The eternal dance between past and present, nature and civilization, science and poetry continues to captivate the human imagination. These seemingly irreconcilable dualities serve a profound purpose in allowing artistic expression to construct bridges between disparate aspects of our existence, offering fleeting glimpses into the grand tapestry of life itself.
Emmanuel Tecles, known professionally as Tekprod, exemplifies this artistic bridge-building phenomenon. This French renaissance figure seamlessly balances his roles as a professional athlete and passionate photographer, harboring an deep fascination for bygone eras while simultaneously maintaining an active digital presence to showcase his compelling imagery. His love for derelict structures contrasts beautifully with his meticulous attention to his carefully crafted photography website. The unifying thread throughout his multifaceted pursuits remains urban exploration photography, commonly referred to as urbex.
This photographic genre, representing a specialized subset of urban imagery, has experienced tremendous growth and enthusiasm within the visual arts community over the past decade. Urban exploration photography involves the systematic documentation and artistic interpretation of human-made structures ranging from industrial facilities and religious buildings to residential estates that have been subsequently abandoned to the ravages of time. Emmanuel Tecles stands as a promising emerging talent in this field, offering invaluable insights into this adrenaline-fueled practice steeped in historical significance, nostalgic undertones, and ethereal atmospheres.
Defining Urban Exploration Photography
Emmanuel Tecles presents himself as a multifaceted individual whose diverse interests converge in fascinating ways. At thirty-five years of age, this French creator wears multiple professional hats, serving as a high school physical education instructor, competitive paddle tennis athlete, and accomplished author-photographer. His photographic journey began as an autodidactic pursuit in 2008, evolving into specialized urban exploration photography under the Tekprod moniker starting in 2010.
The practice of urban exploration photography, abbreviated as urbex, emerged as a distinct movement approximately two to three decades ago. The fundamental principle involves the systematic exploration and photographic documentation of structures created by human hands that have subsequently been abandoned to natural decay. Tecles' introduction to this genre occurred serendipitously during a visit to an abandoned railway station in Canfranc, nestled within the Pyrenees mountains. The atmospheric qualities of the location immediately captivated him, prompting him to capture a photograph that would later be identified by a friend as classic urbex work.
This accidental introduction reveals the organic nature of urban exploration photography, where practitioners often discover their passion through spontaneous encounters with forgotten places rather than deliberate artistic planning. Tecles prefers the terminology "exploration photography" over the more restrictive "urbex" label, believing this broader designation better encompasses the diverse approaches and individual perspectives that different photographers bring to abandoned locations.
Motivational Foundations and Artistic Sensibilities
The driving forces behind Tecles' continued engagement with urban exploration photography stem from multiple interconnected sources. His appreciation for historical architecture provides the intellectual foundation, while the adventurous aspects of travel and exploration satisfy his need for excitement and discovery. The adrenaline rush experienced during explorations adds a physiological dimension to the practice, while his curiosity about interior design elements, some of which possess extraordinary opulence, feeds his aesthetic sensibilities.
Beyond these immediate motivations lies a deeper philosophical critique of contemporary consumer culture. Tecles views urban exploration photography as a form of social commentary on society's tendency toward construction followed by abandonment rather than preservation and maintenance. This perspective transforms his photographic practice into a form of cultural criticism, documenting the consequences of throwaway mentality applied to architectural heritage.
The artistic dimension of abandoned spaces resonates deeply with Tecles' nostalgic temperament. These derelict locations possess an inherent poetic quality that speaks to his romantic sensibilities. His fascination with visiting temporal periods he never personally experienced reflects a desire to connect with historical continuity through physical spaces. He characterizes these experiences as "anachronistic wanderings," a concept that became the title of his website and encapsulates his approach to exploration photography.
The solitary nature of abandoned spaces provides another crucial element of appeal. Within these forgotten locations, Tecles encounters silence and self-reflection, creating opportunities for introspection and personal growth. The sense of existing within a parallel reality offers respite from contemporary life's constant stimulation and demands.
