Photo by Bruno Abarca

Architecture is the milestones that history places along the path of its development. Buildings and structures that have long become the background of our everyday life, are the most accessible photography subjects. Architectural styles with all of them distinctive features, illustrating bygone eras, life and life of past years, can become for a photographer an endless field for activity and expression of his creative ideas.

A convenient target for first-time photographers

It was architecture that attracted the first photographers with its stillness, photogenicity, and plastic volumes. Not much time had passed since the invention of the daguerreotype, and the first photographers had already traveled to different countries world and photographed architectural landmarks. At the dawn of its history, this genre attracted many talented people who determined its further development.

Such a man was Emerson, who in 1892, with other amateurs, organized the Linked Ring, a group of artists devoted to the art of photography. This community included Frederick G. Evans. His works largely determined the development of photography for several years to come, and contemporaries spoke of Evans’ photographs as the most elegant reproduction of architecture.

Another famous photographer of the early last century, Charles Schiller, admiring the clear forms architectural structures, with the skill of a true artist, he conveyed on photographic film the poetics of farm buildings located around the house where he lived, African sculptures, and the majesty of urban landscapes.

Richard Pair

Among the photographic masters of our time, Richard Paire, who is also involved in the publication of books on the history of photography, can be especially highlighted. Paire took many photographs in Russia, photographing monuments of Russian constructivism in the realities of the former Soviet state. The author himself says that he was inspired to depict such a theme by the works of the famous Soviet architect, designer and artist Tatlin.

Key Aspects

Speaking about what photography of architecture should be like, we can dwell on several of its aspects: first, when a photograph of architecture is an independent work of art, then second, when an architectural structure plays the role of a participant in an urban, industrial or other landscape, acting as scenery, and, finally, third, when photographing an architectural object is a document or a memorable photograph.

Completely moving away from the task of simply capturing this or that architectural work, the photographer gives free rein to his imagination. This is how photographs are born, where architecture is a way of conveying the feelings of the author himself, his mood and worldview. Through the artistic images of buildings and houses recreated in the photograph, the artist penetrates into the era when the building was erected. The photographer, it seems, becomes an architect himself, experiences the past together with his creation, and through it reveals new aspects of the present. The aesthetic impact on the viewer and the ability to achieve resonance with his audience depend on the talent of the photographer and his way of seeing the world. The author's photographs are full of symbolism. Pushing the viewer to think, these photographs find a special, individual response in the soul of everyone who peers at them.

The city with its population, buildings, squares and parks acts as a single whole. Architectural structures are an integral part of our everyday life; they, as silent witnesses of human life, organically fit into the urban picture and are included by the photographer in landscape photography or become participants in a photo sketch. In order for a photograph of an architectural landscape to become alive, the photographer can skillfully take advantage of everything that reality itself provides him. Trees around the building being photographed will create the mood and emphasize the perspective. In such photographs there are people and animals, which makes the architectural structure part of human life and humanizes him. Here everything is in the hands of the photographer himself, who is able to turn gray reality into something extraordinary.

Practical goals

Architectural photography can serve its applied purpose: photographing drawings, objects under construction, architectural ensembles. In fact, this is most often work to order. The photographer is within the strict limits set by the customer.

In this case, photographs must clearly and accurately convey the proportions of the building, its dimensions, color scheme, finishing details. Such photographs are not works of art, they are only a favorable image of an architectural object. Such a purely technical task also requires certain skills and abilities from the photographer. Many architectural ensembles have the status of monuments and constitute the historical heritage of an entire nation, visual illustration its history and development. Compiling booklets and albums can also be classified as an applied application of architectural photography. The desire to preserve stone beauties in people’s memory, to skillfully convey to the viewer the architectural value of a particular building is the noble goal of a photographer.

Well, you will learn how to photograph architecture correctly by reading articles about evening St. Petersburg, features of night photography of buildings and photos of night city landscapes, as well as by studying other materials on our site.

Lesson on architecture photographs will be useful to almost any person, because not only amateur photographers, but also people who pick up a camera once or twice a year go... on vacation!

Architectural photography, like no other genre, conveys the experience of being in a certain space and locality. It is the buildings in the photographs that will best help to imagine to the viewer where, at what time and under what conditions the vacationer, tourist or traveler was. But, as in any other genre, architecture photographs have their own puzzles. We'll look at how to best photograph houses in this photography lesson.

• Photo of some industrial structures, shopping centers or iron and concrete business complexes in a city famous for its ancient temples and gardens will help the photographer show diversity. You will show “movement” in the photo if you can correctly include a modern remodel next to the buildings of the century before last.

• Save for old buildings more space. If it is possible to include trees or other vegetation in the frame, do so. This approach will show the intimacy of old buildings and introduce the spirit of the past, show the mood and emphasize the overlap between the old (architecture) and the new (trees, flowers, etc.).

