By Jack Williams

While most people dread a visit to their doctor or denist’s office, this photographer has taken things one step further – by shooting the most haunting of abandoned medical institutions he can find.

From decaying rooms that still contain human specimens to apparatus that’s been gathering dust for years, no location seems off limits for abandoned photographer Dave, who goes by his alter ego, ‘Freaktography’.

The idea for the series, which has seen Dave travel across North America to more than 20 locations, came to the him when he considered just how many areas of such facilities are actually off limits to the public in such venues.

Whether it be a tuberculosis hospital or a psychiatric ward, Dave wanted to show the public what was once behind closed doors.

Dave, based in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, said: “Hospitals are always huge, so they are fun to explore and you can literally get lost.

“I hope former staff of these hospitals love to look through my photos and reminisce about their time there.

“Also, you would be surprised at just how much goes to waste when a hospital is left behind – it’s always interesting to see what they don’t have a use for anymore.

“Lastly, there’s the amount of empty space in these huge institutions – it blows my mind that these places can’t be utilised for anything else once they are no longer needed for their original purpose.”

Despite photographing such a wide array of buildings, Dave never reveals their locations, hoping to preserve them for the next batch of explorers.

He said most of the research he carries out is either online or following recommendations through word of mouth.

Going forward, the photographer plans to continue adding to the series across other parts of the United States and Canada.

Speaking of his most memorable moments, he said: “I once photographed the autopsy room in an abandoned hospital and there were human specimens left inside a small fridge with pieces removed during autopsies – the smell was terrible.

“As long as more cities close old hospitals for newer, more modern facilities, this series will continue.”