How do you find the right angle and composition for your subject?

1 Know your subject

Before you start shooting, you should research your subject and its surroundings. Learn about its history, style, function, and significance. This will help you identify its unique features, mood, and context. You should also scout the location and check the weather, lighting, and traffic conditions. This will help you plan your shots and avoid unwanted distractions or obstacles.

2 Choose your lens

The lens you use for architectural photography can make a big difference in how you capture your subject. Depending on your creative vision and the space available, you can choose from different types of lenses. A wide-angle lens can help you fit more of the subject in the frame and create a sense of depth and perspective. A telephoto lens can help you isolate details and compress the distance between elements. A tilt-shift lens can help you correct distortion and control the plane of focus.

3 Find your angle

One of the most important aspects of architectural photography is finding the right angle for your subject. The angle you choose can affect how you convey the shape, size, and style of the structure. You can experiment with different angles and positions to find the best one for your subject. For example, you can shoot from a low angle to emphasize the height and grandeur of a skyscraper. You can shoot from a high angle to show the layout and pattern of a building. You can shoot from a side angle to show the depth and dimension of a facade.

4 Compose your shot

Once you have found your angle, you need to compose your shot carefully. You should use the principles of composition, such as the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, or the leading lines, to create a balanced and harmonious image. You should also pay attention to the negative space, the symmetry, and the contrast in your shot. You should try to avoid distracting elements, such as wires, poles, or people, that might take away from your subject. You should also align your horizon and vertical lines to avoid tilted or skewed images.

5 Adjust your settings

After you have composed your shot, you need to adjust your camera settings to capture the best exposure and quality for your subject. You should use a tripod to stabilize your camera and avoid camera shake. You should also use a remote shutter release or a self-timer to prevent any movement when pressing the shutter button. You should use a low ISO to reduce noise and a small aperture to increase depth of field. You should also use a manual or aperture-priority mode to have more control over your exposure. You should use a histogram and a live view to check your exposure and focus.

6 Edit your photos

The final step of architectural photography is editing your photos. Editing can help you enhance the colors, contrast, and details of your subject. It can also help you correct any distortion, perspective, or alignment issues that might have occurred during shooting. You can use various software and tools to edit your photos, such as Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Skylum Luminar. You should always edit your photos in RAW format to preserve the maximum amount of information and quality.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?