Urban explorer and photographer, Andrew Marland, has used the advanced low-light capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S7 to capture images of buildings long forgotten by their occupants and unseen for decades.

The project was commissioned by O2 to mark the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy S7, available now on O2’s Refresh tariff. The desolate buildings, with their limited natural light and evocative empty halls, provided the perfect opportunity to put the phone’s brighter lens and larger pixel image sensor to the test.

“With smartphones now an essential element of our everyday lives, the opportunity to take professional images truly is at our fingertips.”
O2’s Nina Bibby

O2 will host an exhibition of the photographer’s work next month within their new concept stores in Manchester’s Market Street and London’s Westfield White City shopping centre. This will be the last chance to see the buildings in the original state as both St Clements Hospital and London Road Fire Station are set to be developed into flats by Allied who are experienced in regenerating distressed and historic buildings.

Urban exploration photo taken using the Samsung Galaxy S7. NOTE: This is a low resolution version of the image. For full resolution contact the O2 Press Office.

Urban exploration photo taken using the Samsung Galaxy S7. NOTE: This is a low resolution version of the image. For full resolution contact the O2 Press Office.

Marland was granted access to the disused Fire Station on London Road, which has remained untouched for nearly 40 years despite being a stone’s throw away from Piccadilly Station. The atmospheric shots capture the darkened crumbling training rooms, dormitories, club rooms and layers of peeling wallpaper that each tell a story of their own.

Marland also ventured into London’s old St Clement’s hospital, capturing the eerie hallways and imposing staircase ahead of building work commencing next year. The exhibition also includes stunning shots of the crumbling Asylum church in Peckham and the impressive Bexley Pumping Station, currently being restored to its former glory.

Andrew Marland said: “Working with O2 and Samsung has allowed me to create an exhibition that showcases the hidden beauty in these grand old buildings for everyone to enjoy before they go into the next stage of redevelopment.”

Urban exploration photo taken using the Samsung Galaxy S7. NOTE: This is a low resolution version of the image. For full resolution contact the O2 Press Office.

Urban exploration photo taken using the Samsung Galaxy S7. NOTE: This is a low resolution version of the image. For full resolution contact the O2 Press Office.

Nina Bibby, O2’s Marketing and Consumer Director, added: ‘The captivating images which Andrew produced using the Samsung Galaxy S7 really show that high quality pictures don’t need specialist equipment any more. With smartphones now an essential element of our everyday lives, the opportunity to take professional images truly is at our fingertips – especially with expert O2 Gurus who can help you get the best from your phone’s camera.”

The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are now available to buy at O2.co.uk and in O2 stores, including on the newest version of O2 Refresh. Customers who take this option and trade in their S7 or S7 edge at an O2 store after twelve months will have any outstanding Phone Plan payments waived and be able to walk straight out with their new phone and new O2 Refresh tariff.

Thanks to a brighter lens (F1.7) and larger pixel image sensor (1.4um), the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge take better quality pictures even in low light. The S7 and S7 edge are also the first smartphones to use the latest dual photodiode sensor technology. Instantly focusing on objects, their Dual Pixel 12MP camera is the fastest available, delivering blur-free photos. For more information, visit the O2 online shop.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 is available on O2’s Refresh tariff for £33 per month.

See all of Andrew’s pictures below. These are low resolution versions – for full resolution please contact the O2 Press Office.

About the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge
The Edge design and AMOLED screen make the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge the most beautiful phones on the market with no compromises on durability, thanks to a dust and water resistant Gorilla glass build.

The innovative curves of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge provide a range of practical benefits. With their rear curved designs and compact dimensions, the Galaxy S7 or S7 edge fit comfortably in one hand, and are the first Galaxy phones to feature capless water and dust resistance (IP68). The unique edge screen provides a range of functions, including the enriched Apps edge and Task edge.

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press@virginmediao2.co.uk 01753 565656
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