I’m on the fence about these photos — they are all fantastic, but at the same time they smack of virtual graffiti. As a landscape purist, when I take a landscape I want the scene to be what the photo is about, while these photos place the artist in the scene like a narcissistic virtual scrawl of “X was here”.

On the other hand aren’t they really just an extreme extension of the photos every tourist takes to mark the spots they’ve been, and thus artful modern commentary? Like I said, I’m on the fence — what do you think?

Fourth Rail Bridge, Scotland

They call themselves “place hackers”—urban adventurers who get a thrill (and bragging rights) from exploring forbidden spaces: old military bases, sewer systems, decommissioned hospitals, power stations—even the odd skyscraper under construction. Just like backpackers, they have an ethical code: no vandalism or theft, take only photographs, leave only footprints. “The idea behind urban exploration is revealing what’s hidden,” explains Bradley Garrett, author of the recent book Explore Everything: Place Hacking the City. “It’s about going into places that are essentially off limits and, because they are off limits, have been relatively forgotten.” The goal is not just to explore, he adds, but to document and share as well. To wit: Check out these 12 amazing photos from Garrett’s book.

Click out to Mother Jones for the full, stunning gallery: These Beautiful ‘Place-Hacking’ Photos Will Give You an Adrenaline Rush