SOME INFORMATION
Be welcome in the lonesome, but fascinating world of Urban Exploration. With this website the Past Glory wants to give a exposure of our lost glory and industrial decline. Documenting at first sight unwanted and forbidden parts of our society. Abandoned sites are generally entered first by locals, and often contains lots of graffiti and other acts of vandalism. In respect JAhNoszh "never" forces his way in and "don't takes" any souvenirs, by doing so the conditions where left as it was.
Dutch autodidact photographer Jan Stel [JAhNoszh, Purmerend] started taking pictures in his teenage years, visually exploring lives moments. The old analogue Nikon camera and lens gear from his dad did attract him into photography. Before the interest in photography he was busy spraying graffiti, drawing and illustrating. Today he is using high quality digital tools. And to keep his photography authentic Jan never uses software filters, hdri or any other automatic templates to generate his specific style. Instead Photoshop is used to brush the photographed brackets into a sort of light painting, similar in a way painters do. The works are toned to extend the atmosphere of the abandonment. And on occasion he uses self-made structures to create a more outdated feel of photography. With his skills in Photoshop, Motion and his profession at Souverein he has become a specialist in creative imagery. Jan his main photographic influence comes from Eduard Burtinsky, Annie Leibowitz & Gregory Crewdson. 
PAST GLORY KNOWABOUTS
For more then 10 years Jan is capturing the remains of our lost glory in honor, his photography is almost a documentation for abandoned ruins, forgotten buildings, outdated transport and everything else that has an interesting history to tell. The core attraction of these abandoned places is its freedom of interruption from us human beings. Silenced by men, in here mother nature is reclaiming a lonesome world. Somehow this intrigues the photographer a man-made world who have become abandoned, soulless, but still full of history. A slice of history not only covered with dust and pigeonshit but also with a touch of magic. Sunlight shutters in unaccustomed through rooftops, pigeons flying around quietly, reflections and shadows playing hide and seek almost like a perfect film scene. A sudden door slam makes all senses sharp as a knife, adrenaline in rushing through the blood. Is there someone coming or is it just imagination?
Over the years it stays amazing to discover what mostly the industry has left abandoned in giant structures, though as well for military vehicles, empty barracks, private houses loaded with personal things and even fully decorated castles. Unbelievable to find patient maps full of psychiatric analyses complete with autopsy and readable to anyone! Stunning, a for more then 30 years never used subway system with on/off switchable light from station to station. Or what to think of the basement from a moved veterinary school? Dozens of animals and parts labelled in jars, a horror-like sight and most horrible smell. This world is on occasion dangerous and weird, in common forbidden but so wonderful to explore!
Note that Past Glory alias JAhNoszh does not accept any responsibility for injuries, health problems, arrest by police and everything else resulting from the act of Urban Exploration! This will be at your own risk!!! You be warned!
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHS
It was a great pleasure to photograph the analogue way, mostly on 35 mm slides and in occasion on negatives. After developing there was always some excitement if the shooting was succeeded. The creative freedom of shooting digital raw files is speeding up the process. All though film is having these specific characteristics, the flexibility of raw files is opening new levels. Of course once in while shooting on film stays fun.
• Equipment? My creative set of tools.
• Do you offer the possibility to purchase a print?
Of course he does! And he will be pleased to deliver high quality prints.
For more information on costs and quality, contact JAhNoszh!
Or check the fine art print page for information about the process!
• Do you care about using your photography?
Yes he does care! Besides the risks of urban exploration, JAhNoszh spends a lot of time and creativity to get the best out of his explorations.
• Do you photograph custom projects?
Certainly, if you want JahNoszh to create a portfolio of your abandoned property, or like to have a before and after documentary reconstruction. Mail me your preferences and budget and let's work things out.
• Do you photograph models?
Off course I do modelshoots, mostly with natural light for reality. Not in a cheap or pornographic way, but with elegancy. And fitting the surrounding and ambiance at that moment. Imagine for example a scene with old styled clothes, classic furniture and some fine looking details. So if you known you have photogenic looks and are willing to help me creating stunning art. In return I will help you to extend your portfolio. TFP/TFCD, but also paid commercial.
Curious about my action photographs?
Or go to the extended page, portrait and action.
Feel free to contact JAhNoszh, e-mail: info[a]pastglory.nl