How can I make architecture photos feel original instead of like standard postcard shots?
Asked 4/26/2017
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2 answers
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When photographing famous buildings, it can feel like every obvious composition has already been done. For landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, many images repeat the same centered, symmetrical, postcard-style view. What techniques or guidelines can help an architecture photo stand out while still showing the beauty of the building? I'm interested in ideas for composition, viewpoint, lighting, and whether it helps to include other elements or work as a series rather than a single shot.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
6
You can wait for a very specific lighting (dawn, sunset), atmospheric events (fog, clouds, storm).
You can add a concept to the picture : lego figurines, human characters, accessories, staging.
You can questionate the concept of Taj Mahal itself : if it is over-representated, people will recognize it immediatly, so you can play hide and seek with it, hide it partially, blur it,…
Taj Mahal is architecture ? Well turn it into still nature, portrait, even pornography. Shapes can be diverted.
What we see everyday are single shots. Try to work on a series and turn it into a narrative of several frames.
Originally by user51051. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user51051
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
To make architecture images feel fresh, look beyond the default postcard view.
The biggest differentiator is often light: shoot at dawn, sunset, fog, storms, dramatic clouds, harsh side light, or night. Unusual atmosphere can transform a familiar building.
Also change the composition. Famous landmarks are often shown perfectly centered and symmetrical, so try breaking that pattern. Explore different viewpoints, including very low or elevated angles, and consider showing only part of the structure rather than the whole building.
Think about what story you want to tell. The building can be the subject, or it can act as a setting while foreground elements, water, plants, or other details lead the viewer in. Including people or staged elements can work if they support the idea rather than distract from it.
You can also play with recognition: partially hide the building, blur it, or emphasize shapes, textures, and details instead of the iconic full view.
Finally, don’t limit yourself to a single frame. A series of images can say more than one “hero shot” and give a more original narrative about the place.
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