Wow, it’s been a long-ass time since a level 4 application. The “provide a full write-up why you should be promoted” requirement is a little bit intimidating, but I’m here nonetheless. I’ll start from the beginning, and then talk a little bit about the specifics after that. My goal is to further expand on the topics I discussed in my level 3 application, going into greater detail and adding where I need to. I don’t want to strictly boast about my accomplishments or what exactly I’ve done to deserve level 4, and instead want this application to reflect more on the enthusiasm I have towards this hobby, and really conveys what urban exploration means to me.

My interest in exploits that leaned ever so slightly on the wrong side of the law started about six years ago, when I tinkered around construction sites and rooftops a little. However, that arrived at a screeching halt after an alarm scare, and I subsequently was put off of any sort of exploring for some time after that. Fast-forwarding to around 2 years ago, I decided I wanted to get back into exploring, only this time my interest was focused less on construction sites and more so on abandoned buildings. It was around then that I joined OAP, and my love for exploring took off. I started off posting grainy, blurry photos on my iPhone 7, with no knowledge of any photography basics. A quick look at my earlier albums and you’ll see what I mean. I’ve progressed a lot in that area, with my framing, creativity, and editing all evolving and improving over time, and I feel that I’m at the point that I can say I’m proud of my photography. This was something I mentioned during my last promotion election, but I felt it was worth reiterating as I found I’ve definitely come a long way since then. Despite this, I still have to work around some constraints, as I sometimes have to stick with phone photos as my camera isn’t the greatest (unless somebody wants to drop me a couple grand, I’m stuck with it), and a lot of my photography takes place at night, which results in the constant battle between darkness and overexposure. There’s only so much that can be fixed in the post-processing stages.

In the last two years, I’ve been one of the most consistent contributors to OAP, racking up a considerable amount of locations and albums alike. What I’ve found in this time is that I have a passion for documenting the unknown. You may see I have a considerably high amount of locations for someone who almost strictly posts in the Toronto region. That’s not by coincidence, as there’s nothing I love more than going into a spot completely blind, with no prior knowledge or expectations beforehand. This leads to some truly spectacular finds and hidden gems. It also leads to some real shitters, but that’s part of the fun as well. Some of the most disgusting explorations I’ve had have been the most fun at the same time. For me though, exploring doesn’t begin by putting on my shoes and heading outside. It starts on my computer, spending more time than I’d care to admit researching countless addresses and adding pin after pin to my maps. At this point, my map is a jumbled mess of pins and categories that only I could understand. I’m sure many of you can relate as well. Overall, I find that going through the entire process of finding a location, scouting it out, and finally making that plunge inside is far more rewarding.

Over time, I’ve grown to appreciate what OAP offers to the exploring community. Especially being located in Toronto, I find it pretty awesome that I can share locations (to an extent) to a community that shares the same interests that I do. It’s always nice to see other explorers be able to explore the places I find, especially with the fact that the majority of these places have the sad fate of being slated for demolition. It’s always fun getting that notification of “X has added an album to your location”, and being able to check out to see what’s changed since my original visit. I tread carefully on this front however, as I ensure that I am cautious in who I choose to share my locations to, only entrusting high-profile locations with those close to me or who have earned my trust. After all, the last thing I want is for some of the trashy Instagram kids to find out about a spot and leaking it. On a similar note, it’s also worth mentioning the respect I have for all the locations I visit, abiding by the “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints” rules, and never brute-forcing my way into any spots as well. If it’s locked, it’s locked. Come back later.