Architectural Photography Tips

You are in the Eiffel Tower in Paris, armed to the teeth with the latest and greatest in photography equipment. This could be your first attempt to make a great image of this emblematic monument, but you are only one of the millions who have already tried. How, he asks, may be possible to capture a rare image of this common theme? Architectural photography can seem like an easy genre. After all, buildings, bridges and other large construction projects are not going anywhere fast. Stationary objects are the easiest subjects for photography, right?

Actually, there are all kinds of variables and conditions that affect architectural photography. If you are not prepared to deal with that dynamic, it will be frustrating for you to apply your creativity and expertise to an unforgettable image of your subject, even one that is automatically imposing as the Eiffel Tower.

You do not need a fancy camera or big studio lights to create great architectural images. You will, however, need a good eye and an imaginative touch. As you approach your subject, pretend you're a visual storyteller. What is the story you want to share on a structure? Are you going to an epic, wide-angle shot that captures the tower in all its glory at dawn? Or are you going to choose certain symmetrical lines showing details and what is done?

Regardless of how to proceed, some tips and tricks will help you find an approach that results in stunning images. We'll show you how to build nuanced powerful images of the greatest construction achievements of mankind.

His point of view and the location (and therefore the camera) can completely alter the way you compose the shot. Want to capture a skyscraper emerging from a group of smaller buildings? Or do you want to stand at the base of that building, look up and see how soaring into the wild blue sky? For the first shot, you away, for the latter, you will be very close. And to make any of these images, you need the right equipment.

If you have a SLR (single lens reflex) camera that allows you to use different lenses, choose wisely. A wide angle lens lets you take in more of the scene, but also tends to distort (or bend) lines, especially at the edges of the frame. A telephoto or zoom will help you magnify a subject that is far away, but their restricted visual field (the amount of a scene that is) is less than a wide angle lens.

Many architectural shooters buy tilt-shift or perspective control lens special, allowing wide-angle shots with almost no distortion. They are also quite expensive. Alternatively, and more affordable, it is possible to shoot a structure with a wide-angle lens distortion correction and then later in a program like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. With just a few clicks, your crooked lines look much straighter and more true to life. Photography is all about the quality of light and weather conditions dramatically change the appearance of all buildings, both interior and exterior. So before you begin shooting, consider the clouds.

If you are trotting around the world for its running, you must start by verifying the average weather conditions for your destination. Hit New Orleans in August? Preparing for the monsoon season, with heavy rain, followed by intermittent blue skies filled with huge puffy clouds. Winnipeg in December? Be prepared for snow.

Varying degrees of cloudiness, precipitation and appearance dom architectural change profoundly. The harsh sunlight can create a strong contrast with the lines and patterns. A cloudy day, however, the light is diffused, softens the edges and reveals the colors and tones that intense light could dominate. And the rain can add a brilliant shine to all types of building materials.

Issues outdoor light for indoor photography, too. On a sunny day, you can see beautiful light streaks scattered throughout a building that looks cloudy afternoon wet and unwelcoming. Or you may find yourself wishing you some clouds so you can capture even more, the soft lighting inside a quiet chapel. Remember that light is a changing thing. It may be boring or magical depending on the time and the only way to find the best light for a subject is repeatedly experience.

When it comes to architectural photography, arts matters. You do not need the latest and greatest, however. You need a core team that will promote a good image in the realm of perfection. It starts with a solid tripod. Yes, tripods are often awkward, clumsy and generally a pain in the neck to tote around town. But any frustration spurred by their nature difficult to handle is always compensated for their tremendous utility, especially in regard to architectural photography.

Here is why. When you're shooting buildings, often you set your camera to a smaller aperture, or f-stop, because doing so keeps most of its sharp object. If you are not familiar with terms such as depth of field, read How To Know What F-Stop to use. The trade-off with using a smaller aperture is that you must set the camera for shutter speeds slower sufficiently light to reach the sensor or film. Pushing even a little camera and the image will be blurred.

You might think that a tripod is necessary only for dim shooting, indoor. Do not get cocky. Even when you're outdoors in bright light, a tripod it's a very good idea. Choosing the right tripod is important, too. Forget the tripod ball head. To be taken seriously, a tripod with gear that allows minute, precise adjustments necessary. You need one with a spirit level, too. And to make sure your clumsy fingers do not hit the shutter button, you should invest in a cable release for hands-free recording.