8 Tips for Architecture Photography Beginners

Have you ever been in a situation where you wished you have used your camera more properly and more professionally? You might be into architecture photography, or you just wish to take perfect photographs of landmarks while traveling through Europe to document your visits. Do you feel like you need help?
Well, the art of architecture photography has no set of rigid rules. They are more of general guidelines that walk you through the process of taking the ideal image. If you are new to architecture photography or photography in general, and you wish to improve the quality of the pictures you capture, follow our tips:

1) Rule of thumb “ rule of the thirds”

Photo via Shutterstock

This is a guideline rather than a rule as we have mentioned before. The rule of thirds tells you to divide the picture into three equal horizontal and vertical parts. With that done, place the most important element at one of the intersecting lines, rather than at the center of the photograph. For example, Eiffel Tower—in the picture above, is placed at one of the intersections.

2) Symmetrical photographs

Photography: Ute Scherhag, Germany, Shortlist, Open, Architecture (open), 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

Alright, forget what I have just told you in no. 1. Just kiddin’! However, there are times when it is better for the main element to be placed in the center as in the case of symmetry. When you have a photo that can be split into two mirror images, it is definitely better to align the most important photo element centrally.

 3) Having leading lines

Courtesy of IPPAWARDS – Photography: Charles Hu

Leading lines are the lines that lead to the key element of the picture. Like here, the handrails of the bridge lead the eyes to the iconic wings of the Milwaukee Art Museum.

4) One frame inside of the other

Photo via blogs.egusd.net

Depict the depth of the scene by framing its major element. Paintings from the Renaissance period used that technique to highlight the key elements. Framing can be done using archways, windows, or even branches of a tree. Here in this picture, the arch frame highlights the building’s domed-tower.

5) Make good use of patterns

Courtesy of  Claudio Cantonetti, Italy, Shortlist, Open Competition, Architecture, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

The eye loves harmony by nature. It is almost instinctive to take joy in a photo that is harmonious in its patterns. One can find patterns in repetitive structures or even colors.

6) Use different textures

Photography: CorazondeDios

The variety in the texture of the photo elements creates depth that can even rival the use of colors. The feel of the eroded wall in the photo above is almost tangible. You can see the depths of the layers and sense the roughness just by looking at the photo.

7) Filling your frames

Photography: StumblingOtis

A photograph that closes up and focuses only on one subject could be a great one. Leaving no space around the key object intensifies the shot. It also allows the eye to focus on the tiny details that it would miss in farther shots. Notice how the “filling of the frame” in the picture above makes you almost feel the icy metal of the sculpture.

8) The “Space” rule

Courtesy of Xiaoyang Wang – Photography: IPPAWARDS

This guideline says it is much better to take a photograph where the moving element has considerable space ahead. The viewer will take a mental journey with the walking lady, in front of the building, until she reaches her destination.

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