Philadelphia Graffiti Underground

On December 31, 2010, in Pennsylvania, by admin
Philadelphia Graffiti Underground

Philadelphia Graffiti Underground

This image was taken at a place in Philadelphia called the “Graffiti Underground”.  The area appears to be an abandoned loading pier jutting out into the Delaware River.  The concrete structures look like the support beams for a rail spur.

This is a great location to work on compositions consisting of repeating shapes and bright colors.  There are also a lot of neat textures and small color patterns for close-up and macro work.  The first structure on the pier has larger columns spaced further apart and some rooms with graffiti on three walls.  The second structure has smaller columns placed closer together which make for a different type of composition.  This image was taken near the front of the first area with the larger columns.

The Graffiti Underground is only a 15 minute drive through Philadelphia from the Eastern State Penitentiary.  Two great locations that can be combined into a single day trip from DC.

To find the Graffiti Underground, enter “2225 Richmond St, Philadelphia, PA” in maps.google.com.  This address takes you to an industrial warehouse with a road looping behind the back.  The image below shows the satellite picture of the area.  Park where indicated and then walk about 1/4 mile along the path.  If you go north under the interstate there are a lot of restaurants and gas stations.  It is about a 2.5 hour drive from Springfield, VA (with no traffic!).

5 Responses to Philadelphia Graffiti Underground

  1. CHARLES RITER says:

    GREAT SHOT OF UNDERGROUND. IF IN THE AREA, WHAT TIME OF DAY IS THE BEST TIME TO SHOOT THERE…..what time of day is the light appropriate. Under piers means the
    light must be at the proper angle.
    can you find out whether morning or afternoon is the preferred time.
    You don’t want shadows
    across the pilings or to shoot only in the shadow.

    tHANKS!

  2. admin says:

    I have been there three times, all in late afternoon. We usually go to Eastern State Penitentiary first and spend most of the day there. We then go to the graffiti place in late afternoon. I have not had too much of a problem with shadows from the pilings interfering with the composition. In some cases the shadows help out.

    Glad you enjoyed the pics.

  3. shannon says:

    Hello, great pictures! One question, do I need to park where you designated or can the pier be accessed by vehicle?

  4. admin says:

    The dirt road to the pier is blocked by concrete blocks. It looks like a sketchy neighborhood but I have never had anyone do anything to my car. You could also park in front of one of the businesses there and walk a little further.

    Enjoy! Scott

  5. Jo says:

    Hello Scott! I just wanted to say thank you for posting the address and map of how to get to the pier. It was very helpful today. Thanks again!

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