Ref Pack - Abandoned Places Vol.1: is this $4 stack worth it for Photography?
Quick answer
| Best for | Concept artists, 3D environment designers, and game developers who need real-world texture references for overgrown vehicles and rusted parts. |
| Skip if | You require 4K+ resolution for high-fidelity 3D scanning, or you are looking for a 3D model pack rather than 2D photographic references. |
| Price | $4 |
| Format | 317 JPEG images (16MP), 2.29 GB download |
| One-line take | A dense, low-cost library of real-world decay that solves the “where do I find good rust textures?” problem instantly. |
What you’re actually buying
You are not buying a set of 3D assets; you are buying a visual cheat sheet for decay. The Ref Pack - Abandoned Places Vol.1 contains 317 high-resolution JPEGs captured across multiple car cemeteries in Sweden. For $4, you get a 2.29 GB library of real-world data that is often harder to find than generic stock photos. The images focus specifically on overgrown vehicles and broken vehicle parts, which is a niche that generic texture sites rarely cover with this level of specificity.
The resolution is 16MP (4608 x 3464 and 2252 x 4000), which is plenty for painting textures, creating decal sheets, or using as a reference board in Photoshop or Procreate. While the seller notes these are lower resolution than their “official” reference products, the subject matter makes up for the megapixel count. You get close-up details of rust patterns, vegetation growth on metal, and the specific way nature reclaims old machinery. This is the kind of reference that helps you paint a convincing “abandoned for 20 years” look without needing to drive to a junkyard yourself. (Ref Pack - Abandoned Places Vol.1)
The pack was shot by Hans Ronnegard during guided tours, meaning the locations are curated and the subjects are consistent. You aren’t digging through 10,000 random photos to find three usable shots of a rusted fender. Instead, you get a focused set of 317 images that all serve the same purpose: showing you how old, broken vehicles look when left to nature. This curation saves time, which is the real value at this price point. (Ref Pack - Abandoned Places Vol.1)
Why it’s on our radar
This pack stands out because it solves a very specific pain point for environment artists: finding high-quality, real-world references for decay. Most texture resources are either generic (clean rust, clean dirt) or 3D models that don’t help you understand how light and shadow play on complex, broken geometry. The Abandoned Places Vol.1 reference set provides the visual truth that you need to paint convincing details.
The price is almost an afterthought. At $4, it costs less than a coffee, but it can save you hours of searching for the right reference image for a project. The specificity of the content—focused on vehicles and parts rather than general buildings—makes it a targeted tool for anyone working on industrial or post-apocalyptic themes. It is a small investment that delivers a large volume of usable visual data. (Ref Pack - Abandoned Places Vol.1)
What actually matters
Before you buy, consider how you use references. If you are a painter, these 16MP images are perfect for zooming in on texture details. If you are a 3D modeler who needs to project textures, the resolution is still adequate for most mid-poly assets. Check the file size (2.29 GB) to ensure you have enough storage space, though this is a minor concern for most digital artists. (Ref Pack - Abandoned Places Vol.1)
The locations are in Sweden, so the vegetation and light conditions reflect a northern European climate. If your project is set in a tropical or desert environment, the specific types of plants and weathering might not match your needs. However, the core details of rust, paint peeling, and metal corrosion are universal. This is a practical, no-frills resource that does exactly what it promises: gives you a large set of real-world photos for a very low price. (Ref Pack - Abandoned Places Vol.1)
Mid-check
FAQ
Is this a 3D model pack? No, this is a photography reference pack. It contains 317 JPEG images of real-world locations, not 3D files. You use these images as a visual guide for your own 3D work or painting. (Ref Pack - Abandoned Places Vol.1)
What is the resolution of the images? The images are 16MP, with dimensions of 4608 x 3464 and 2252 x 4000. This is high enough for detailed texture work but not intended for 4K+ high-fidelity scanning. (Ref Pack - Abandoned Places Vol.1)
Can I use these images in my commercial projects? Yes, these are reference images. You can use them to inform your own artwork, textures, and 3D models for commercial use. You cannot resell the images themselves as a pack. (Ref Pack - Abandoned Places Vol.1)
Where were the photos taken? The photos were taken at multiple car cemeteries in Sweden by Hans Ronnegard during guided tours. The locations feature overgrown vehicles and broken parts. (Ref Pack - Abandoned Places Vol.1)
Is there a free sample available? Yes, JROTools offers a free sample on their ArtStation store. You can check out a few images before committing to the full pack to see if the style matches your project needs. (Ref Pack - Abandoned Places Vol.1)
Bottom line
If you are working on a project that involves decay, abandonment, or industrial themes, this $4 pack is an easy yes. It gives you a large, curated set of real-world references that will save you time and help you achieve a more authentic look. The Ref Pack - Abandoned Places Vol.1 is a small, focused tool that does its job well, and the price is negligible compared to the value it adds to your workflow.