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Tips to Perfect Your Architectural Photography

From classic to contemporary, architectural photography can be challenging, but these tips will aid you in achieving the ultimate shot.

By Leanna DavisPublished 6 years ago 6 min read
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As a photographer, perfecting any type of photography has its struggles. Architectural photography requires an intense skill set and takes time to master. This is because this type of photography requires a perfected technique and the use of specialized equipment.

These are the top tips to perfect your architectural photography, whether you're a beginner photographer or just looking to improve your skill set. From classic to contemporary, architectural photography can be challenging, but these tips will aid you in achieving the ultimate shot.

Make sure you're using the best equipment.

As a photographer, you must invest in your craft. This is especially true with architectural photography, because of the demand for quality. Once you've discovered the best gear for this photography, your shots will improve drastically and aid in perfecting your skillset.

Some of these tools include a wide angle lens, fisheye lens, ultra-wide lens, tripod, tilt-shift lenses, using a polarizing filter, and investing in a top quality camera. You can find some of the best lenses for Canon cameras easily online, and within your budget.

Always keep your camera on you.

A very simple tip, but one that will make a huge difference in your architectural photography, always keeping a camera on you is a must. Having a camera ready will not only allow you to capture architecture shots at any moment, but it will allow you to be more aware of the locations that may be potential subjects.

Simply keeping your camera on you, even if it's a point and shoot, will remind you to be more aware of your surroundings. This is especially true for photographers who are just starting to learn the ropes of architectural photography.

Architecture might not be the first thought when it comes to shooting photography, but having access to a camera will open your mind to it.

Shoot at all times of the day.

Photographers often fall into a routine, even without realizing it. Most photographers have a favorite time of day in which they like to shoot. Though it's good to have a time that works best for you, especially referring to the best light, it's even better to step outside your comfort zone.

Much like having access to a camera at all times, you should also consciously shoot architectural photography during a different time than you're used to. You never know, this could open opportunities for shots you never imagined.

Architectural photography is tricky, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try new things. It's also suggested to shoot during different weather conditions. This includes when it's rainy, sunny, cloudy, snowy, anything.

This is an important tip because no matter the angles and positions you shoot, the architecture will not alter, but the conditions you shoot in can, opening all new possibilities.

Never underestimate good lighting.

Even considering different weather conditions and times of the day, good lighting is always essential to achieving the ultimate shot. Architectural photography can be altered drastically by the way the sun hits your subject.

A building might look entirely different just due to the lighting. This also goes hand in hand with positioning; the direction of the light has a lot to the do with the story your picture tells.

This is because the light will provide shadows, contrast, and reflections. Depending on the way you want your shot to be, lighting has everything to do with how you tell its story.

Try out a different angle approach.

Going along with our previous tip, attempting a different angle approach is just as prevalent in achieving your desired shots. This is a trial and error process, and one that takes time to master.

It will also change depending on the location, and the end result in mind. Your angle has everything to do with the perspective, and giving your shot a different view will change the entire photograph.

Try getting as close to the building as possible, shooting straight from the ground, or even getting as far away as possible. The structure will photograph differently with each of these positions, and you will discover a unique shot with each change. It's all about trying new approaches and perspectives.

You will need to have a ton of patience.

Like any type of photography, architectural photography requires a ton of patience. The perfect shot cannot be rushed and the photographers know that capturing the best moments requires time.

This is because capturing the best lighting, angle, and moment is something that only comes around every now and then. This could take up to a few days to create and allowing yourself to spend time with the subject is important.

This is also the perfect time to explore the building or structure, and allow yourself to become familiar with your subject. This is the best way to find unique and momentous shots.

Be sure to pay attention to the details.

Even if you're capturing a building from a far perspective, being aware of the details of a structure is essential to creating the best shot. This goes hand in hand with having patience and finding the time to explore the entirety of your subject.

This is especially true with photographs that feature close up shots. Details reveal a lot about the structure, and will be the main focus of your shot in this perspective.

Buildings are filled with intricate details just waiting to be discovered. Use these to your advantage and create a shot that tells a story using the smallest of details.

Research your subjects thoroughly.

Architectural photography requires reading, researching, and becoming invested in your subject. There is a ton of context to be discovered on an architectural site. With this knowledge, you will be able to capture the subject with the correct mindset.

This is especially true if there is a relevant story or history behind the building. This can help you figure out which type of shot you will use when capturing the image. You will become more in tune with the site altogether.

Don't worry about people in your shots.

Sometimes photographers have the misconception that architectural photography requires there to be absolutely no sight of life, but that's not true. Don't worry about capturing people in your shots; if you are capturing architecture, there is no need to avoid them.

This is actually a way to step outside your comfort zone and create a unique image. Don't be afraid to do so, and allow your photography to take your images where you please.

There is nothing wrong with tweaking your architectural photography. In fact, it's to be expected that you use photography software and post-processing tools to perfect your photographs. This way you can create the atmosphere you were looking to capture and be confident in your final product.

This is also important to keep in mind while capturing photographs, but it shouldn't be used a security blanket. The majority of the skill comes from you and your camera.

Software like Photoshop and Lightroom are always safe to use, and provide professional processing tools and functions.

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About the Creator

Leanna Davis

Social media addict, find the best cute dog photos on my Instagram.

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