Architectural photography – Transforming spaces into images

Cityscapes also fall into this category, if as a special form.

“Artistic” architectural photography tends to interpret architecture more freely and uses the shapes and colours, light and shadow on a geometric shape, a pattern or a section of a building and puts these elements in a new context. This results in a new theme of its own, which does not necessarily have to have anything to do with the actual building, but uses architecture as the statement's vehicle.

The one-point perspective is the opposite and accordingly has only one vanishing point for all building lines that run into the depth of the image. This orientation particularly emphasises patterns and structures, but also a staggering of facades in the depth of an image. Although it looks a bit “flatter” because the building appears less as an object of volume but more as a facade, for example, this can result in a calmer visual effect. The central perspective creates a very intensive “pulling effect” based on the one vanishing point. TIP: Precise alignment is very important for a one-point perspective. An image that is actually orthogonally aligned to a facade, but slightly tilted, creates tapering lines that should in reality be parallel. Such deviations are often glaring and look unprofessional.

The one-point perspective is extremely effective for symmetrical buildings. Due to only one vanishing point, emphasis is placed on the symmetry which creates a strong perspective effect.

TIP: Symmetry also exists in the form of reflections, for example on water or shiny surfaces.

Regardless of the type of perspective, especially with classical architecture photography, it should be ensured that the verticals in the image are parallel. This results in a realistic image of the building and looks precise and professional.

To achieve this, it is crucial that the camera be aligned “in level”. If the camera points upwards (or downwards), the vertical edges “fall”, meaning they converge upwards or disperse. Although falling lines can be effectively straightened using software (for example, Lightroom or Photoshop), this results in a distorted image and some loss in image quality. Professional photographers therefore use special lenses (tilt-shift lenses) that enable image composition in which the entire building remains completely visible, even with parallel verticals.

Of course, this “rule” does not mean that you should only take pictures from “straight ahead”; sometimes an unusual vantage point, for example upwards, can be very exciting and convey more about a building than a “classical” architectural image.

When used correctly, these leading lines create dynamic character and depth. Diagonal or curved lines are particularly suitable for guiding the eye. This works best if the part of the image to be emphasised is at the end of the line. This can be a single element, a room or an entire building. Leading lines can also take the role of the main motif, especially in more abstract images, for example in the form of a spiral staircase.

Frames can help grasp the composition of the image and direct the eye to the centre of an image. This framing effect can be created in different ways – be it a house facade of a neighbouring building, a structural element like a support beam or even large pieces of furniture. Since the human eye tends to be drawn to the brighter areas of an image, it is also advantageous if the framing elements are rather dark. In this respect, you could also use subtle vignetting (meaning a darkening toward the edges of an image) to serve as a frame.

Nevertheless, there are situations in which the absence of additional staffage enhances the image effect, for example by reducing the image to the geometry or the impact of a material. Especially with motifs that already appear very diverse, lively or messy due to the building, additional staffage can overload an image and weaken its impact.

In contrast to these individual elements, which yield rather specific results, structures, patterns and repetition may be used to create a more abstract architectural image.

The uniformity creates a very catchy visual effect, which not only emphasises the design intentions of the architect, but also the conscious interaction of the photographer.

Especially with a strict grid or very repetitive patterns, an anomaly can help open up the image and create additional interest. Breaking the monotony even emphasises the regularity.