WHAT IS ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY ?
Architecture photography (also referred to as building photography or structure photography) generally means photography that focuses on buildings. It can include shooting building exteriors and interiors, as well as bridges, other structures, and cityscapes.
- Look at it from a New Perspective
So try getting close and focusing on a single detail to create some abstract architecture photography. Or try filling the entire frame with a large building so the viewer can’t tell where it begins or ends. Also, make sure you try going inside the building and shooting some interiors.
While you’re experimenting with different perspectives, keep in mind some of the basic rules of photo composition to create interesting images. For example, find an archway or opening you can use to frame a shot. Or use the architecture to create leading lines, symmetry, and repetition of shapes.
- HDR is the Architecture Photographer’s Friend
High dynamic range (HDR) images are well suited to artistic building photography. When used correctly, HDR photography can add drama and creative flair to your exterior shots. But besides making for some stunning images, HDR photography can also help you overcome some challenges with shooting architecture.
With architecture photography, you’ll typically be relying on existing lighting at the location, and that can cause problems. For example, let’s say you are shooting the interior of a building but also want to capture some of the details you can see outside through a window. The interior lighting contrasting with conditions outside might make it difficult. But creating an HDR image allows you to make sure everything is exposed properly.
- Make good use of patterns
The eye loves harmony by nature. It is almost instinctive to take joy in a photo that is harmonious in its patterns. One can find patterns in repetitive structures or even colors.
- The “Space” rule
This guideline says it is much better to take a photograph where the moving element has considerable space ahead. The viewer will take a mental journey with the walking boy, in front of the building, until he reaches his destination.
- Pre-plan for the best natural light
Light is essential in every photograph, in any subcategory. In architecture photography, light can add drama, obscure details or create flattering lines. Getting the shot means finding the right light, whether you want a moody silhouette, a nighttime long exposure or an old building against a bright blue sky.
Time of day makes a big difference in how the photo is lit — understanding where the sun will be when you head to the building allows you to choose the best type of light for the shot. If the sun is behind the building or you have low-light conditions, you’ll either get a silhouette or overexpose the sky. With the sun in the front or towards the side, the building can be photographed with an evener exposure and ambient light. Of course, this directional light requires the sun to be lower in the sky, which means heading out in the morning or evening, not in the middle of the day.
- Keep it sharp — and try a tripod
In architecture photography, detail is essential — which means keeping the shot sharp. Use a narrower aperture to keep the details of the building in focus, like f/8 or even a higher f-stop.
With that narrower aperture, motion blur can start to pose a problem (yours, not the building’s, of course). Using a tripod will help keep the shot sharp, especially when shooting towards the end of the day or when photographing a building’s lights at night. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for your architectural photography, particularly if you’re working with fairly tall buildings.
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