Historical Research and Contextual Understanding in Urban Exploration Photography
Urban exploration photography is an intriguing art form that combines creativity, historical insight, and a deep understanding of decay and transformation. While many photographers focus on documenting abandoned buildings and forgotten spaces, Tecles takes a far more comprehensive approach. His work is rooted in historical research, using archival materials and historical records to inform and enrich the context of his photographs. This method ensures that his images aren’t just aesthetic representations of decay but rather thoughtfully crafted narratives that speak to the evolving relationship between human civilization and the environment.
The Role of Historical Research in Urban Exploration Photography
For Tecles, historical research serves as the backbone of his photographic process. Before visiting any abandoned site, he delves deep into archival materials, old photographs, and municipal records to understand the building's origins, its previous use, and the cultural or social forces that shaped it. By examining past conditions and comparing them to the present state of the structure, Tecles gains a broader perspective, offering viewers a nuanced portrayal of the location. This comprehensive approach adds depth to his images, allowing them to transcend simple documentation and become a powerful tool for historical storytelling.
Archival Research: A Gateway to the Past
Tecles’ commitment to historical research often involves extensive exploration of archives. These archives may contain forgotten photographs, blueprints, letters, and documents that reveal key details about a building’s history, purpose, and significance. Through this process, Tecles is able to create a dialogue between past and present. For instance, an abandoned factory may once have been a hub of industrial activity, but now, it stands as a decaying relic of a bygone era. By combining historical knowledge with his photographs, Tecles not only captures the decay of these places but also honors their original purpose and significance.
Comparative Analysis: Past Versus Present
A distinctive feature of Tecles’ work is the comparative analysis between historical and contemporary states of abandoned buildings. By finding and juxtaposing historical photographs of these locations with his own images, he creates a visual comparison that speaks volumes about the passage of time. This process allows viewers to see the stark contrasts between the vibrancy of the past and the desolation of the present. It also emphasizes the impact of human activity, neglect, and nature’s inexorable process of decay. In doing so, Tecles not only documents physical change but also underscores the impermanence of human constructions and the inevitability of time's transformative power.
The Impact of Time on Architecture and Decay
The passage of time is an essential theme in Tecles’ photographic work. Time shapes both the human-built environment and the natural world. Abandoned buildings are living testaments to this process. Where once there were bustling activities, now there may be empty halls and crumbling walls. The effects of weather, wear, and neglect are often visible in these structures. Tecles’ images convey this sense of time through the textures of peeling paint, rusting metal, and collapsing walls. These elements become metaphors for the transitory nature of human achievement, illustrating how even the most robust structures are susceptible to the ravages of time.
Heritage Conservation and the Role of Urban Exploration
Tecles’ commitment to historical research and urban exploration extends beyond personal artistic expression. In his recent collaboration with the Municipality of Toulouse, Tecles played a pivotal role in documenting abandoned sites before and after rehabilitation. This project showcased the practical applications of his historical approach, as it allowed him to chronicle the process of conservation and revitalization. By capturing both the pre-rehabilitation and post-restoration states of these locations, Tecles helped to emphasize the significance of preserving historical structures. His work advocates for the importance of heritage conservation, suggesting that through careful restoration, we can maintain a connection with the past while making these spaces relevant for future generations.
The Intersection of History, Architecture, and Art
Tecles’ photography demonstrates the profound intersection of history, architecture, and art. His deep understanding of architectural styles, urban planning, and historical context elevates his work beyond that of a typical photographer. Each image is a careful consideration of both form and function, presenting abandoned buildings not as forgotten structures but as important historical artifacts. His photographs become art objects in their own right, imbued with historical meaning and cultural significance. By merging the worlds of photography and history, Tecles’ work serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling through images, bridging the gap between past and present, decay and preservation.
Artistic Influences and Inspirational Sources
Tecles draws inspiration from numerous photographers across various disciplines, though he particularly admires Aurélien Villette, recognized as one of the major figures in urban exploration photography. Villette's approach to creating serious, thoroughly researched projects that span multiple years while incorporating economic, social, and political dimensions of architectural subjects serves as a model for Tecles' own artistic development. Personal interactions and exploration trips with Villette have provided invaluable learning opportunities and motivation for continuous improvement.
