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October 13, 2008 |
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Created and Maintained by: The Photoimaging Information Council |
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by Alice B. Miller, Images by Rip Smith |
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Capturing striking examples of buildings and landmarks is a popular subject for photographers year round, close to home or anywhere in the world. Full of endless details, dramatic angles, shadows and reflections, these structures—modern or ancient—can be shot from dozens of different perspectives, in many different styles. If you plan to venture out on an architecture shoot, you may find the following tips and insights from architectural and fine art photographer Sterling “Rip” Smith (www.sterlingimages.com), of Martinsburg, West Virginia, constructive.  The best architectural subjects have many interesting details that can be captured if you get close enough. © Rip Smith
“Architecture is a very detail-oriented art,” says Rip. “The best architectural subjects have many interesting details that can be captured if you get close enough. While you might think it’s better to use your wide-angle lens to capture a structure, for photos rich in detail and intricacies, you are better off shooting with your long zoom or telephoto lens.” Here are some other tips that flow from this rule of thumb. 1. Look Up. Older buildings often have enormously detailed trim in the windows, doors, and other areas. Says Rip, “While many older small towns have updated their downtown areas at the street level, all you have to do is look up to see the timeless craftsmanship of the past.”  Look up to see the timeless craftsmanship of the past. © Rip Smith
2. Get Past the Postcard. “When traveling, you can always take the ‘postcard’ shot of the attractions you visit, “ says Rip, “but zooming in to capture the details will reward you with more interesting images.”  When the east side of the U.S. Capitol Building was cluttered with construction equipment, Smith “zoomed in on the dome, the sweep of the curve, and the incredible detail of the carved stone. © Rip Smith
For example, the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., is one of the most photographed buildings in the world. “When I was there a while back, the east side, where the morning sun lit the building, was cluttered with construction equipment,” he recalls. “I zoomed in on the dome, the sweep of the curve, and the incredible detail of the carved stone.” “Then walking around to the west side, I noticed the way the sun highlighted the flag with the dome in shadow in the background,” says Rip. He never would have captured these more dramatic images if he had stayed with the more routine, head-on postcard shot.  “Walking around to the west side of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., I noticed the way the sun highlighted the flag with the dome in shadow in the background,” says Rip. © Rip Smith
3. Keep It Simple. A zoom lens can help cut down on extraneous content that clutters your image. “On a trip to Boston, the Old State House was on a busy intersection in a busy part of downtown,” says Rip. “A wide-angle shot showed all kinds of clutter, trucks, and general traffic. Switching to the long zoom, I eliminated the clutter and photographed the Old State House in a context that emphasized its location nestled among modern, towering skyscrapers.” The resulting photo is a richer, more interesting representation of Boston’s cityscape.  “With a long zoom, I eliminated clutter and captured Boston’s Old State House in a context that emphasizes its location nestled among modern, towering skyscrapers.” © Rip Smith
4. Look for Details. Structural details can add beauty, texture, and visual interest to an image. “Modern buildings, similar to their older structures, have details and patterns that are not always obvious through a wide-angle lens,” says Rip. Zoom in on buildings, landmarks, and other structures and you’ll find lines, curves, textures, and shadows that make the images more dramatic and memorable.  “Modern buildings also have details and patterns that are not always obvious on the wide-angle shot.” © Rip Smith
Next time you venture out to capture architectural subjects, don’t leave your wide-angle lens at home, but carry your camera with the long zoom or telephoto attached. You’ll be rewarded with a world of image-enhancing details that enrich your photos.
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