For the intrepid photographer, abandoned places can be the most interesting and rewarding subjects to shoot. As nature begins to take back structures left dormant, new textures, colors, and scenes emerge. At the William Ulmer Brewery, a landmarked 19th-century building in Bushwick left abandoned for nearly 50 years, there is no shortage of intriguing visuals to capture. Here, we explore the brewery through the abandoned photography of Andrea Phox, a professional photographer who captured the spaces using a variety of techniques, from macro photography and light painting to panorama and infrared photography.
Long Exposure Photography
You too can create stunning images like those seen here when you join Untapped New York’s Exclusive-Access Photo Tour of the William Ulmer Brewery! There are limited spots available for this tour which runs on August 26th.
Exclusive-Access Photo Tour
Panoramic Photography
On this 4-hour experience, you and a small group of photographers, with any level of experience, will have full access to multiple levels of the brewery, from the eerie 150-year-old underground beer vaults to the vibrantly graffitied rooftop with city views. You are free to explore and shoot on your own or take part in group light painting and long exposure sessions.
Infrared Photography
Andrea Phox and her assistant will be on hand to demonstrate the techniques you see here, so you can create your own unique abandoned photography! Participants on this photo tour will be some of the last people to see the brewery in its raw, abandoned state. In the fall, construction is set to start on a major restoration project led by DXA Studio. The renovations will transform the brewery into much-needed housing and retail spaces.
Macro-Photography
William Ulmer Brewery was built in the late 1800s. Once brewery operations ceased, some of the buildings in the compound were demolished, while others were used for various manufacturing purposes, and one was converted into a home. For the past 50 years, however, the landmarked brewhouse has sat largely untouched. Check out more photos for inspiration in the gallery below!
Don’t miss your chance to get inside this one-of-a-kind spaceand create your own beautiful abandoned photography!
Exclusive-Access Photo Tour
Next, check out Inside the Abandoned Beer Vaults at Ulmer Brewery