The influence of filmmaker Tim Burton's distinctive aesthetic universe permeates Tecles' work, particularly in terms of dark and enigmatic atmospheric qualities. Similarly, the poetic writings of French author Mathias Malzieu, characterized by imaginative storytelling and fantastical elements, inform his approach to visual narrative construction. These diverse artistic influences demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of urban exploration photography and its connections to broader cultural movements.
Collaborative Exploration Strategies
The practical aspects of urban exploration photography involve careful planning and strategic collaboration between photographers. While reconnaissance missions often require solitary work, most exploration trips involve small groups of two or three photographers traveling together. This collaborative approach serves multiple practical purposes, beginning with essential safety considerations in potentially hazardous environments.
Group exploration also provides opportunities for mutual assistance, knowledge sharing, and cost distribution for extended trips. Average exploration journeys cover approximately 5,000 kilometers over six to eight days, necessitating automobile transportation for maximum flexibility and autonomy. The ability to adapt itineraries based on changing conditions such as site closures or rehabilitation work requires the mobility that only personal transportation can provide.
Strategic planning becomes crucial for successful exploration trips, including the identification of alternative locations along travel routes to accommodate unexpected circumstances. Local road networks often provide greater potential for serendipitous discoveries compared to major highways, making route selection an important consideration for exploration photographers.
Community Dynamics and Ethical Considerations
The collaborative nature of urban exploration photography extends beyond practical trip planning to encompass broader community interactions and shared passion for forgotten places. Tecles actively engages with fellow photographers through social media platforms, developing relationships that lead to joint exploration opportunities. However, he strongly condemns the practice of indiscriminate location sharing among photographers motivated primarily by expanding their exploration lists or gaining social media attention.
This criticism highlights a fundamental tension within the urban exploration photography community between authentic artistic expression and superficial achievement collection. Photographers focused on accumulating Facebook likes and Instagram followers rather than creating meaningful artistic work represent what Tecles considers the worst approach to the practice. He emphasizes that photographs with genuine artistic merit will succeed based on their inherent quality and thoughtful execution rather than their connection to popular or trending locations.
Characteristics of Exceptional Urban Exploration Sites
The identification of outstanding urban exploration locations requires consideration of multiple criteria that distinguish exceptional sites from merely accessible abandoned buildings. Primary among these factors is the relative obscurity of the location, meaning it has been discovered and photographed by few other artists. This exclusivity ensures that new work from the site will offer fresh perspectives rather than repetitive documentation of well-known locations.
Preservation quality represents another crucial consideration, with ideal sites displaying minimal defacement or vandalism. Graffiti and other forms of deliberate damage demonstrate disrespect for architectural heritage and diminish the historical integrity that makes abandoned spaces artistically compelling. The presence of such defacement also suggests heavy visitor traffic, which typically correlates with reduced safety and increased risk of encounters with authorities.
Natural decay processes produced solely by temporal forces and vegetation growth create the most aesthetically pleasing and historically authentic abandoned environments. Sites where deterioration has occurred organically without human interference preserve the genuine character of architectural aging and provide the most compelling subjects for artistic documentation. Discovery and documentation of such pristine locations represents the ultimate achievement for urban exploration photographers.
Contemporary Challenges and Community Evolution
The current state of urban exploration photography reflects significant changes from its origins as an underground subculture. When Tecles began his practice seven years ago, the community consisted of a relatively small, tightly connected group of practitioners who valued discretion and limited exposure. This intimate community fostered a family-like atmosphere characterized by collaboration rather than competition, with members traveling between regions to share experiences and knowledge.
The transformation of urban exploration photography from niche practice to mainstream trend occurred approximately three to four years ago, triggered in part by television documentary coverage intended to raise awareness about architectural heritage but resulting in the opposite effect. The sudden influx of inexperienced practitioners led to various problems including increased site defacement, safety incidents, and fatal accidents involving young explorers in industrial locations.
