Photographing Urban Decay - The Beauty of Ugly Places

In this video, I set out to photograph things that are traditionally considered ugly — places most people walk past or actively avoid. Using my camera, I explore urban decay, graffiti, litter, neglected architecture, and scenes of social deprivation to see what stories they tell. I begin in a pedestrian subway, its walls completely covered in graffiti and showing clear signs of neglect. While shooting here, I also explain how I discreetly conceal my camera when working in challenging or sensitive urban environments. From there, I visit a housing estate described by the Manchester Evening News as the most deprived estate in Greater Manchester, walking the area and documenting what I see through photography rather than judgement. Next, I explore a graffiti-covered footpath filled with litter, finding unexpected compositions within the chaos. I then head to Wythenshawe Civic Centre — once a thriving community hub, now a place suffering from long-term neglect and decline — capturing images that reflect its faded importance and current condition. To finish the day, I stop at The Cornishman Hotel for a half pint of Carling. This moment is especially meaningful, as it was once my grandfather’s favourite pub, bringing a personal note to the end of an otherwise gritty exploration. This video is about documenting reality, finding interest where others see none, and using photography to tell honest urban stories. 📍 Locations Featured • Graffiti-covered pedestrian subway • Deprived housing estate in Greater Manchester • Graffiti and littered footpath • Wythenshawe Civic Centre • The Cornishman Hotel 📷 Gear Used • Canon R6 Mark II • Canon 17 - 40mm lens Music: www.purple-planet.com