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Architectural photography embraces more than taking a picture of structural design; it aims to capture the impact of the building upon the landscape of the geography that surrounds it. Despite the significance of this, there will be times when the intricate details of particular building can only be captured in isolation from their larger context. The ability to find beauty from each of these perspectives is the true test of a photographer's eye.
While the mechanics of architectural photography can be taught, truly great artistry arises from inspiration that eludes text book instruction. Taking that into consideration, some professionals have shared their insights:
Environment
Architectural photography conveys the experience of being in and around a built environment. Juxtaposing stark differences between the building and its surroundings illuminates its positive attributes as well as its negative ones, depending on the intent of the photographer. By way of an example, consider the drab colour and industrial feel of a building unremarkable within the context of an impersonal cityscape; it represents the bland scope of capitalism. In contrast, when the same building is juxtaposed beside a home, a church or a garden, its harsh reality creates a startling impact. The same image is used to represent two completely different purposes; to record and to shock.
Light
Some structures may not inspire much for either the casual observer or the photographer, but by experimenting with its appearance across a wide range of natural light situations, an expression of meaning can be created. Consider the difference between sunlight, cloud cover, partial darkness, candlelight and artificial interior illumination. One bright light radiating outward into the night lends to a building the welcoming appearance of a beacon amid a sea of darkness.
Space
Because our mental frame of reference adds context to modern buildings, their slogans, and any external equipment, they require less surrounding space in the photograph to give them meaning. In contrast, an older building represents a specific period in time; it begs the question of how old it really is. The photograph should capture enough of its environment to make it part of an existing village or isolate it as a stand-alone remnant from the past. The larger context, whether it is a stone walkway, a fragment of a street, or a view of nearby ruins, helps to anchor the image in the mind.
Internal Framing
Natural elements from the photograph can be manipulated to form an internal frame. A fence can draw the eye to the main structure, show that a building is private, capture the age of the design, attest to the care of the grounds, represent a dislike of outside contact, or confirm the relative size of other elements in the photograph. Archways can be used as a keyhole, a viewpoint, or to capture perspective. The length of a bridge can be used to strike a dramatic line, or subtly frame the shore, the water or the land. Stairs and pathways entice the viewer to follow them. Try shooting from different perspectives: top-down, bottom-up and eye level. Ask yourself which viewpoint evokes more emotion.
Weather
Compare the building decorated with a layer of snow, through the grey eyes of rain, or pinpointed by the linear rays of sunlight. With a telescopic lens, use the glistening tips of icicles to direct the eye toward a focal point of architecture.
Equipment
Explore the contours of the building through different media. Invest in wide angle and telephoto lenses. Expand your use of black and white, colour and sepia. Move your body to gain perspective. The hand of the photographer may be steady, but a tripod is better. Set up your equipment carefully and clean it properly before you disassemble it.
Every Picture Tells a Story
If possible, get inside the building and discover its history. Provide the most accurate picture of it as you can. Avoid representing the structure as an image that will be immediately falsified upon its real life experience. Respect your passion and your profession. It will show in your work.
Araman Studio is a creator of beautiful things. When you need a photographer dubai or virtually anywhere in the Middle East to capture the beauty of the area and you in it, visit us today. Araman is the Middle East official photographer for Starwood hotels - Sheraton, Meridien, Grosvenor House, Four Points by Sheraton and The Westin. He also teaches photography at the American University in Dubai.
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