Architectural photography can be quite tricky. There may be a crowd or a group of people in the photo that can’t be removed even through image post-processing techniques. In fact, you might find it difficult to process images with distortions or even unfavorable weather conditions. But, you can see this with a different perspective and upscale your photography with some amazing tips and tricks.
Here are a few tips that you can use to take your photography skills to new heights and improve the visual strength of your architectural photography:
1. Look into the indoors
There are a lot of challenges faced by architectural photographers to capture a perfect shot, especially while exploring the objects present indoors. If you capture people in your interior architectural photos, it might give a genuine feel and tell a unique story. So, architectural image enhancement is important.
It is not possible to capture an entire building from the street with both interiors as well as exterior shots. In order to get that perfect shot, it is important to ensure that a proper level of camera is maintained, diverse shapes and vertical lines are adequately translated, and not too much effort is made to eliminate the distortions. The lighting is another important aspect that needs consideration.
2. Adopt a minimalistic approach
Pursuing a minimalistic approach is the key. If you understand the concept of ‘less is more’, then you will be able to showcase the objects in their true essence. All you need to do is think out of the box. Declutter the architectural photos by showing more white or negative spaces. Also, in order to make the photos visually appealing, yet aesthetically attractive, you may want to chase for shapes and lines.
So, for perfect architectural photography shots, you should adopt a minimalist approach.
3. Consider all weather conditions
If you are seeking perfect architectural shots, then a weather forecast is what you should look for. This helps in planning in advance what kind of shot you want to capture, what kind of lighting you want, and depending on that, pick a day that offers just that! After all, the lighting, composition, temperature, exposure, etc. should be just perfect, right?
For your architectural photography to be impactful, you must go for variations in weather conditions and capture photos during different weather conditions as well as seasons. For instance, you can click photos during the rainy season – it can be either at the time of a drizzle or a storm. If you like to make things dramatic, you may also want to capture basic structures with textures of clouds and drops. Furthermore, during the winter season, it might be difficult for you to capture photos due to snowfall, but there are still many shots that you can try when it’s freezing cold outside. Add a bit of a charm and mystery to the buildings with snow and frost and create a rather cozy and distinctive view.
4. Watch out for lines and shapes in your compositions
Adding various lines and shapes to your compositions can actually change your architectural photography game. They can impact the response of the target audience and make them appreciate the photos even more. Symmetrical lines will be a plus. Evoke the emotions perfectly with architecture photography by getting familiar with the basics of shapes and designs.
For a rather stable design, you should use more squares and rectangles to make your audience feel safe and at ease. Circles can be used to depict the universe and it is a clear sign of eternity. Triangles, on the contrary, imply motion and illustrate zeal and risk. All this information will be fruitful in capturing photos.
5. Seek unique angles and perspectives
Go unconventional. Try and explore new and unique angles and perspectives in order to capture buildings, especially the ones that are famous and well-known. Since those buildings have been shot several times, determining angles and perspectives would be a challenge, but, with time, you’ll be able to figure out shots that are unexplored. Remember, your work will go unnoticed if you include or showcase only the conventional or usual photos in your portfolio.
Create a buzz by approaching photography that way not everyone does. Play around with the textures, exposures, temperatures, and lighting, and make the most of your distinctive style.
6. Incorporate people for authenticity
You must include people in your photos to make the photography look all the more authentic and genuine. Sometimes, it might be annoying with a large crowd, but, you must know how to balance it out. Plan and work up a time when no or fewer people are present so that it doesn’t look crowded or hides the building.
Few people in the photo can make the photo more realistic and trendy. It also helps in understanding the scale of the building. You can always hire an expert offering photo editing services to eliminate any distortions coming in the way.
7. Good lighting is extremely important
Lighting is very important when it comes to architectural photography. It sets the whole mood and atmosphere. When you are shooting in a studio, you can easily adjust the lighting. But, in architectural photography, it is not possible to do so. You have to shoot in natural lighting which is quite a challenge. You have to watch the time of the day you are shooting and also consider the weather conditions. The best time for photography is the golden hour. Try and leverage that time to your benefit. Experiment with flares and backlighting for better shots.
Bonus tip: Don’t forget to use a tripod to click sharp and stable photos.
8. Don’t fret over distortions
Distortion is a normal thing to happen. A lower or higher angle used to shoot buildings can be a reason for that. Sometimes, even professional photographers cannot avoid them. To be precise, they are an inevitable part of photography. Fixing them is an option that can be undertaken during the post-processing phase.
9. Do your research beforehand
Gather all kinds of information before actually going to shoot. This will help you discover the classic shots and give you an idea of how you can shoot differently.
10. Beautify the images during post-processing
A majority of photographers leverage post-processing techniques to remove imperfections, flaws, distortions, and more to make the shots perfect. The post-processing techniques must be able to bring out the best in the architectural photos and enhance the real beauty of the buildings.
Conclusion
PhotozWorld is a professional photo editing company offering bespoke image editing and enhancement services to clients spanning across the globe. To know more about our interior and architecture photo editing services, get in touch with us at info@photozworld.com.