Discovering the World of Urbex Photography
Urbex, short for Urban Exploration, is all about discovering and documenting abandoned places. It’s not just about taking photographs. It’s about experiencing locations that most people will never see. Every abandoned building has its own story to tell through peeling paint, forgotten objects, broken windows and years of decay. There is a unique atmosphere in these places that simply can’t be recreated.
My interest in urbex photography began during my photography course in Belgium. Even though I’ve been photographing for many years, I still choose to study because I believe you never stop learning as a photographer. That’s one of the reasons I love photography so much. There is always something new to discover, a different perspective to explore or another skill to develop. When I was introduced to urbex photography, I was immediately fascinated. It combines adventure, history and creativity in a way that perfectly matches my passion for visual storytelling.
My first urbex adventure took me to Montzen, a small village in Belgium, home to an impressive abandoned railway station. Once an important railway hub during the Second World War, it now stands as a quiet reminder of the past. Rusted tracks, decaying buildings and complete silence created an atmosphere unlike anything I had experienced before.
When I first arrived, I honestly didn’t know what to think. Everything looked old, dirty and neglected. But the moment I picked up my camera and started exploring, something changed. I entered what photographers often call “the zone.” For the next three hours, I completely lost track of time. Nothing else mattered. My full attention was on discovering details, finding compositions and capturing the atmosphere around me. Those are the moments I enjoy the most because they allow me to forget everything else and become fully immersed in the creative process. Looking back, that first impression quickly disappeared and was replaced by excitement. The more I explored, the more beauty I discovered, and before I knew it, the afternoon had flown by.
Curious to see what my very first urbex experience looked like? On my YouTube channel I take you along during my adventure in Montzen and show you the unique atmosphere of this fascinating location.
If you’d like to see more stories about photography, filmmaking, gear and creativity, feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel and join me on future adventures.
YouTube: https: https://youtu.be/IaORU2qA2jw?si=fARiCP3eGdlU_tCj