If you love photography, but are tired of chasing animals and children around,
trying to get them to hold still long enough for a picture, then architectural
photography may be for you. You never have to ask the building to hold still,
or act silly to illicit a smile.
However, photographing buildings can present some challenges. Since the subject
doesn’t change, it can be challenging to make your photo stand out from others.
Here are some tips to get you started in architectural photography.
1. CHOOSE YOUR EQUIPMENT. There are special camera that can help you take professional quality photographs of buildings, but for the amateur, or someone
just getting started, this isn’t necessary. You can get good pictures with an ordinary camera, either digital or film. It is helpful, but not required, if you have a tripod, wide-angle lens, and a zoom lens.
2. CHOOSE YOUR STYLE. It helps to know a little about the basics of architecture
and design before you begin. What effect was the architect going for when he
designed this building? After you have chosen the building you want to work with, decide whether you want to use color, black and white, or sepia (if you have a digital camera with that option.) Older buildings look great in sepia or black and white. Modern, sleek buildings can look good in black and white, also. Try different settings to see which you like best. Computer software is available that can add different effects to your photos, if you are going for an artsy, rather than accurate, look.
3. CHOOSE YOUR LIGHTING. Look at the building at different times of the day, to
see how the sun hits it. Do you want long shadows? Try early morning or late
afternoon. Midday will not produce as many shadows, depending on which way the
building faces. Overcast days give a softer look to your photos. Try shooting at
night with a tripod. It might be worth it to do a long-term project and take
pictures from the same spot as the seasons change, or during different weather
conditions.
4. CHOOSE YOUR DETAILS. If your building has some unusual features, take some
close-up shots. Zoom in on unusual or distinctive characteristics. If the building
has a cornerstone, title, or date, take a picture of that. Architectural details,
doorways, windows, and landscaping can make great subjects. My daughter has a
digital camera that can take out all the color except one, which is great for focusing on a detail that you want to stand out.
5. CHOOSE YOUR ANGLES. Try taking the picture from the side, rather than straight in front of the building. Look for unusual angles to make your photos interesting.
Stand close and take the picture looking straight up. If you are taking pictures of tall buildings, be careful when you tip your camera to try to get the whole building. The vertical lines will be distorted, making the building appear to lean backward. If you can, go into another building so that you take the picture from the half the height of the building you want to photograph. Keep your camera and the building parallel; don’t tilt.
Architectural photography can be serious representations of a structure, or they
can be creative and interesting. Whichever you prefer, have fun!
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