This popularization has been accompanied by the emergence of what Tecles characterizes as megalomaniacal behavior among some photographers who approach sites without proper preparation or respect, seeking only smartphone images to share on social media as proof of their presence. This superficial approach to urban exploration photography represents a fundamental departure from the thoughtful, historically informed practice that defined the original community.
Risk Assessment and Safety Protocols
Urban exploration photography involves inherent risks that require careful consideration and appropriate safety measures. The primary danger stems from the unsanitary conditions prevalent in abandoned structures, where deteriorated materials, unstable surfaces, and environmental hazards create numerous opportunities for accidents. Photographers must exercise extreme caution regarding foot placement and structural integrity assessment to avoid injury.
Legal risks represent another significant concern, as exploration activities may attract attention from neighbors, property owners, or law enforcement officials. Tecles addresses this challenge by limiting his activities to genuinely abandoned private properties that can be accessed without causing damage, such as through basement entrances or by climbing to accessible balconies from nearby trees. When these conditions cannot be met safely and legally, he simply continues to alternative locations.
The combination of physical and legal risks necessitates careful planning and risk assessment for each exploration opportunity. Photographers must balance their artistic ambitions with practical safety considerations and legal compliance to ensure their activities remain sustainable and responsible.
Memorable Experiences and Atmospheric Encounters
While police encounters and legal complications might seem like the most dramatic aspects of urban exploration photography, Tecles' most memorable experiences often involve the mysterious and atmospheric qualities of abandoned spaces. One particularly striking incident occurred in Belgium while photographing a house that remained fully furnished with clothing and personal belongings, as if the inhabitants had simply vanished without explanation.
While documenting a teenager's bedroom, a piece of plaster fell from the ceiling, breaking a perfume bottle and filling the room with fragrance. Simultaneously, wind rushed through the space, moving a door and creating a powerful sense of supernatural presence that continues to evoke emotional responses years later. This experience exemplifies the emotional intensity and psychological impact that abandoned spaces can generate, contributing to the addictive nature of urban exploration photography.
Such encounters highlight the psychological dimensions of urban exploration photography that extend beyond mere documentation to encompass profound emotional and spiritual experiences. The combination of historical resonance, atmospheric mystery, and physical solitude creates conditions conducive to intense personal reactions and lasting memories that fuel continued engagement with the practice.
Professional Development and Artistic Standards
Maintaining high artistic standards while numerous amateur practitioners enter the field requires dedication to fundamental principles and continuous skill development. Tecles emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to community guidelines, including discretion regarding location sharing and proper identification protocols that protect site integrity and safety.
Independent research represents a crucial component of professional development, with Tecles having identified and catalogued over 500 locations across 10 European countries, 300 of which he has personally explored. This extensive database reflects years of dedicated investigation and demonstrates the level of commitment required for serious urban exploration photography.
Continuous innovation and technical advancement provide additional avenues for professional growth and artistic differentiation. Tecles has expanded his practice to include model photography within abandoned settings and video production in collaboration with musician friends, demonstrating the potential for creative evolution within the urban exploration photography framework.
Economic Considerations and Passionate Pursuit
Urban exploration photography exists for many practitioners as a passionate pursuit rather than a primary income source. Tecles maintains his teaching career while pursuing photography as a serious but financially independent artistic practice. This approach allows him to maintain the passionate engagement that drew him to the field initially while avoiding the potential compromises that might accompany commercial pressure.
The decision to maintain urban exploration photography as a passion project rather than a business venture reflects deeper philosophical considerations about the nature of artistic expression and personal fulfillment. While acknowledging the legitimacy of photographers who earn their living through urban exploration work, Tecles believes that preserving the passionate foundation of his practice ensures continued artistic integrity and personal satisfaction.
Technical Training and Skill Development
The development of technical proficiency in urban exploration photography requires patience and persistence, with learning curves that extend over multiple years. Tecles characterizes his approach as learning through trial and error, acknowledging that this process required significantly more time than more structured educational approaches might have provided. The retrospective frustration of possessing technically inadequate images from early exploration periods illustrates the importance of continuous skill development.
