Architecture

Over the span of my career I have found mainly by trial, and error, plus what my customers were saying they liked to see. In the long run they all wanted the same thing. They all wanted every angle possible. In the end they ended up picking the same angle. I still take shots from as many angles as possible.

In the end 90% of all shots used by the customer were taken at an angle from one corner. Take into account landscaping, unwanted items in the background, and the forground. Don't be afraid to go back, and use a photo editing software. All famous photographers have used some techneque, or another to edit their photos. Many of my commercial photos had to be altered to remove brick stains, wire, trash, and cars. I have taken photos in the winter, and made it look like spring. This is usually needed for a spring publication.

Back to what is realy important. Always shoot every angle you never know what you may find. I personallly prefer a corner shot.

(1) Always have the sun to your back on the clearest day possible.

(2) Use a polarizing filter to deepen the blue of the sky, and remove glare from windows. Spring is the best time of the year for blue skys, and great cherry blossums.

(3) Always try to include building names in your photos, and interesting features infront, or nearby the structure. Such as: statues, ponds, fountains, and aproaching drives.

(4) Buildings look even better when you are above ground level. Bring a ladder. Get on the roof of you car, or truck. Try standing on a walll. See Composition Tips.I

(5) Depending on the type of building, you may want to have people in your shot. Use your best judgement depending on the use of the structure. University, or retail structures you want to have people in the forground. A structure that is a facility for internal company use only should have no people in the forground. Unless you are trying to convey a great place to work. In the end try to determine the usage, and base your photo on that.

(6) If you are photographing buildings of interest, and not for commercial purposes. Make someone is aware of your intentions not to upset the property owners. Since 911 many people are very suspicious of photographers however friendly. This will save you, and the tennents, or owners alot of greef. I have been confronted by security many times even when I had permision. Save yourself the grief , and let someone know.

(7) Also the use of a a variable wide angle lens, is a plus because sometimes you may not have the option of getting back far enough to get the entire structure in your shot.