Architectural photography is an artistic form that involves capturing the beauty, structure, and details of a building. Whether you're an amateur or professional photographer, understanding the basics of architectural photography can help you create powerful and aesthetically pleasing images. In this blog, we will explore key elements to consider when photographing architecture, from equipment choices to composition techniques and the use of light. Follow these tips to capture stunning images that showcase the essence and grandeur of architectural structures.
I am one of those who had a very commercial image prejudice when I thought of architectural photography. Following an excellent presentation on the theme of architecture given by one of the members of the Sherbrooke photography club, I tried the experiment. I immediately loved it! It is absolutely possible to keep your artistic vision when doing architectural photography.
Afterwards, I had a great opportunity when my best friend asked me for my services. She needed photographs for the magazine Québec entreprise, which represented her accomplishments as construction president Olivier Lyonnais.
01 Equipment Choice
To start, make sure you have the appropriate equipment for architectural photography. A camera with manual settings and a wide-angle lens is often recommended to capture the entire building and emphasize its proportions. A tripod is also essential for sharp and stable images, especially when shooting in low light or for long exposures. I personally did some tests to see if I could merge a sequence of photographs into a narrow space to make a panorama of it. The result is disappointing! The wide angle lens is really essential in confined spaces or to capture very large buildings in their entirety.
02 Understanding Composition
Composition is a crucial aspect of architectural photography. Keep in mind lines, shapes, patterns, and perspectives when framing your shot. Look for natural or architectural guidelines that can lead the viewer's eye through the image. Also, experiment with different shooting angles to find the most interesting perspective. Personally, I prefer to take too many photographs and sort it all out afterwards. Do not hesitate to snoop around, it's what makes the activity interesting. Be curious!
03 Playing with Light
Light is a critical element in architectural photography. Try to capture buildings during golden hours, just after sunrise or before sunset, when the light is soft and warm. This can add a warm ambiance and highlight the architectural details. Also, experiment with shadows and reflections to create interesting effects.If the sun is scorching and the lights harsh, try using shadows and reflections to create interesting effects.
04 Paying Attention to Details
In architectural photography, details matter. Pay close attention to textures, materials, and distinctive elements of the building. Take close-up shots of architectural features such as columns, arches, or intricate details to add visual interest to your images. Knowing the history of the building and its current use helped me a lot in finding this type of detail that gives soul to photography.
05 Eliminating Distractions
When photographing buildings, make sure to eliminate unwanted distractions from the background. Ensure that the frame is clean and free from disruptive elements such as electrical wires, trash cans, or signboards. You can also choose shooting angles that minimize unwanted elements in the frame.
06 Post-processing
The challenge in the post-processing of architectural photographs is to keep a straight perspective without distorting the building. Photography being a two dimensional image gives a hard time trying to make it look real. I would say that this is definitely what took me the most time in post processing, the straight lines!
Finally, be yourself and trust your instincts. If you are attracted by an object, a part, a detail, a light, a curve, do not hesitate to take a picture!