Architecture

Master Photographer

Resource: Architecture Review

2024 Architecture

Step 1: Select a Photographer

Select a photographer from the Slides below

Architectural Photographers

Step 2: Create a Gallery

Create a gallery of at least 5 architecture, interior, or city scape photographs by that photographer.

Step 3: Photo Analysis

Select 1 architecture, interior, or cityscape images from your photographer that is not already in your gallery. Under or next to the photo create a text box and respond to the following questions about that particular photo.

Composition

How are the architectural elements arranged within the photograph? Consider how lines, shapes, and patterns are used to create harmony or tension within the frame.
Is there a sense of balance or symmetry in the photograph? Reflect on whether the composition leans more towards a symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangement and how it affects the photograph's appeal.
What camera angle (high, low, eye?) and camera position (high, low, eye) Analyze how this choice influences your perception of the architectural subject.

Lighting and Mood

Can you identify the sources of light in the photograph? Discuss whether the lighting is natural, artificial, or a combination of both.
How does the direction and intensity of light affect the architectural features? Consider how shadows and highlights contribute to the mood or reveal details.
What mood or atmosphere is created by the photograph? Reflect on how the combination of color, lighting, and shadow contributes to an emotional impact.

Depth and Scale

What techniques does the photograph use to convey depth? (Is there a clear foreground, midground, background? Are their leading lines that create depth (linear perspective)?
How is scale demonstrated in the photograph? Consider how the photograph makes you feel about the size and space of the architectural elements, perhaps through the inclusion of familiar objects or people for scale.

Details and Focal Points

What are the focal points in the photograph? Identify specific architectural details or elements that draw your attention.
How do these details contribute to the overall narrative or visual appeal of the photograph? Discuss how the photographer uses focus, depth of field, composition, and lighting to highlight these elements.

Step 4: Take 1 Inspired by photo

Use the elements specifically addressed in your photo analysis to take 1 photo inspired by the photo that you analyzed.

Site Example:

Wayne Thom

Photo Credit: Wayne Thom

Subject: Denver Art Museum

Photo Analysis

Composition:

Wayne Thom uses a couple of different rules of composition in this photo. The entrance of the building is is in the bottom third (rule of thirds) and the there is a path that uses leading lines to lead us to the entrance. The entrance is also framed by a circular arch. The emphasis on vertical lines in the foreground, midground, and background create a sense of unity. This photo is asymmetrical (not symmetrical and not balanced). The many rules of composition utilized along with the asymmetrical feeling makes this photo more eye catching. The photographer shot this photo using eye level and position of the camera. This choice makes me feel as the viewer that I am standing in front of this building. This also makes the building feel like it is large.

Lighting

This photo is lit by a combination of natural and artificial light. The setting sun illuminates the background, while the exterior lights on the building guide us to the interior of the well-lit building. The heavily shadowed exterior building paired with the well-lit interior creates a high contrast image. Contrast is also created by the cool natural light and the warm interior light.

Depth and Scale

The photographer uses linear depth- the lines of the path converge towards a vanishing point even though we do not see them actually converge. There is a clear foreground (the path), Midground (the subject- entrance to the building), and background (the tower/ sky). Since the bikes on the bike lock help show the size of the building relative to their size.

Details and Focal Point

The focal point of this building is the entrance to the museum. Architectural elements like the vertical lines of the surrounding gate and the tower behind direct our eye to the subject. The brightest part of the frame is the subject, which also helps direct our eye. The photographer uses a deep depth of field so that that all architectural elements are sharp. The plain sky also helps the building stand out. Pairing the blue with the orange is another way the photographer has made this photo more eye-catching.