The 7 Do's and Dont's of Architectural Photography
When capturing architecture, a well-composed image can bring out the beauty and purpose of a structure, while a poorly composed one can obscure its details and distort its impact. In this blog, I aim to review essential dos and don’ts to guarantee your architectural photography is top-notch.
1. Do: Use Leading Lines
Don’t: Shoot without a Focus
Leading lines guide the viewer’s eye toward the focal point of the image, adding depth and perspective. Whether it’s a hallway, columns, or edges of a building, these lines create a sense of flow in the image.
Image Idea: A well-composed shot with clear leading lines vs. a cluttered image where no clear lines guide the viewer's eye.
Tip: Make sure the lines lead to the main subject or point of interest in the image, such as the front entrance or a notable architectural feature.
2. Do: Maintain Vertical Lines
Don’t: Let Vertical Lines Distort
Vertical lines in architectural photography should remain vertical. When shooting buildings or interiors, it’s common to tilt the camera upwards, which can lead to converging verticals, making the structure appear as if it’s falling backward.
Image Idea: One shot with straight, vertical lines vs. another with tilted lines, distorting the building's structure.
Tip: Consider using a tilt-shift lens or correct this distortion in post-production to keep those lines clean and true to life.
3. Do: Shoot During the Golden Hour
Don’t: Rely on Harsh Midday Light
The lighting during the golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) softens shadows and enhances the texture of the building. Shooting during harsh midday light can result in overexposed areas and heavy shadows that hide architectural details.
Image Idea: A building shot during the golden hour with warm, even lighting vs. the same building shot at noon with overexposed highlights and deep shadows.
Tip: Plan your shoot based on the sun's position to get the best lighting possible, especially for outdoor architectural shots.
4. Do: Include Surrounding Elements to Create Context
Don’t: Cut Out Important Details
Architecture doesn't exist in isolation. Including the surrounding elements like trees, sky, or nearby buildings adds context and tells a more complete story. However, avoid cluttering the frame with unnecessary objects that detract from the subject.
Image Idea: A wide shot that places the building within its environment vs. a cramped, close-up shot that cuts off part of the structure.
Tip: Strike a balance between including enough of the environment for context and keeping the building as the focus.
5. Do: Use Symmetry When Appropriate
Don’t: Overlook Asymmetrical Features
Symmetry can be powerful in architectural photography, especially for buildings with strong symmetrical designs. But, don’t overlook the beauty of asymmetrical buildings, where the imbalance can create unique visual interest.
Image Idea: A perfectly symmetrical image of a building facade vs. an image where asymmetry is poorly captured or over-exaggerated.
Tip: For symmetrical shots, center the building and keep the balance in both vertical and horizontal directions. For asymmetrical designs, use creative angles to highlight their unique features.
6. Do: Focus on Details
Don’t: Ignore Texture and Pattern
The small details, like intricate patterns, textures, and materials, make architecture come alive in photos. Whether it’s the texture of bricks or the repeating pattern of windows, capturing these elements adds richness to the image.
Image Idea: A close-up of intricate details and textures vs. a wide shot that misses those details.
Tip: Shoot both wide and detailed shots to tell the full story of a building’s architecture.
7. Do: Use Reflections Creatively
Don’t: Let Reflections Distract
Reflective surfaces such as glass and water can add artistic elements to your architectural photos, allowing you to play with symmetry and light. However, uncontrolled reflections can become a distraction, pulling focus away from the architecture itself.
Image Idea: A creative use of reflection in glass vs. a shot where distracting reflections interfere with the image.
Tip: When using reflections, ensure that they complement the building’s design rather than overpower it.
Striking the Right Balance
Architectural photography is all about balance – balancing light, angles, and the surrounding elements to create images that truly represent the beauty of a structure. By following these do’s and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be able to capture stunning photos that do justice to the architecture you’re photographing.