The self-taught nature of urban exploration photography reflects the underground origins of the practice and the limited availability of formal educational resources. This autodidactic approach, while requiring greater time investment, often produces photographers with distinctive personal styles and deep technical understanding gained through extensive practical experience.
Equipment Selection and Technical Considerations
The technical demands of urban exploration photography require careful equipment selection balanced against practical portability constraints. Tecles' current kit includes two Canon camera bodies, a 70D and a 6D, paired with Sigma wide-angle and standard zoom lenses covering focal lengths from 12mm to 105mm. Additional equipment includes a tripod for stability in low-light conditions, LED lighting for scene illumination, and a Canon 500mm telephoto lens for distant subjects.
The total equipment weight often exceeds 10 kilograms, presenting significant logistical challenges during extended exploration trips that may involve substantial walking distances and challenging terrain. This equipment burden necessitates careful planning and physical preparation for exploration activities, particularly when accessing remote or difficult-to-reach locations.
The selection of specific focal lengths and camera capabilities reflects the unique technical requirements of urban exploration photography, including the need for wide-angle coverage in confined spaces, low-light performance in dimly lit interiors, and sufficient resolution for detailed architectural documentation.
Guidance for Aspiring Urban Exploration Photographers
Tecles' advice for newcomers to urban exploration photography emphasizes the fundamental importance of thorough preparation and adherence to established protocols. The temptation to rush into exploration activities without proper research and planning must be resisted in favor of methodical approach development that prioritizes safety, legality, and artistic quality.
The collaborative nature of the urban exploration photography community provides valuable learning opportunities for new practitioners willing to engage respectfully with experienced photographers. Knowledge sharing, joint exploration opportunities, and mentorship relationships can significantly accelerate skill development while fostering appropriate attitudes toward the practice.
Innovation and personal style development represent crucial long-term goals for aspiring urban exploration photographers. While technical competence and safety awareness provide the foundation for successful practice, artistic differentiation through unique perspective and creative approach ultimately determines long-term success and satisfaction in the field.
Post-Processing Philosophy and Workflow
The digital post-processing phase of urban exploration photography reflects Tecles' philosophy of careful preparation during the capture stage rather than extensive computer manipulation afterward. He dedicates considerable time to achieving optimal camera settings, composition, and lighting during the photography process, believing that fundamental problems cannot be effectively corrected through digital editing.
This approach results in minimal post-processing requirements, typically involving only basic contrast adjustments and subtle enhancements that preserve the authentic character of the original scene. The rejection of extensive Photoshop manipulation maintains the documentary integrity of urban exploration photography while ensuring that the final images accurately represent the atmospheric qualities that make abandoned spaces compelling.
The temporal aspect of post-processing work allows for multiple interpretations of the same source material as artistic vision evolves over time. Tecles often returns to previously processed images months or years later, applying different approaches based on changing aesthetic preferences and technical capabilities.
Digital Presence and Social Media Strategy
The contemporary landscape of urban exploration photography requires effective digital marketing and social media engagement to reach appropriate audiences and build professional recognition. Tecles utilizes Facebook and Instagram as primary platforms for sharing work and connecting with fellow photographers, while acknowledging the potentially addictive nature of social media feedback mechanisms.
The real-time response capabilities of social media platforms provide immediate validation for artistic work, satisfying the natural desire for audience engagement and professional recognition. However, this instant feedback cycle must be balanced against the risk of creating work specifically designed for social media consumption rather than genuine artistic expression.
Professional website development represents a crucial component of comprehensive digital strategy, providing a formal platform for portfolio presentation and client interaction. The website serves as the primary destination for serious inquiries and professional opportunities, with social media activities serving primarily as traffic generation tools.
Website Development and Professional Presentation
The selection of website development platform reflects practical considerations about functionality, ease of use, and professional presentation capabilities. Tecles' choice of platform was influenced by the availability of free service tiers, comprehensive functionality, and continuous feature updates that evolve with user needs and technological advances.
The user-friendly nature of modern website building tools enables photographers without extensive technical backgrounds to create professional-quality presentations that accurately represent their artistic vision. The ability to customize templates while maintaining professional design standards provides flexibility for personal expression within established aesthetic frameworks.
