Urban photography concentrates on objects and features in urban environments. The emphasis is on the setting, surroundings, architecture, and people. You could also define urban photography as a documentation of urban spaces.
But what is an urban environment? An urban environment is a built area. It is inhabited by humans. It contains architecture and is a place where people live and work.
Urban photography, therefore, is closely linked to towns, cities, and huge metropolises.
Anyone can take beautiful urban images. For the most part, specialist gear is not required. You can capture stunning shots with a great point-and-shoot camera.
For the best results and optimal flexibility, however, some cameras, lenses, and accessories are worth considering.
Geometric urban photography concentrates on the shape, patterns, and color of urban architecture. Most geometric urban shots completely lack human presence.
Urban environments such as city centers are packed full of geometric patterns and shapes. You can capture these features to create unique, striking, and often abstract photos.
In the image below, we see the perfect geometry of four skyscrapers. The buildings form a distinct cross pattern in the sky. The many gridlines of the windows add to the repetition and patterns.
Observation is key when it comes to finding an organization in the chaos. “It’s a practice of being aware of your surroundings,” says photographer Rob Chambliss, who often finds inspiration during his San Francisco Bay Area commute. “Graphic design is my profession. So this photography style fits into the way my brain works. It’s all about clicking things into place and having things line up in a certain way.”