Saturday, March 23, 2013

Shooting Concepts For Architectural Photography

By Ann Jordan


While anyone can easily associate architecture to buildings, forms and shapes, it is considered as a broader matter when it involves the camera. There are a lot of areas to explore in Boston architectural photography especially with the mundane existence of possible subjects to shoot. It is acceptable for beginners to repeatedly use proven and effective compositions, but they also need to get out of that safe zone.

Techniques are learned not because it is mandated but because every artist has to learn from previously proven approaches. It helps them develop their own style given the existing norms. As a photographer, you are bringing out what you know and what more you want to learn about this craft. These reminders will serve as an inspiration that your vision must be developed further if you possess it.

The all too common sub field to this area of photography is old architecture. These buildings have stood the test of time and are preserved in character with their vintage appeal. For this, minimalism is advised because the structure and its surroundings alone will already suffice as a means to convey meanings and messages that are open to interpretation.

As opposed to the traditional, modern architecture is more contemporary in appeal. Gone are the well defined structures as they are replaced with more experimental take on interpreting shapes and forms. Wide angle lenses are reportedly better in this because the distortion and the scope makes it possible for the appearance to be other worldly.

As to putting everything to context, it usually varies with the current state of the whole area. If you wish to include the surroundings to put more relevance to the subject, then you can do so by properly framing the elements. On the other hand, you may zoom in instead and direct your focus on a more uncluttered view of the structure.

Since architecture is all about lines, forms and details, lighting plays a crucial role in the equation. Given that no one is in control of the positioning of the structures themselves, the photographer then has to study how the light falls on the subject. Nature provides for this, so it is in your power to manipulate it and make do with what the knowledge and gears you have.

Another interesting to note is that some structures appear bland during day time, yet they completely transform at night. An exploratory trip after sundown with your cam and tripod would prove rewarding if you take time to experiment with the dark skyline and the glow of artificial lights. You would be surprised by how the shadows would bring out beautiful details that is otherwise unnoticed.

Architecture is particular about details, whether they go overboard or retreat back to minimalism. Either way, it is also good to experiment with these elements by focusing on details to create abstractions. The variation has a different appeal that would complement the overview shots of the entire building that catches your fancy.

Everyday you see buildings shooting up into the sky and commanding attention, yet everyday you tell yourself that it has become a mundane element to the whole picture as well. However, if you are keen on studying about Boston architectural photography, you should understand what it takes to master the field. More than the technical skill, what is important is you have the vision to see beauty amidst the chaos.




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