INSPADES MAGAZINE CINQUE | Page 104

Bando Etiquette There are many unspoken rules for bando photographers, one being that the location of a bando is never to be disclosed. If the location of a bando becomes public, it becomes vulnerable to the risks of vandalism. Furthermore, if you’re going to enter a bando, do so in a way that doesn’t damage the structure. Find a space between the boarded up doorway, or a crack in the wall, to slide through. If you can’t enter a building without disturbing it, then don’t enter it at all. Another is to only leave footsteps, taking nothing but what the lens can capture in a photograph. The golden rule of an urbexer is to leave the site completely untouched, unchanged. Without official claims to property, bando explorers have become the guardians of these secret, remote settings. “It is very important to not disturb the environment of these places, such as certain acts of vandalism. To the best of your ability, everything should be left, as is, for the next explorer to enjoy. These places, even though they are abandoned, deserve respect,” Holtegaard imparts. 104 inspadesmag.com HOWTHEDAYSCOLLIDE - KIRA HOLTEGAARD