SOME INFORMATION
Be welcome in the lonesome, but fascinating world of Urban Exploration. With UE explorers are creating a exposure of the lost glory and industrial decline. Documenting their normally unwanted and forbidden parts of our society.
JAhNoszh [Jan Stel, Purmerend-NL] started taking pictures since his teenage years, visually exploring lives moments. The old Nikon camera and lens gear from his dad made him even more interested. After the graphic academy he has done a follow up course in photography. With his skills in Photoshop, Motion and his profession at Souverein it has made him specialized in creative imagery.
The fascination for derelict structures and corroded colors made him search for unique abandoned and desolate places. Attracted by the beauty of these abandonments, he started capturing the long forgotten history of that past. Trespassing of these abandonments is forbidden and quite dangerous, but in common gates are wide open and doors are unlocked. Showing the beauty what most people at first sight experience as ugly and lost. Abandoned sites are generally entered first by locals, and often contains lots of graffiti and other acts of vandalism. In respect JAhNoszh "never" forces his way in and "don't takes" any souvenirs, by doing so the conditions where left as it was. So far there was never contact with the police or justice systems. And hopefully it stays this way! 
EXPLORATION KNOWABOUTS
Many share the fascination for Urban Exploration. But keep in mind that UE is very dangerous to do and could be unhealthy! Every urban location has it's own past, atmosphere and certain dangers. Always keep in mind that your about to enter forbidden and illegal places. Behind every door or corner you can expect to find a guard, the police, squatters, junkies or a nasty barking and biting dog.
Do never trust to walk or climb old wood or rusty stairs, when there is little doubt about the conditions. Always take care of the next step your about to do. Don't behave like a tourist. Before you know it your six floors down with lots of broken bones or worse. And let's not forget the invisible dangers like asbestos, mold and toxic chemicals. Always take precaution on the warning signs before entering abandoned sites and buildings. These abandonments earn your respect! Do never force your way in and don't take any souvenirs, it stays theft. Leave no traces!
So you still think urban exploring sounds interesting, well if you take the right precautions it could be! Always take a loaded mobile with you [including the alarm numbers in that area] and put the vibration mode on. Inform your closest family and friends where you are. Leaving specific details about the location your about to explore. Wear dark clothes and waterproof hiking or army boots, include a small set of tools in the photo bag, a helmet with light could also be very handy and a giant Maglite.
Note that Past Glory alias JAhNoszh does not accept any responsibility for injuries, health problems, arrest by police and everything else resulting from the act of Urban Exploration! This will be at your own risk!!! Be smart, stay at home and watch the large amount of photos on the web and in the media! You be warned!
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHS
It was a great pleasure to photograph the analogue way, mostly on 35 mm slides and in occasion on negatives. After developing there was always some excitement if the shooting was succeeded. The creative freedom of shooting digital raw files is speeding up the process. All though film is having these specific characteristics, the flexibility of raw files is opening new levels. Together with full HD filming the creative possibilities are extended. Of course once in while shooting on film stays fun.
His photography does not contain the use of hdri [software], instead Photoshop is used to brush the large amount of photographed brackets into a sort of lightpainting. The works are toned to extend the atmosphere of the abandonment. Similar in way like painters do, but then with photography as base. With this website he wants to share the photographed and filmed locations over the past years.
• Equipment? My creative set of tools.
• Do you offer the possibility to purchase a print?
Of course he does! And he will be pleased to deliver high quality prints.
For more information on costs and quality, contact JAhNoszh!
Or check the fine art print page for information about the process!
• Do you care about using your photography?
Yes he does care! Besides the risks of urban exploration, JAhNoszh spends a lot of time and creativity to get the best out of his explorations.
• Do you photograph custom projects?
Certainly, if you want JahNoszh to create a portfolio of your abandoned property, or like to have a before and after documentary reconstruction. Mail me your preferences and budget and let's work things out.
• Do you want to do a modelshoot?
O yes, that sounds like music and what will be his next step. Not in a cheap or pornographic way, but with elegancy. And fitting the surrounding and ambiance at that moment. Imagine for example a scene with old styled clothes, classic furniture and some fine looking details. So if you known you have photogenic looks and are willing to help us out creating art, we will help you to extend your portfolio. Just send your recent photo and some information about yourself...
Curious about my action photographs and fellow urbexers?
Feel free to contact JAhNoszh, e-mail: info[a]pastglory.nl