{"id":58887,"date":"2020-03-09T09:45:26","date_gmt":"2020-03-09T13:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/architizer.com\/blog\/?p=58887"},"modified":"2020-07-22T10:56:08","modified_gmt":"2020-07-22T14:56:08","slug":"common-mistakes-architectural-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.arc.ht\/blog\/practice\/tools\/common-mistakes-architectural-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"Architectural Photography: 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"

Early Registrations for the next One Photo Challenge<\/a> are now being accepted, giving aspiring architectural photographers the chance to share one photograph that tells a powerful story about architecture for the chance to win $2,500 and global recognition. The competition launches early in 2021, but it’s worth registering now to receive important updates and deadline reminders:<\/span><\/p>\n

Register for the One Photo Challenge<\/a><\/p>\n

With the birth of the smartphone, millions of people around the world gained access to incredibly advanced cameras, opening up the world of architectural photography to the general public. Now, while just about anyone can snap a photo, it takes more to produce a truly compelling image. There remains a fine line between skilled and novice photography. Common mistakes and annoying trends in photography make this distinction loud and clear. Here’s an obvious one to get us started \u2014 Snapping photos with unintended, ugly objects in the foreground\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image via Shutter Mike Photography<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Traffic cones and wheelie bins are a bit of a distraction, to put it mildly. To help you with your One Photo Challenge submissions, here are seven more most frequent mishaps you should avoid in architectural photography.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Though this image captures every object within the space, there is no focus on any important features; image via apalmanac.com<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

1. Shooting an image that is too broad or busy<\/h2>\n

Composition is arguably the most important aspect of photography. Inexperienced photographers often fall into the trap of relying on wide shots in order to capture every possible element within an image. Before shooting, you should consider what your photograph is attempting to convey within a space, and then decide what features or details to focus your lens on. Also, don’t be afraid to incorporate negative space<\/a> into your photography, as this can give a composition extra strength.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Sydney Opera House – A great building, but not the only one deserving of your camera lens; image via Wikipedia<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

2. Shooting only “iconic” buildings<\/h2>\n

The task for The One Photo Challenge is to capture a single photograph that tells a powerful story about architecture. Telling a compelling story does not always equate to documenting the most \u201ciconic\u201d or flashy buildings, when regular buildings may do a better job of conveying a narrative. There is beauty in the everyday, that can make for a very captivating image.<\/span><\/p>\n

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This is an extremely over processed HDR image; image via expertphotography.com<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

3. Relying too heavily on HDR<\/h2>\n

When used correctly, HDR can really elevate an image, allowing for astonishingly accurate reproductions of what you see or fantastical, dream-like visuals. However, many photographers fall into the trap of overusing HDR to the point where key details are erased and colors look too far from reality. It\u2019s important to find a balance between realism and a quality photograph. Check this guide<\/a> for when and how to use HDR.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIf she can\u2019t lean against the concrete pole and eat oshizushi off the bike seat, she\u2019s not minimalist enough.\u201d via Unhappy Hipsters<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

4. Getting obsessed with minimalism<\/h2>\n

General architectural aesthetics are often synonymous with minimalism. Architectural photography is awash with shots of minimalist designs that, while visually pleasing at times, are fast becoming generic. Telling a visually captivating story is helped by focusing on architectural details, attempting to capture the character of a space and embracing imperfection. Go against the grain and pursue every-day, less “clean” architecture to photograph \u2014 these can yield more unique and compelling stories.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image via Blogging Theme Styles<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

5. Spray and Pray<\/h2>\n

In the digital era, a common technique used among new photographers is to \u201cspray and pray\u201d or just shoot a mass of images with the hope of getting at least one good one. This isn\u2019t an ideal method because capturing a quality shot requires thought and consideration. Your goal should be to capture your preferred image in one or two shots. This will force you to pay close attention to the most important aspects of an image: composition, lighting and color.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image comparison via Shutter Mike<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

6. Substandard Tones<\/h2>\n

Architecture is usually communicated more clearly through strong lighting, shadows and expressive tones. It is worth honing your skill working with an image\u2019s contrast, exposure, black levels and highlights, and attempt to capture details as best you can on the camera, instead of relying on post-processing. Sometimes this requires a little patience, as photographer Mike Small suggests when referencing the above image comparison: “The photo on the left was taken at 6:39 PM and the one on the right at 6:53 PM. Not only is the sky very different but the artificial lighting on the building itself takes on a whole new effect just 14 minutes later.”<\/span><\/p>\n

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Snapping an out-of-focus image can be artistic if intentional \u2014 but be wary of accidental blurriness; image via Pinterest<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

7. Out-Of-Focus Images<\/h2>\n

Out-of-focus images are one of the most common mistakes made in photography. It\u2019s an incredibly easy error to make given the amount of activity and random elements that can interfere with a shot. The Digital Photography School<\/a> cites the following four causes for lack of sharpness:<\/span><\/p>\n