Embracing the Creative Side of Architecture Photography
When I first picked up a camera to photograph buildings, I was mostly focused on making sure everything was aligned, straight, and well-lit. Like most beginners, I thought that architecture photography was all about technical precision. But as I spent more time exploring the world through the lens, I realized there was so much more to it. Architecture photography can be as creative and expressive as any other genre of photography.
The key to great architectural photography is not just about showing a building, but about telling its story, showcasing its uniqueness, and capturing its soul. It's about adding a layer of creativity to the structure, making it something more than just walls and windows.
1. Understanding the Space and Story
When I walk into a new architectural space, the first thing I do is take a moment to breathe it in. Every building has its own character. Whether it's a modern skyscraper with sharp lines or an old, weathered church, there is a story behind the design. Understanding this narrative is vital before you even touch the camera. I find that looking for unique angles, textures, and light plays a huge role in bringing the space to life. Ask yourself: What story do you want to tell? What emotions does this space evoke?
For instance, when I photographed a contemporary museum in New York, I focused on the contrast between the hard edges of the building and the soft, natural light spilling through its glass windows. I didn’t just want to capture the exterior. I wanted to convey the building’s dialogue with the city and its reflection of modern culture.
2. Play with Light and Shadows
Light is one of the most powerful tools in photography, and architecture photography is no exception. You might think that bright daylight is the ideal time for shooting, but that's not always the case. In fact, some of my most creative shots come from working with the shadows, soft light, and even nighttime photography.
Take, for example, a beautiful old cathedral with tall, intricate columns. During midday, the light floods in from the windows and creates sharp shadows that enhance the architectural details. But if you shoot it at sunset, the warm glow of the setting sun against the stonework brings an entirely different emotion to the photo. By playing with the contrast between light and dark, you can create a dramatic and compelling image.
3. Experimenting with Composition
Composition is where creativity truly comes into play. It’s easy to get caught up in standard framing techniques, but architecture photography opens up a world of possibilities. For example, don’t be afraid to shoot from unusual perspectives. I love getting down low or finding a high vantage point to showcase how a building interacts with its surroundings.
When photographing skyscrapers, I often tilt the camera upwards to capture the towering, grand nature of the structure. Alternatively, when photographing urban streetscapes, I zoom in on the reflections in the glass windows, making the surroundings part of the composition. The aim is to break the conventional rules and approach the subject from fresh angles.
4. Finding Patterns and Details
One of the most fascinating aspects of architecture photography is finding the smaller details and patterns that often go unnoticed. Buildings are full of geometry, textures, and symmetry that can be highlighted to create visually interesting compositions. Whether it's the intricate tile work on a floor or the pattern of windows along a facade, focusing on the small details can turn an ordinary shot into something extraordinary.
For example, I once captured an abstract photo of a building’s repetitive window pattern in Chicago. The pattern itself was so intriguing that the photo became more about the design of the building than the building itself. It was a simple shot but incredibly striking because of the attention to detail.
5. Using Reflections to Add Depth
Reflections in water, glass, or other shiny surfaces can add a whole new layer to your architecture photography. They not only provide a mirror image of the building but also create a sense of depth and dimension. I often seek out puddles after a rainstorm or glass buildings that reflect the sky and surroundings. These reflections allow me to play with symmetry, framing, and contrast in ways that make the photo more dynamic.
For instance, when shooting a modern glass building, I’ll often look for reflections of trees or the city skyline in its surfaces. This not only adds another layer of visual interest but also helps show how the building fits into the larger environment.
6. Embrace Post-Processing to Enhance Your Vision
Post-processing is where you can take your creative vision to the next level. Don’t be afraid to enhance your photos by adjusting the contrast, playing with saturation, or even transforming the colors. I often add a slight vignette to bring the viewer’s eye to the subject of the photo or sharpen certain features to highlight architectural details.
However, it’s important not to overdo it. The key is to enhance the natural beauty of the architecture without losing the authenticity of the building itself. For me, post-processing is an essential tool to communicate the vision I had when capturing the image, but it should never overshadow the original subject matter.
7. Using Equipment to Get Creative
While the techniques mentioned above can be done with most cameras, there are certain pieces of equipment that can take your creativity further. A wide-angle lens, for example, is a must for photographing large buildings, as it helps capture more of the structure in one frame. Tilt-shift lenses can be especially helpful when you want to correct perspective distortion, allowing you to capture vertical lines without them leaning inwards.
I also recommend experimenting with drones for aerial shots. From above, the relationship between the building and the surrounding environment can offer unique insights into its design. Whether it's a rooftop garden or a complex urban layout, aerial shots offer a fresh perspective that many people might never experience in person.
8. Connect with the Building’s Purpose
Finally, one of the most rewarding aspects of architecture photography is capturing the essence of the building's purpose. Take the time to understand why the building was designed the way it was, and how it serves the people who interact with it. Is it a space meant for worship, creativity, work, or relaxation? Understanding this helps you approach the photograph with intention and purpose.
One of my most memorable shoots was in a modern library. It was designed with openness and light in mind, and the way the natural light streamed through the windows gave the space a serene, welcoming feel. I made sure to capture that tranquil ambiance by focusing on the play of light and the flow of people moving through the space. The resulting photos truly reflected the building’s purpose as a place for learning and reflection.
