introduce yourself in a few sentences
I was born in 1989. and grew up in the Olten area. Since March 2020. I am a mother of a wonderful son. My main job is in the nursing profession.
I have always been very creative. As a child, until my teens, I loved to draw.
After a while, my creativity got a little lost, until I discovered photography for myself.
I started taking pictures in September 2017, when I discovered “lost places”. Shortly I had to buy my first camera to take better pictures than I could with my cell phone. I still go on the lost places tours. And I taught myself photography. Meanwhile, my camera, my drone, and I became an inseparable team.
I offer photography of all kinds and I like to photograph everything. However, portraits, shootings, as well as the Urbex photography are closest to my heart.
But for me, just as important as taking pictures is the editing. This is what gives the pictures their liveliness. The images that I edit, already arise in a certain structure in my editing process, but each image I would edit differently in the 2nd processing. With each image I want to create a “work of art”, make it something special.
When did you start and how did you get involved in Urbex photography?
In September 2017, I bought my first camera and then eagerly went on the Lost Place Tour. I have always been mega fascinated by such decaying buildings as well as former life. It’s an adventure to be a Urbexer, I always need some action!
What draws you to those lost places?
I just love it when I see that nature takes back its part and the house/factory/cars, etc. are falling more and more into decay… I also like the smell of musty houses. Practically every long-abandoned house smells the same.
Have you ever been scared of going to these kinds of locations?
Not so much. Most of the time, I always feel quite comfortable in such places. When I have my female colleagues with me, I rarely feel scared.
How do you find new lost places to go to?
Over research and coincidence while walking or driving a car. You can also “skim” the map a little and find one. Also, I have a few people with whom I am in contact for tips.
Do you keep count of all the lost places you visited? Can you share a number with us?
About 150 places, some of which have been visited several times.
How do you prepare for your urban exploration? Do you do any research beforehand?
Yes, researching in advance is very important as well as preparing a detailed plan and planning for several fallback options.
What do you need for Urbex photography? Do you need any special equipment if you want to take Urbex photos?
Yes, you need a few different things than a “regular” photographer. My equipment contains good shoes, preferably inconspicuous dark clothes, gloves, sturdy photo backpack. In the backpack, I carry a professional camera, a super bright flashlight, a small camera to make movies, and a respirator mask for moldy rooms. Attached to the backpack is a tripod, which is very, very important to get good pictures.
What is your approach to processing images? Which tools do you use? How much time do you devote to that?
I don’t have a PC, I edit everything on my big iPad and I’m very happy with that. I have one or two apps that I use regularly. When Urbexing, I just need natural light, sometimes a little flashlight to illuminate the room. I work a lot with HDR. I spend probably 1h a day in image processing (multiple images).
What is your opinion on why Urbex is becoming more and more popular?
It’s just something insanely exciting… also has something creepy and mystical about it.
There are good photo opportunities at lost places. Or Urbexers take colleagues who do not know about Urbexing to the lost locations and are fascinated afterward.
Can you make a living as an Urbex photographer? Or do you think it’s more like a hobby/passion project for photographers?
It would be great if this were so… but I think it’s not possible, or only rarely… In addition to Urbexing, you should take photos of other things and offer them to society, as I do. Then you can add a little more to your savings box. But even this is not enough to survive. That’s why it remains a passion.
Do you think you’ll eventually get bored by exploring lost places and stop doing it?
No, I don’t think so, rather because I don’t find the time anymore… But boring – definitely not!
Do you have any tips for beginners on how to get started with Urbex?
Keep your eyes open while you’re out and about. Just google wildly on the internet for lost Places. Watch Youtube videos about lost Places. Talk to Urbexers or best of all go with them once.😊
Thank you
Thank you for your time and the interview
*All photos by Deborah Sgier
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