Taking Shots of Buildings

Buildings provide many opportunities for the photographer to create exciting and, in many ways, unusual images of scenes that are always present but which the majority of people pass by without noticing. Sometimes it is not always possible or indeed beneficial to include a building in its entirety in a single photograph. In some cases the building may be quite "dull and it is only by isolating a small section of carving or ceramics, for instance, that a strong shot will be obtained.

The time of day can play an important part in photographing details. When the sun is low or at an acute angle to the subject strong shadows will be created. This can enhance the graphic qualities and result in unusual, if not abstract, images.

It will be rare that an interesting angle cannot be found for even the most mundane building, and in the majority of cases what makes a photograph 'good' is the amount of time the photographer has spent looking for an unusual angle, going in close on detail and framing the picture to hide or crop unwanted intrusions. In certain cases close up shots of architectural derail may, over a period of time, provide a series of pictures that could be used together or to form a collection of individual themes or styles. With interior details precise framing can be important and it would be beneficial to use a tripod. This is not just in instances where there will probably be less light and so longer exposures will be necessary, but also in situations where symmetry is a key element, for example with a ceiling. Nothing is worse than seeing a final image where care has been taken with exposure and general composition but where one of four pillars, for example, is not quite square. With a tripod this 'squaring up' can be achieved with a greater degree of precision than can be expected with a hand-held camera.

For example, the hallway of the old Daily Express newspaper building in London`s Fleet Street is on of the capital's greatest Art Deco interiors. Although the hallway is still intact many such interiors have been lost forever and photographs remain the only historical document of their existence. Needless to say these photographs could be very valuable in the years to come.

Willis J. Watson is a freelance writer since 2006, living in United States and he writes about his great passion...digital photography for about 4 years. If you want to read more informations about Digital Sports Photography and also read more reviews about Youth Sports Photography, you can check out his websites.