Navigating Crowds

Apr 18, 2025 - My friend James was recently with his family in New Orleans. He sent me a message that he was trying to capture some of the city’s great architecture, but it was difficult with the streets being so busy. So how do you handle that tricky situation? Here are some suggestions. 

• Zoom in on the details: Instead of trying to capture the whole building, get up close and personal to focus on the interesting textures, ornate windows, or unique design elements. This will naturally exclude the crowd from the shot. 

• Go vertical: Sometimes, switching to a vertical orientation can really emphasize the height of a building while minimizing the visual impact of a horizontal crowd at its base. 

• Look for natural frames: Keep an eye out for archways, doorways, or even trees within the scene. Using these elements to frame the building can partially obscure the crowd and create a more focused composition. 

• Gain a higher perspective: If possible, shooting from a balcony, bridge, or an upper floor of a nearby building can offer a broader view and help separate the building from the people below, making the crowd feel less overwhelming. 

• Shoot during off-peak hours: The simplest solution is often the most effective! Try photographing buildings early in the morning, late in the evening, or even on weekdays when there are likely fewer people around. 

• Find compelling individuals: Instead of being frustrated by the crowd, try to find interesting individuals or small groups within it that could actually add a focal point or tell a story in relation to the architecture. 

• Shoot from above the crowd: Look up and capture the tops of buildings. Soffits, roofs, gutters, and trim can create fascinating compositions and highlight the textural elements of the façade. 

Hopefully, one or more of those suggestions will help you capture great architectural images in busy and crowded places.