• Include parts of several architectural structures in one frame. Try to find common features and catch. If you don’t succeed right away, you can try to shoot the same thing at a different time of day or in different weather.

• The building can even be simply “taken out of context.” Remove all details of the surrounding reality to emphasize isolation or solitude.

• If you try to exclude all the "extra" bits of extraneous buildings from the photographic field, you may end up with a too straightforward presentation, which is good for photographs of real estate intended for sale. Leave some space around your subject to help anchor the subject in context. For example, it will be possible to understand how dense the buildings are in the place where the house is located.

• Include in the image a sidewalk, a fragment of a street, pedestrians - the detail of such a plan helps the viewer to feel the atmosphere and see what is happening through the eyes of the photographer.

• It is a mistake to believe that you cannot use a telephoto lens. To kind of compress the perspective to get an interesting pattern, you can use long-focus optics.

• You can include rhythmic objects in the composition: trees in a row, a picket fence or shadows, which will create rhythm and add volume to the photo. (Additionally, you can read the material that was already published on FOTOGORA.) Due to this, the composition is easier, even heavy buildings will look more harmonious in the frame.

• Use the weather conditions to your advantage. Midday light will create harsh shadows and add contrast to the image. But if the photographer’s goal is to show the details of the decorated facades, then the best weather will be on a cloudy day, then it will help to draw the smallest details.

• There is nothing more dynamic in nature than stairs. Don't be afraid to include them in the composition of the photo, it will definitely attract the viewer's attention.

• The idea of ​​natural frameworks is far-fetched and completely hackneyed. But it works. Sometimes it is enough just to correctly include a natural frame in the frame so that it turns out to be an excellent example of your tourist heritage.

• Until manufacturers come up with one, keep an eye on the location of the people who fall into the lens. Sometimes the presence of a person in the frame gives the image of architecture a complete, authentic look.

• Sculpture, stucco, bas-reliefs and architectural details- require your attention when shooting. Place key points on the golden ratio lines so that the viewer's attention is drawn to them first.

• Use all the arches that come your way. In their frame, any trivial story from the life of the city will look better and more interesting.

If it's hard to find the arch, fill the foreground with some large image.

• Some buildings, especially in city centers, are best photographed late in the evening. In digital photography, increasing the ISO can result in unpleasant digital noise appearing in the frame. Use a tripod to lower your ISO to acceptable levels. For example, 400 units or less, which allows you to get noise-free footage in low light conditions.

• Industrial architecture works well with large detail, while ruins will look better in the context of their surroundings.

• Remember about perspective correction. Even an average-height building will still be taller than the photographer. This is the source of 99% of distortion architectural photography in the world.

Distortion isn't always a bad thing; pay attention to the converging vertical lines in the frame. Use a wide-angle lens and tilt the camera itself so that the entire facade fits into the frame.

Let's sum it up

The buildings don't move. Only a lazy photographer would use high value ISO when photographing architecture. The smart approach is to start shooting low (eg 100). In architectural photography, a large depth of field is desirable. The viewer should have a choice of which part of the building he wants to view. He must find it in adequate focus.

A large depth of field means a small hole. A small hole plus a long shutter speed are too “heavy” for handheld shooting. Therefore, in order to photograph houses correctly and get good pictures, the photographer will work with. Tripod more reliable assistant for a photographer shooting buildings than a variety of lenses. Even with " " you can get wonderful photos architecture. The heaviness of the tripod can be tolerated. After all, in the end, the buildings are simply beautiful and require respectful attention.

Based on foreign information, prepared F. Svetogorov

When photographing architecture, unlike other genres, you cannot count on uniqueness. It is important to find a good angle here, original solution– then your photo will be interesting and memorable.

Light.
The most successful shooting is achieved in the morning and evening hours, at sunrise or sunset. It is advisable that the sun is behind and to the side of you, then the light on the subject will fall at an angle, the walls of the building will be illuminated with different intensities. It will turn out three-dimensional, and shadows will be created that will help to carefully draw ledges, reliefs, and balconies. It is not recommended to shoot against the sun; the building will be inexpressive. Frontal lighting is also undesirable - the absence of shadows will make the subject appear flat. When shooting in cloudy or rainy weather, the picture turns out monotonous and gray, but with a good choice of shooting point you can get a rather expressive view of the building, a shiny wet roof, a reflection of the building in puddles, a blurred background with an aerial perspective. If shooting is carried out from a tripod, then you can take several frames using HDR technology in order to more fully show the volume of a building or monument when processing the photo.

