Abandoned Places by Janine Pendleton

Janine Pendleton

Janine Pendleton, widely recognized for her blog Obsidian Urbex Photography, is a photographer and explorer captivated by abandoned places, where traces of the past linger in forgotten silence. Her journey began in August 2015 during a visit to the abandoned Camelot Theme Park in the UK, a place she had cherished from her childhood. Standing amidst the ruins of what was once lively, Janine felt a powerful connection to history, a moment that changed her life’s course.

Camelot Theme Park is an abandoned amusement park in Lancashire, England. The park was themed around medieval knights, dragons and the legend of Camelot

Janine has since shared her passion for exploring abandoned spaces with the world, visiting over 700 locations across 26 countries, including the United States, Japan, various European nations, and the Middle East. Her project Obsidian Urbex Photography has become a platform where she presents her work, capturing glimpses of history through her lens.

In her photography, Janine adheres to strict ethical principles that set her apart in the world of urban exploration. She uses only her own equipment, leaves no trace of her presence, does no harm to the sites, and never takes souvenirs from the locations she visits—believing this would be tantamount to theft. Pendleton’s mission is not to disturb or alter these spaces but to document and preserve moments in time that seem frozen in these deserted structures.

Adhering to the principle of “take nothing but photographs,” Janine strives to preserve the untouched atmosphere of each location so others can see and appreciate it in its authentic state.

Pendleton takes great care to conceal the exact names and addresses of the abandoned sites, safeguarding them from excessive attention and vandalism. Her work showcases unique structures, from deserted greenhouses to vintage aircraft, Citroen DS cars, and rare Art Deco architecture. For Janine, each place is unique and bears marks of time that she captures with enthusiasm. Through digital photography, she believes these moments can be preserved forever and made accessible to people around the world.

Having become part of an international community of abandoned location photographers, Janine not only captures images but also shares her expertise with like-minded enthusiasts. She engages actively with her followers and friends through Patreon and her website, where she offers books, prints, and other artifacts featuring her work. Her approach and lifestyle inspire many, showing that art can serve as both a means of personal expression and a way to preserve cultural heritage.

Janine’s work goes beyond simple photography—she sees herself as a storyteller of forgotten histories, adding depth and context to each site, allowing her audience to be mentally transported to these lost worlds. She shares her discoveries widely on social media, with her Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Flickr filled with images that spark curiosity about the unknown.

Janine Pendleton’s work serves as a reminder of the transient nature of our surroundings. Through her lens, she immortalizes places that may never come back to life.