Photographer Jeff Hagerman has captured images from 20-plus states, more than 75 cities and 100 abandoned buildings, and the lives of over 100 in the homeless community. He’s all about those untold stories from abandoned places and homeless people. “You can see that story in their faces and in their eyes,” Hagerman says on his site.
If you think you’ve seen it all — take a look at what Hagerman has done just this year and what he has planned for the rest of 2016.
CommonCreativ: Most people know you as ‘Sloppystick.’ What’s the story behind that name?
Jeff Hagerman: I’ve really just become ‘known’ as Sloppystick since I used that as my name on social media. The origin of the name actually goes back to when I played a bunch of pool. I always started off sloppy and my friend called me Sloppystick. I used it as an email address (and still do), so it kind of stuck.
CC: How would you describe your style as a photographer?
JH: I would describe my style as ‘real.’ I like to go places where people are afraid to go, but they’re places that really exist. I’ve been told that some of my photos look like movie sets, but I try not to even move anything that I find before I photograph it.
Photo by Aaron Coury
CC: What are some of your favorite moments or subjects to capture?
JH: I’m pretty eclectic when it comes to things I shoot, but my favorites are abandoned sites and people (mainly living) on the streets. My favorite moments to capture are just candid moments — scenes that can never be duplicated. Landscapes and studio portraits are great, but someone else can set up right after you and take the exact same shot. Some of my favorite candid photos are pure lucky timing, but the more I go out and shoot, the more often I get lucky.
CC: What drives you to capture homeless people’s stories?
JH: My favorite thing about photographing homeless people is really just talking to them and listening to their stories. Unfortunately, a lot of the people are somewhat incoherent and/or on drugs, but some have great stories to tell, whether they’re even true or not.
CC: When you’re exploring these urban spaces, do you prefer to go alone or in a group?
JH: I definitely like to explore in a small group, preferably between two to four people total. I’ve explored alone and with larger groups, but there are downsides to it. Alone, it’s obviously a lot easier to get robbed or something. However, sometimes you want to just have someone to share the experience with. With large groups, people are getting into your shots. It‘s a bit more noticeable when you’re walking around outside. You can’t all fit into one car. Several downsides.
CC: Do the urban explorers you know tend to have a keen interest in history, or is it more about the thrill of infiltrating places that most people will never see?
JH: I would say most are more interested in the history of the places. Some people are just interested in getting good pictures. I think everyone likes the thrill of it at least a little.
CC: What do you need to have in your bag to explore the underground in an urban environment?
JH: In my everyday camera bag, I obviously have my camera and lenses, backup camera battery and memory cards, Lenspen, at least two flashlights, gloves, a first aid kit since I always cut myself, a towel if it’s hot out, a good dust mask, AA and AAA batteries, and a backup battery for my phone.
CC: How do you find those unique places all around the world?
JH: Mainly from friends that are into the same thing. Some places through online research, some spending hours staring at the laptop and Google Earth, and some just driving or walking around and looking.
CC: Has there ever been a moment where you’ve gotten yourself into trouble or experienced something that made you think twice about doing it again?
JH: I’ve had some crazy moments and I’ve been arrested in other states, which was annoying, but I’ve never thought twice about doing it again.
CC: Where do you hope to go to next?
JH: Physically, the next place I really want to go is Japan. I’m half Japanese, so even though I’ve never been there, I’ve always felt a connection to Japan. Now that I know there are tons of abandoned places to visit, aside from everything else, I’m dying to go there for a few weeks.
CC: What are some of your favorite art happenings, organizations or people in Atlanta?
JH: I’m honestly not very engulfed in the local art scene, but I support #weloveatl and Notch8. My favorite people in Atlanta are all the photographers and artists that I know and hang out with, and I owe a ton to Sharon Dennehy, who has taught me a lot about showing my work and has given me a bunch of opportunities.
CC: What’s been one of your proudest art-related moments?
JH: I’d say two of my proudest moments were when I sold all of the photos I donated for my friend Zachary’s two ‘Knumbskull vs. Cancer‘ benefit shows to help him with his cancer treatments before he lost his life to the disease.
CC: Do you have any new projects or collaborations in the works?
JH: I’m currently working on a project involving the homeless that will hopefully raise money and awareness that will benefit them. It’s also going to be a bit of a collaboration with other photographers around the country who I’ve met through social media.
CC: What are your goals for the rest of 2016?
JH: My goals for this year are just to continue traveling as much as possible and work on my project, while meeting up with old and new creative friends around the country. And of course, to share it with anyone who follows me.
CC: What do you tell people who ask for advice on how to start urban exploring?
JH: Unfortunately, most people don’t ask for advice, they just ask for locations. That’s definitely not the way to go about it. You have to do some research, or even just drive around your area, and find your own places at first. It can be frustrating, but its way more rewarding when you find your own stuff, especially if it’s something no one else has seen or knew about.
CC: Got any tips for photographers new to the game?
JH: The best simple tips I can give are to learn to shoot in full manual, shoot in RAW, and shoot a lot. Figure out what you like and dislike about your photos and try to think about those things as you’re shooting next time.
You can see more of Jeff Hagerman’s work on his portfolio and Instagram.
