Why?

Dunno. I've allways done it. The earliest urbex memory i have is when i was 7 years old.
I was born in Vilvoorde,which was a paradise for explorers a couple of years ago.
In my early teens i used to be in a grafitti crew (PUC). I really sucked at it but it was fun to do.
Photography came years later in my early twenties.
Then came the internet and i found out that i was not alone anymore.
Now i am cruising all over Belgium to track down all those lovely rotten places.

What is urban exploration?

Many things for many different people. For me it's all about hacking.Reality hacking
Learning of capabilities that the ordinary user may never realize are in the system.
This uses the definition of hacking used by computer programmers and not the mainstream media.

It just a fun hobby really.Very addictive and for some people it even becomes a way of life.
You learn many things while exploring.You will learn a lot about yourself.Your limits.Your motivation.Your strengths & weeknesses.
This wisdom has helped me many times in both my private and professional life.

Are there rules ?

Seems that everybody is making up there own rules.
For me it has allways been simple : don't take anything, don't break anything,don't leave traces and don't tell too many people.

Are you in a group? Do you explore with others?

No. I am 100% independant. I never ask for locations.I find everything myself.
You get much more satisfaction when you find it yourself.Finding places is 40% of your work as an explorer.
I don't like to explore with others. Too much hassle.People walking in front of my lense.
And i don't want to be responsable when things go wrong.
I allways done everything on my own. I hate to depend on other people.

Is there a urbex scene?

If there is a scene than i am not a part of it.Nor would i want to be.
I've allways been an outsider.A loner.
Allthough if you look at things in a global perspective,then yes there is a scene.
I've made some good explorer friends from Detroit,Canada,Germany,France & Australia throught my site.

Do you ask for permission? Is this legal?

In the beginning i tried asking permission for a few places but was ignored.
Now i don't bother anymore.If it's empty and has an accesway i'll explore it.
Legal.Smegal.I don't worry about it too much. I doubt that anybody is going to put me in jail for this.

Is it dangerous?

What do you think? Running arround alone in dark cellars,chemical plants,rotten rooftops etc.
I think you could say that's pretty dangerous yes.
My advice too you : be smart don't be a retard.
It might seem that i take crazy risks sometimes but let me ashure you : every risk is well calculated.
Trust your instincts.Your gutfeeling.If something doesn't feel right.Don't do it.
No picture is worth risking your life for.

Have you ever got injured?

I broke my arm a couple of years ago but that's the worst injury i 've had.I also bruised some ribs when i fell of a ladder.Fell through a window @ Les Forges cut my arm & neck pretty bad,needed stiches.
Had my balls & thigh caught an barbwire @ Castle of Mesen (don't worry ladies everything is still working fine).
It was just a small scratch but the blood was freaking me out.Now i allways use a blanket & gloves while climbing barbwire fences.
Usually i just get minor scratches & bumps.Nothing serious yet.*knocks on wood*

How do you find these places?

Driving arround,looking at other explorer sites and querying Google.Also get some good tips from visitors sometimes.

Can i join you someday?

Noppe.I suggest you try bugging any of these people to take you along.Who knows.You might get lucky.
I am willing to make a few exceptions for foreigners. Only people living outside of Europe.

Do you need special equipement?

No not really. You just need a camera, a flashlight, some dirty clothes and boots and you're ready to go.
It's up to you but i wouldn't buy an expensive camera to go exploring. It will get damaged very quick.Trust me on this.

Do you wear breathing equipment?Abestosmasks?

No, they fog up my glasses.A good explorer knows when it's time to hold his breath.
I sometimes wear a kinky latex mask.It started out as a joke.But now i like it (hihi).

Do you carry any weapons?

NO! Not even a pocketknive.
If things get ugly i use my tripod as skullcrusher.You can do a lot of damage with it.
I also got some experience in martial arts (judo & jiu-jitsu) and i can run pretty fast.Weapons are for losers.

Can you give the location to this & this place?

No!! Usually i wont tell you unless you have info to swap.

Can i model for you?

Yes please!I am looking for girls with a special look.Goth,Suicidegirls,BDSM freaks are all very welcome.
Nice girls too.But not too nice :o)Contact me for details.