Photographing architecture is a specialty business, one that requires a trained eye and a unique knowledge base. Architects spend years bringing design to physical form, and the architectural photographer must help tell that story.
The challenge, of course, is to creatively use light and perspective to represent the character and personality of a space or structure. High-end equipment isn’t a must, but getting started does require a basic understanding of the fundamentals. Collected here are some of the on-the-job considerations that the pros work with everyday.
1. It’s All About Perspective
Architecture comes in all the shapes and sizes, but it’s really about the lines. Taking great photos is about working with those lines, and using perspective to draw attention to detail and bring your subject to life.
While not absolute, the general rule is to keep vertical lines vertical, and perpendicular to the horizon. Camera lenses distort perspective. When you point and shoot in front of a building, the vertical lines tend to slant inwards, converging at a point beyond the frame. Converging lines can be used for emphasis and dramatic effect, but to create an accurate representation a clean geometric, or straightforward, shot is preferred.