Selecting a shooting point.
If you are taking photos general view building, then choose a position that will most advantageously emphasize the features of the selected object. It’s not worth photographing only the façade, even if it is very beautiful. There will be no volume in the photo, and the facade will turn out inexpressive. If the same building is removed from the corner, then the second wall will be visible, and it will be possible to judge both the size of the building and its volume. To emphasize the symmetry of a building or the rhythm of repeating architectural elements, columns, arches, it is better to use a frontal angle. If you want to emphasize the monumentality of a building, shoot from long distance and be sure to capture neighboring objects in the frame for comparison. Tall buildings are filmed from the lowest point of shooting, try to place the entire building in the frame, up to the very top - then you will be able to express the dynamics of the structure. If you can’t fit the building completely into the frame, then tilt the camera back and focus on the details.

We should also not forget that the use of lenses with different focal length will help you express yourself most clearly architectural features buildings, get unusual angles. Short-focus lenses and the minimum focus of a digital point-and-shoot lens have these features. Standard, and especially long lenses, convey a documentary-like, realistic look.

Technical points.
Exposure depends on your creative idea and on the conditions in which the shooting is carried out. For aperture, the optimal value is considered to be 8, but if you need a blurred background, then choose 2.8. Very fast shutter speeds are not needed, focus on 1/60. If you shoot in automatic mode, select the “landscape” setting.

Composition.
It is built in the same way as during landscape photography, and the same rules apply - after all, at its core, architectural photography is the same landscape, only urban.

Architecture surrounds us every day and is a very popular subject for photography. By following this guide, you'll be able to take great architectural photographs.

Architecture covers a wide range of subjects, from skyscrapers to small huts. Every day, wherever we go, we are surrounded by architecture, and it is no wonder that it is such a popular photography destination.

Despite all this diversity, there are a number general principles and techniques applicable in most cases. Knowing them, you can better think through the composition, choose the scene and lighting.

Practice will allow you to fine-tune your eyes to photograph architecture. Thanks to this, you will be able to shoot objects more in an interesting way, avoiding hackneyed compositional techniques and putting more personality into each frame.

Old architecture

When a direct and simple composition is used when photographing old architecture, the results are usually nice photos, showcasing the natural beauty and elegance of the buildings. Usually a good decision There will be an inclusion of part of the surrounding landscape in the photo to make the photograph of the building freer.

Simple composition makes old buildings look more grand. Photo by Stephen Murphy.

Modern architecture

When shooting new architecture, a more modern, abstract style is encouraged. Experiment by using a wide-angle lens to get an unusual perspective or by shooting buildings from unusual angles. Also, due to the fact that modern buildings often pressed against each other, framing to a narrow frame is allowed, as this does not make the photo unnatural.

A more abstract shooting style suits modern architecture very well. Photo by Rohit Mattoo.

Use the surrounding landscape... or not

The answer to the question of whether to include the landscape surrounding the subject in the photo depends on the situation and the content that you want to convey to the viewer. Ask yourself whether the surrounding landscape will complement or detract from the subject in the photograph. If the landscape complements the building, take a wider shot, and if not, crop it.

By including part of the landscape, you can convey your subject in a natural context. Photo by Rob Overcash.

The previous photo shows the old building in the center modern city. If you wanted to convey a sense of contradiction, it would be worth including modern buildings in the frame. However, if we want to focus on the beauty of the old architecture, then the neighboring modern buildings become a distraction and need to be trimmed.

Lighting

Lighting is key point architecture photography. Of course, we are deprived of the opportunity to choose the location and orientation of the building in space, so the issue of lighting often automatically disappears, and we have to be content with the conditions that nature provides us.

Side lighting tends to produce the best photographs of architecture. It provides sufficient illumination and also casts long, interesting shadows on the façade of the building, highlighting its surface details and adding volume.

Side lighting will allow you to highlight the texture and details of the architecture. Photo by Gianni Domenici.

Backlighting is the worst for architectural photography because it creates shapeless, dark surfaces of objects. One of the best ways to solve this problem is to try to remove the sky from the frame and use more long exposure to get at least some details of the building. You can also shoot the building just as a silhouette or wait until it gets a little dark.

Night photography

Even the most boring architecture can come to life at night. In fact, many modern buildings are designed from the ground up with nighttime in mind. When darkness falls, these buildings are illuminated by dozens of lamps, decorating the facades with multi-colored lights and casting intricate shadows on the surface of the building.

Spectacular night lighting can truly bring a building to life. Photo by Trey Ratcliff.

When photographing architecture at night, be sure to use a tripod and keep your ISO as low as possible to reduce digital noise.

Use long lenses

If you photograph a building from too close, the walls in the photo may appear distorted, as if the entire building is falling backwards. While this effect itself can be quite interesting, we usually try to reduce its appearance so that it does not distract the viewer's attention.

By using telephoto lenses and photographing architecture from afar, you can get straight lines on the walls of a building.

Use a telephoto lens to straighten your perspective and eliminate distortion. Photo by Álvaro Vega Fuentes.

