Abandoned
An Abandoned Nursery in Chernobyl
An Abandoned Nursery in Chernobyl
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Jun, 2013Views
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Contest Finalist in Urban Decay Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Abandoned Places Photo Contest
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PRO+
Boricua63
February 15, 2016
It is almost the opening scene of a mystery novel. It evoke in me feelings of an abandoned orphanage.
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adavies
March 17, 2017
Cool image! Nicely done! If you haven't done so already, please consider joining my Beautiful Urbex challenge:)
https:// viewbug.com/challenge/beautiful-urbex-photo-challenge-by-adavies
https:// viewbug.com/challenge/beautiful-urbex-photo-challenge-by-adavies
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This image was captured whilst touring the abandoned town of Pripyat in Chernobyl. This is the remains of the local nursery and in every room there are haunting reminders of lost memories that would have been created here.Time
This was taken mid morning as we have to go through a check point which is not open to the public too early in the morning. We had to have our papers in order to be cleared to enter the "zone" as they call it. There has been an exclusion zone in this area since the disaster in 1986 and so we have to schedule a time to gain entry.Lighting
This is the time when you are on a tight schedule and guided around. So I didn't have the luxury of being able to set up a tripod or any lighting. When time is so limited like this, I switch to auto ISO (rather risk grain to save the focus) and aperture priority. I bracketed this image to have the option to create a HDR exposure if I so choose at the processing stage and also to reduce to risk of under or over exposing the shot as time was against me.Equipment
This was shot freehand at multiple exposures, no lighting, no flash or tripodInspiration
There are time when you walk into a room, step into an area and it scream out take this photo. I entered, and saw this humbling yet iconic display of loss, and abandonment. This is where child came to feel safe and yet they all had to flee, I feel although an old image of mine now, it still speaks volumes.Editing
This is multiple exposures, it was a time I had recently learnt how to create HDR images (High Dynamic Range). It wasn't till i returned home did i decide to process this one as a HDR image. I feel if I didn't create a monochrome image from this (original plan) then I should aim to gain the atmosphere from multiple exposures.In my camera bag
I rarely carry a flash these days (except for weddings) but I have my Canon 5D Mark 3, my trusty 50m 1.8, my favourite lens Canon 85 mm 1.8, I have a Tokina 16-28mm for landscaping or architecture with Lee filters. Occasionally I use a Sigma 24-70 2.8 and Sigma 70-200mm and when I am on an urban exploration I use my Canon 60D body with a sigma 10-20mm. I carry a single video light for the moment I need a little lighting which is normally attached to a mini Manfrotto tripod. My larger tripods are a Vangard which is my big tripod and a Manfrotto be free as my travel tripod.Feedback
To visit a location like Chernobyl, you need a couple of days. I did the group coach visit and although it was educational (History of the disaster on a video during the travel), felt I was ushered around a little too much. I plan on returning again but this time it will be more tailored and in a small group. You can then travel with a guide by car and in advance explain what you most likely want to see in advance. I have travelled quite a lot since and my advice is you can never spend enough time researching. This applies to any trip you plan on embarking in the future. Research the area, find what is close by, what else is worth seeing at the same time. Look up images from there, what time was it taken, what angle and how did they take it. Get a sun app so you know where the sun will be for when you arrive as you don't want it full in you face or your subject matter left in the shade either. Consider what lens is best as you don't want to turn up without a wide angle and find the room was much smaller then you thought. If you are limited to time like i was on this tour, consider a couple of pouches for your lenses so you don't have to keep opening your backpack to save time. But of all this, know your subject matter before you arrive, you will be more relaxed and confident you are getting the best from your visit.
