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.  

Apr 11, 2025 - It’s inspiring to see incredible architecture from around the world on social media, magazines, photography groups, and through tutorials and workshops. However, it’s easy to mistakenly believe that capturing stunning architectural photos requires traveling to far-flung, exotic locations. The truth is, fantastic architectural subjects are everywhere, right in your own city, town, or village – whether you’re in Belleville, Illinois, or anywhere else across the globe! The real joy of architectural photography lies in discovering the hidden gems and unique character of the buildings around you and bringing their essence to life through your lens. Here’s a classic example of a doorway I discovered down an alleyway in a small town (Carlinville) here in central Illinois. 

Apr 8, 2025 - Last night, I had the privilege of giving a Zoom presentation to the Connecticut Valley Camera Club (CTVCC). Deb Swaney-Jones (coordinator) reached out to me many months ago to see if I would be interested in showcasing my WanderSTL project with a presentation called ‘St Louis Scenery’. It was a great opportunity to meet the group and share my photos from the city and surrounding area. I especially enjoyed their great questions and feedback. Thanks to Deb and the CTVCC for giving me the opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed it.  

Apr 4, 2025 - I’m a huge fan of doing a photo walk (or photo drive if wanting to venture further). I simply grab my camera and go with no agenda, no plan, and no real direction. Of course, my main interest when out photographing is to capture architectural images, so I’m naturally looking for buildings and structures. What amazes me is how many interesting things you serendipitously stumble upon when you head down an alley, around the corner, or the backside of a building. These are details you never notice when you’re going about life and driving through the city every day. For me, the real value of a photo walk is that it forces me to slow down, pay attention, and make discoveries I normally miss. Some of my favorite images have come through my spontaneous photo walks. And as my friend Paul Kraay says, ‘walkarounds require no planning, no real travel, and cost nothing’. I highly encourage you to grab your camera and head out the door to a world of new discoveries and photo opportunities. By the way, here’s an image I took along the bike path not far from the Belleville Metrolink Station while out on a photo walk.