Architecture is all around us. Sometimes we use our cameras to create art from what we see instead of merely capturing moments. Here are a few suggestions to help you see the art in architecture the next time you head out to shoot it.
1) Put your camera down
Too many times we get caught up in the moment and just start shooting everything and anything that is in front of us. When you find an interesting building you want to shoot, stop, put the camera down and look. Look up at the top of the building; does it create interesting shapes against the sky? Look at the details, does the building have amazing gargoyles, patterns and shapes on its exterior? Check out the lights and shadows created on the facade and on the sidewalk or ground surrounding the building. Walk around the entire building if youāre able, and find out whatās on the sides and back.
It can also be helpful to research a building online if you know in advance youāll be in a certain area and learn a little bit about the history and the architect. This can also allow you to see the building in a different way. Another option is to sign up for a tour whether you’re traveling or even locally. Once youāve taken the time to see the building then pick your camera back up and capture what caught your eye.
2) The big picture
Take some shots of the entire building if youāre able to fit it in. Using a wide-angle lens can help with this. Be aware that a wide-angle can distort and cause keystoning, causing the building or neighboring buildings to appear as if they are leaning. This is usually easily fixed in post-processing. Show the building in relation to other buildings or other elements in the area to give your viewer a sense of place.
3) Architectural details
Get closer, look for specific shapes, lines, light and shadows that create interesting compositions. Macro lenses are not just for flowers, try using your macro techniques on the buildingās surface, get up close and personal with the architectural details and decorations. Use your telephoto zoom lens to reach those areas you canāt get to. Zooming in on details is another good way to shoot higher floors on taller buildings, details found in windows and areas you canāt see with the naked eye.
4) Angles and perspectives
While youāre wandering around the building look for different angles and perspectives. Lay down on the ground, point your camera directly up against the wall, shoot down a window well or stairway, angle your camera so you create the lines and shapes you want. Always think about new ways to present what you see.
5) Reflections in architecture
Reflections are a great way to add interest to your shot so itās not just another architectural image. Windows, puddles, marble, mirrors, sunglasses and wine/water/beer glasses all make for excellent reflective surfaces. Shoot what is reflected in the building itself or shoot the building in the reflective surface youāre using. Move your camera around to see what shows up in the reflections.
6) Add a human element
People in our architecture shots add scale and interest. They can give our building a sense of place, time and purpose. Watch for opportune moments as people wander in and out of the light and shadows around the building. Use architectural elements such as doors and windows to include people interacting with the building.
7) Architecture is not just in big cities
Donāt live in or near a large city? Architecture is everywhere, rural buildings, bridges and in smaller towns. Old barns have character, small towns sometimes have amazing old theaters and railroad bridges are quite often very detailed architectural structures.
8) Photograph the architecture at different times of day/night
Donāt forget to go back often if you can. Light changes constantly with the time of day and weather. Go when itās raining ā rain creates the most amazing reflections. Snow can add a whole other feel to your images. The lights of the night will add a completely new element to buildings; just donāt forget your tripod.
Keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings whether youāre wandering around downtown New York, Chicago, Berlin or the town you grew up in. Do your research before you go, learn what you can about the architect and the city/area youāre going to be shooting in. All of these things will help you to create images that tell the story of the architecture youāre shooting.
Thank you for your wonderful, easy to follow article. I always learn something from your suggestions and this is one no exception. Who would have thought to study the history of a building? Lauri Novak!! Thanks again!!!
Thanks so much Carmen, happy you find some useful information!
Wow, a really extensive and informative article! Very well written. I follow your line of thinking here and going to save it. I will use these tips when I go out to shoot architecture again. Thank you so much Lauri Novakā!š
Glad you found useful information here Angela and I look forward to seeing how you interpret architecture in your own shooting.
Okay first off Fantastic write up easy read,very informative & helpful.(With beautiful examples)
I can understand the who the heck am I thing but really look right past that, don’t even worry about it..
(Having said all that HOW in the bleepn’ BLEEP did you get this ridiculously creative shot.. WOW!!!! š (This Comment about the very first shot in this post)
Marilyn, always look up! That’s how I captured the title image. Looking up and likely with my camera right up against the wall. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement, it is much appreciated.
Your article is most informative Laurie and you have captured some amazing architecture. I have a passion for old architecture and will definitely try and out some of your thoughts in practice.
Thanks very much Alan. I’ve loved architecture since I was a child, something about it always interested me. Would love to see some of your shots!
Great article. I love the tip to put the camera down and look.
Thank you Raymond. It’s something so many of us photographers are guilty of not doing, being in the moment, being where we are and really seeing what is around us before deciding what to capture.
Excellent article! Covers all the important points when shooting architecture. Can also be used when photographing just about anything. Kudos to the author!
That is a great point too Mike, many of these techniques apply to whatever you shoot. In fact I’m working on an article using several of these techniques to shoot car shows. Thanks so much, appreciate your comments and taking the time to read the article.
Amazing article. Recently i have been trying more and more to combine the human/couple element and the architectural element in my wedding photography.
Thank you David. That’s great you’re thinking about and trying to include architectural elements in your wedding photography, would make for different and interesting wedding photos.
Awesome! Great article Lauri!
Thanks so much Tanya!
Your photos are beautiful, architecture REALLY is art!!
Thank you so much Patrizia!
Great timing – my camera club is going out this weekend to shoot Architecture at Night. I’ve never shot buildings before but your article has inspired me and I’m really looking forward to the outing.
That’s great Charlee’s Mom, good luck and would love to see what you come back with.