Abandoned and neglected buildings

This is an intriguing photograph. I was attracted by the sharp stillness of the narrow strip of building against the soft, muted and neutral fore- and background. How has this been achieved? Certainly, it appears to have been produced through a long exposure during subdued, soft (possibly post-sunset) daylight. The long exposure creating the shimmer in the water and sweep of sky. Closer examination of the image, however reveals telltale signs of post-production manipulation, from which I now have doubts about its authenticity as a singular original exposure.

This was such a different photograph from the majority of entries in the contest. It is simple, yet striking. The dark lines of the remnant structure have been expertly composed within the frame. There is enough detail and shape to consider. Then that 'pop' of colour and contrast of the backlit window, add to the abstract nature of the scene. Excellent.

What a great photograph! Let us examine it firstly, from a compositional perspective. The foreground band of neat roadway anchors the frame's base. The next band of information is the landscape beyond the road. On which sits our abandoned and neglected building. And, what a building! At first glance it appears a simple old timber shed. Though partially collapsed, the upper section seems relatively intact by comparison. It is the scale and nature of this part of the building that is odd. It seems almost as if it were another building resting atop the collapsed section underneath. It is particularly odd. This oddness is contrasted, and complimented by the serenity of the sweeping hills of the landscape and the puffy clouds in the sky. Formal and serene melded with abrasion and discord. Who would want more from a photograph.

What a structure! When built (am guessing: mid-20th century), it must have been a striking building. Now remant and deserted, it appears a bold juxtaposition of shape, light and reflections. I like the way the photographer has aligned their point-of-view so accurately. There is an excellent balance of above and below horizon-line information. The watery pools provide a further amalgamtion of colour, texture and shape.

A double-elevation view provides two layers for us to consider. The closer wall provides a frame to the view beyond where the remnant wall features further punctures featuring new information afresh (a seagull!). This layering of elevations is a neat way to engage the viewer and make us look more closely as to what exactly is the spatial arrangement.

A strong, simple composition has provided a perfect frame to capture this scene. The angles of both the architecture and the composition, drage our gaze into the depths – accumulating information as we go. What particularly attracts me is the darkened tones and the brilliant shaft of light from left. Together they further inflect the drama of this weird abandoned place.

I really like this photograph. The composition, the light, the balance of building and discarded door. The trouble is that the roof, windows, door all look refurbished. And thus, not abandoned nor neglected. Determining what consitutes this is not always clear.

This building has collapsed as if it were an inflated toy – no longer in use, deflated and discarded in the back corner of the garden – worn and forgotten. I love that, athough in a crumpled state, it nonetheless holds a quiet dignity – as if it were not yet dead, merely taking a quiet nap. The red chimney (top right of frame) still intact and holding fort until the rest of the building rejoins it.

A quiet corner of an abandoned interior of some random, nondescript building. Aside from attempts at graffitied intervention, the palette is neutral, deadpan. A cool blue light washes from above down the stairs. Our eye is drawn to the warm glow of a light hovering within an alcove. The steps lead to an entry... but, to where? It is a dead end. The composition of this photograph is excellent. All the component parts are perfectly positioned. They merge to create a perfect example of an imagined dystopian interior world: led to this odd corner – by the warm light, the odd, smiley face – to what could, might, we hope, be an exit point from this weird and rather chilling place to some where safe.

I love that what appears to be two separate buildings is in fact one whole minus a central component. This twist provides a point of interest and draws the viewer to look more closely. The soft, but warm light is counterposed by grey, brooding sky. The foreground fence posts add another element along with the assorted items in the window.

This classic subject – a remnant motel on some random highway in the USA (?) – provides all th elements for a great photograph. The faded sign, the arrow pointing the the office below, the boarded windows and tumbleweeds across the forecourt. Perfect light and a well balanced composition.

Remnant structures provide wonderful examples of the melding of the original structural materials and how these have been altered over time through erosion and other impacts. This composition – a classic, one-point perspective cropped view of a section of an imposing industrial relic – holds a formal layering of structural bands. Within these are further detailed elements. This bold mix of shape and line is offset by rusty red hues, speckled by the blue of graffiti. The detail of structure and stressed aesthetic provides much to ponder.

The neutral tones of a contrasty black & white rendition, work perfectly in this semi-detailed composition of a nondescript modernist building. The raw concrete masses provide a hint of scale, but the building extends beyond the frame, suggesting it is much larger still. The battered steel fence in the foreground further disguises the building's true nature, adding only to the note of bleakness. I appreciate the striking linear angles created by this two-point perspective view. It creates a certain dynamism that intensifies the discord of the whole. It is interesting how abandoned and neglected buildings of the modern era lend themselves so well to a dystopian consideration. This photograph is a preeminent in that regard.

The Salton Sea is a magical blend of arid landscape, hazy blue skies and mirrored water. The deserted buildings stand as wild architectural sculptures from a Mad Max film. This photograph holds our gaze through a formal, one-point perspective view of an old tyre stop. Simple, utilitarian architecture now acts as a canvas for an urban art not often seen in this out-of-the-way place.