Also, using a telephoto lens, you can achieve a unique abstract effect. Shooting from a distance with a long lens will give you a building with a straightened perspective and parallel lines, giving the photo a surreal feel.

Choose interesting details

Most architectural objects contain small details, such as ornate windows with beautiful fixtures and decorative cornices, which in themselves are interesting to photograph.

Try to look for interesting details to focus on rather than just photographing the entire building. Photo by Paul Hocksenar

Focus your attention on these types of details and compose your photo to highlight these architectural features.

It's not just about buildings

When photographing architecture, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that "architecture = buildings." Although this is not far from the truth, in reality most man-made structures fall under the category of architectural photography: bridges, towers, windmills, monuments and even lampposts. Look at your shoot differently to capture interesting photos that most people will simply miss.

Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, New York. Photo by Lou Bueno.

The architecture that surrounds us every day is a very popular subject for photography. Follow these simple rules, which will help you take stunning photographs of architecture.

Architecture is a broad topic that covers everything from skyscrapers to shacks. Wherever we go, almost everywhere we are surrounded by architectural objects. And therefore it is not at all surprising that this genre of photography is so popular.

Despite this variety, there are a number of principles and techniques that apply to most situations. Knowing them will lead you to be more careful about framing, composition and lighting when shooting.

By practicing over and over again, you will develop your eye for architectural photography. This will help you capture subjects in a more interesting way, avoiding repetitive compositions and adding more personality to your shots.

Old architecture

When photographing old architecture, a simple and clear composition usually works best, showing the natural beauty and elegance of the buildings. It's good to include elements of the surrounding landscape in the frame to give context to the architecture and add space.

The simple composition gives a majestic look to old buildings. Photo by Stephen Murphy.

Modern architecture

If you're photographing modern architecture, use a more modern, abstract style. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to create extreme perspective, or photograph a structure from an unusual angle. Also, since modern buildings are pressed together, you can put just the building in the frame without making the image look unnatural.

When photographing modern architecture, a more abstract style works best. Photo by Rohit Mattu.

Give architecture context... or not

Whether or not to show the space surrounding a building depends on the situation and the message you want to convey. Ask yourself if the environment will add interest to your photo or be a distraction. If the landscape complements your building, make the frame wider, but if the surrounding objects don't match your idea, cut them out.

Enabling some elements environment into the frame can add context to your subject. Photo Roba Overcache.

As an example, consider an old building in the center of a modern city. If you want to convey this sense of incongruity, then it will be important to also show other modern buildings nearby. But if you just want to highlight the beauty of ancient architecture, then new buildings will only distract attention.

Lighting

Lighting is an important part of architectural photography. Of course, nothing can be said about the position and orientation of the building, and the lighting of the building itself is not discussed at all. So we have to work with what nature has given.

Front-to-side lighting tends to produce the best photos. It provides more brightness and leaves long, interesting shadows on the building's façade, highlighting its surface details and giving the structure a three-dimensional appearance.

Using front-side lighting, you can highlight the texture and details of an architectural object. Photo by Gianni Domenici.

Back lighting is worst kind lighting for architectural photography because it renders surfaces in a very ordinary and dark way. The best way interacting with backlighting is to cut out the sky from the frame and use a slow shutter speed to save at least some detail, or photograph a building as a silhouette. Or you can wait until it gets dark...

Shooting at night

Even the most boring buildings come alive at night - in fact, many modern buildings and centers are designed with nighttime in mind. After dark they are lit with dozens of lights that bring color and brightness, and cast fantastic shadows on the facades.

Dramatic night lighting can really bring life to a building. Photo by Trey Ratcliffe.

When photographing at night, do so with a tripod and use the lowest ISO setting to avoid noise.

Reducing distortion with long lenses

When you photograph a building up close, its lines may appear distorted, as if the building is convex. This distortion in itself can be an interesting effect, but usually it is tried to be reduced so that it is not distracting.

By using a telephoto lens and photographing from a long distance, you will find that the lines and walls look acceptably straight.

Use a telephoto lens to smooth out perspective and eliminate distortion. Photo by Alvaro Vega Fuentes.

You can also use a telephoto lens to create a great abstract effect. By photographing architecture from a very far distance and using a lens with a long focal length, you will smooth out the perspective so that the lines of the building appear parallel, giving the photo a surreal look.

Capture interesting details

Most architectural objects have small details that look great in photographs, starting decorative patterns windows and ending with ornaments and cornices.

Find an interesting detail and focus on it. Photo Paula Xoxenara.

Be attentive to such details and fill the frame with them, then it will look more intimate, which will convey the character of the architecture.

It's not just about buildings

When you're photographing architecture, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that architecture is just about buildings. Of course, this is not far from the truth, but in reality, all man-made structures fall under one umbrella called "Architecture" - bridges, towers, windmills, monuments and even street lamps. Take a wider look and maybe you'll find interesting ideas for photos that others would miss.