Taking the Next Step in Urban Exploration
Exploration has become one of my favorite photographic pursuits in recent months. There’s something magnetic about abandoned ranches and weathered farmhouses—their walls holding stories that nature and time will soon erase. Until now, my work focused on exteriors; I’d never dared to step inside, partly out of respect for property owners (and, truthfully, a healthy dose of caution). But all that changed when I encountered my first urban relic—right in the heart of the city.
The Context
A work trip brought me to downtown Houston, where our team was assessing an abandoned car dealership for a potential project. My role was to document the building’s condition—photographing its flaws, damages, and quirks. With my camera already in hand, I couldn’t resist capturing a few artistic shots alongside the required ones. The moment I stepped inside, I was struck by a surreal familiarity; the peeling paint, the dim corridors, and the eerie silence felt like something straight out of the Backrooms.
An interesting experience
As I ventured deeper, the scene shifted from Backrooms eeriness to something more like The Last of Us—a frozen moment in time. Offices and storage rooms lay just as they had over a year ago, as if their occupants had stepped out mid-conversation. Neckties hung over chairs, plates and cups sat on desks, hinting at a gathering that never resumed. Mold scented the air, its source visible in water stains dripping from the ceiling.
Looking for more content like this?
Experiences like this are exactly what inspired my book, Lone Star Roads. It’s a journey into the spirit of urban exploration—capturing the forgotten, weathered, and unseen corners of Texas, from remote farmhouses to hidden city relics. If you enjoyed this story, you’ll love the adventures waiting inside its pages. Grab your copy through the link below.
Lone Star Roads
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You can also bring a piece of these forgotten places into your own home. My print gallery features scenes like the ones you’ve just read about—and every purchase helps me continue documenting these vanishing stories.
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