though seeing a recent resurgence as a modern form of photography that focuses on urban decay, its roots come from popular notions of the picturesque which would often feature motifs concerned with the aesthetics of abandoned and dilapidated architecture. subjects are typically large industrialized cities (e.g. new york city, chicago, or detroit) but can be any landscape, building, or symbolic representation of modern ruin and deindustrialization. popular staples of ruins photography can include abandoned houses, neglected factories left over from the industrial revolution or auto industry booms, as well as bridges, abandoned lots, tenant or apartment buildings, or gutted theaters or offices.