As a photographer, architecture offers many different challenges, especially for the new photographer. Technically, buildings can be very demanding to photograph, but the key in solving this and attaining good images is understanding image distortion and finding the best time to capture the building at its most glamorous moment.
Image distortion: When we look at a standard building, we see lines running horizontal and vertical. These lines often appear distorted and will make your image look warped. Image distortion occurs when we choose the wrong point to take our picture or use the wrong equipment.
With most SLR cameras a certain amount of image distortion will occur. Shooting directly in front of the building will limit your options but will limit the amount of distortion in your image.
View cameras are ideal cameras for architectural photography. They minimise distortion and allow you to shoot from any angle. If you are serious about architectural photography, an investment in a View Camera is something to consider.
Your lens may also make your image look distorted. A wide-angle lens will make the front of the building look massive compared to the rear.
If you are photographing a tall building, don’t shoot too near to the base. This will make the base of the building look too large compared to the top. Find a high advantage point, if possible, to take your picture.
Different light brings out different moods in a building. Just as with all other types of photography, studio photography being the exception, the time of day can make a big difference to an image. A building that looks plain and uninteresting during the day can be transformed by lighting at night. Also look out for photos that tell a story such as an office block with a single light on.
Side lighting will create long shadows along the front of the building adding mood to your image. Back lit buildings are extremely difficult to photograph and are only effective as a photograph when captured as a silhouette.
Most buildings are best captured at night and if possible shoot when there is detail left in the sky. You don’t need the most costly camera gear on the market to get great building pictures at night - bring plenty of film and a good sturdy tripod.
Great care should be taken when photographing the interior as elements within the interior may be distracting to the final image result. Remove any object that may interfere with your image.
- Give Old Buildings Some Space
- Even a Bit of Space Helps : If you're not capturing an entire village or farm, it still makes sense to think about the space around your subject. Space and proper framing enhance your main subject...
- Step Back and Use a Telephoto Lens :
- Back up from an work of architecture and use a telephoto lens to compress the perspective. This often brings out an interesting pattern.
- Include the Fence
- Watch the Shadows
- Watch the Weather : What's the best weather for photographing buildings? The sunlight adds punch to the fire hydrant and makes urban life seem more appealing. However, if you were trying to show people details or wall-designs in the buildings, a high overcast day would have been much better.
- Staircases can be very interesting :-)
- Lead the Eye by Leading the Person : If your composition includes a visible footpath into the scene, it should naturally draw the viewer.
- Add Natural Frames
But like all types of photography - practice makes perfect.
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