Regular website updates following exploration trips ensure that the online portfolio remains current and engaging for repeat visitors. The testing of new gallery features and animation elements reflects ongoing commitment to technical excellence and user experience optimization.
Design Philosophy and User Experience
Effective website design for urban exploration photography requires careful balance between aesthetic appeal and functional navigation. Tecles' approach emphasizes streamlined user experience with minimal click requirements to access any section of the site, ensuring that visitors can efficiently explore the portfolio without frustration or confusion.
The visual integration of website design elements with photographic content creates cohesive brand presentation that reinforces the artistic message. Background imagery selection, typography choices, and color schemes should complement rather than compete with the primary photographic content while establishing appropriate atmospheric context.
The symbolic use of design elements, such as cracked wall backgrounds, can effectively communicate the essence of urban exploration photography while maintaining professional presentation standards. These subtle visual cues help visitors understand the artistic philosophy and aesthetic approach without requiring extensive textual explanation.
Inspirational Philosophy and Creative Vision
The underlying philosophy of urban exploration photography encompasses broader themes of imagination, creativity, and personal courage in pursuing artistic vision. Tecles emphasizes that every individual possesses imaginative capabilities sufficient to transcend existing creative boundaries, requiring only the courage to pursue unconventional ideas and approaches.
The power of direct communication and personal initiative in achieving artistic goals demonstrates the importance of proactive engagement with potential collaborators and opportunities. Social media platforms provide unprecedented access to other creative professionals, enabling partnerships and projects that might have been impossible in previous generations.
The continuous evolution of artistic practice through new projects, educational opportunities, and creative challenges ensures ongoing professional development and personal satisfaction. The preparation of books, lectures, and exhibitions represents natural progression for established urban exploration photographers seeking to share their knowledge and expand their influence.
Future Directions and Creative Evolution
The expansion of urban exploration photography into related creative fields demonstrates the potential for artistic growth and professional development within the practice. Collaboration with models, musicians, and other creative professionals opens new avenues for artistic expression while maintaining connection to the core aesthetic principles that define the genre.
Educational opportunities including lectures, workshops, and publications provide platforms for sharing knowledge and influencing the next generation of urban exploration photographers. These activities contribute to the overall development of the field while establishing individual practitioners as recognized experts and thought leaders.
The integration of multiple creative mediums including photography, videography, and written narrative creates opportunities for comprehensive artistic projects that transcend the limitations of single-medium expression. This multimedia approach reflects the contemporary expectation for diverse content formats while providing additional revenue streams and creative outlets.
Conclusion:
Urban exploration photography represents a unique intersection of historical preservation, artistic expression, and personal adventure that continues to attract passionate practitioners despite inherent challenges and risks. The practice serves as a form of cultural documentation that preserves visual records of architectural heritage while providing commentary on contemporary society's relationship with its built environment.
The evolution of urban exploration photography from underground subculture to mainstream practice reflects broader changes in photographic technology, social media culture, and public interest in alternative artistic expressions. While this popularization has created new challenges for serious practitioners, it has also expanded opportunities for creative collaboration and professional recognition.
The fundamental appeal of abandoned spaces as subjects for artistic exploration suggests that urban exploration photography will continue to attract dedicated practitioners who appreciate the unique combination of historical significance, atmospheric mystery, and creative challenge that defines the genre. The success of individual photographers will depend on their ability to maintain high artistic standards while adapting to changing technological and cultural conditions.
The philosophy of imagination and courage that underlies successful urban exploration photography provides valuable lessons for creative professionals in all fields. The willingness to pursue unconventional subjects, explore challenging environments, and maintain artistic integrity despite commercial pressures demonstrates the enduring value of passionate dedication to creative vision.
Through careful documentation of forgotten places and thoughtful interpretation of their historical and cultural significance, urban exploration photographers like Emmanuel Tecles contribute to broader understanding of human civilization's relationship with time, memory, and architectural heritage. Their work serves as both artistic expression and historical record, ensuring that abandoned spaces continue to inspire and educate future generations despite their physical deterioration and eventual disappearance.