Apr 29, 2025 - I stumbled upon this doorway here in my hometown of Belleville, IL. It’s so unassuming you could easily walk by and never notice it. However, for me, there are couple of things that captured my attention, but equally created curiosity. First, my focus is drawn to the simplicity of the door against the black painted brick. Second, there is something about brick with weathered paint that creates really interesting textures, especially when it starts to peel. Third, the light is even virtually casting no shadows. Given those observations, what interests me most are the three places where a former window has been replaced with brick. You can see the curved tops of the windows that create a interesting pattern against the façade of the building. What happened here? Who and what used to occupy this building? And why did they brick the windows and paint it all one black color? Buildings have stories to tell and this one certainly deserves more exploration to capture its soul.
Apr 25, 2025 - For those of you wanting expand your architectural photography knowledge and skills, here are a couple of great resources. There are literally hundreds of guides and tutorials online (a simple Google search will give you amazing results), but I thought these four were especially noteworthy. Enjoy!
Apr 22, 2025 - As a photographer who typically focuses on things that don’t breath and don’t move, the prospect of shooting portraits of people always felt daunting. Recently, I stepped outside that comfort zone, first for my daughter’s senior photos and then for some student headshots at my College this past weekend. Nervousness aside, both experiences were incredibly rewarding for me. Photographing people pushed me to rethink camera settings, lighting, details, and composition in new and interesting ways. Though challenging, stepping out my comfort zone to take people portraits was invaluable for my growth as a photogtrapher and a good reminder of the benefits of trying something new. I’m glad I did it!
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.
Apr 15, 2025 - I was combing through some old images and stumbled upon this photo that I took at Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado. Mesa Verde is renowned for its well-preserved cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans, a Native American group who lived in the area from 550 to 1300 AD. This photo raises an interesting question, “Is this architectural photography?” Based upon the following definition - ‘architecture is the art and technique of designing and building structures, demanding both creative vision and technical expertise in construction and engineering. This process encompasses everything from initial concepts and planning to the final construction of buildings. Unlike mere construction, architecture involves thoughtful design that prioritizes both practical functionality and expressive qualities.’ (Gemini AI definition), I would say a resounding yes! But what do you think? Drop me a note. I’d love to get your thoughts.
