Urban exploration (urbex) photography is about capturing the atmosphere of decay. It’s about finding beauty in the forgotten and highlighting the textures that time and elements have created over decades. But shooting in abandoned structures, especially during the dark winters of Finland, presents unique technical challenges.

The most common obstacle is the severe lack of light. Many of our expeditions venture deep into sealed hotel wings or subterranean corridors where natural light is a luxury. Bringing a sturdy tripod is non-negotiable. Long exposures are your best friend, allowing you to keep your ISO low to avoid digital noise while capturing the deep, moody shadows that define these spaces.

Another crucial tip is to embrace the contrast. The interplay between pitch-black corners and the pale, ethereal light filtering through dirty or broken windows creates natural drama. Focus your metering on the highlights to ensure you don't blow out the delicate window light, letting the shadows fall where they naturally belong.

Look for leading lines in the form of endless brutalist corridors or sweeping, rusted staircases. Use wide-angle lenses to emphasize the vast emptiness of the halls, or switch to a macro lens to capture the intricate, peeling textures of vintage velvet wallpapers. Most importantly, shoot with respect for the history of the location—let the silence guide your framing.