Architecture

This look-up shot was captured within the Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi. A wide-angle focal length, narrow aperture and accurate focusing has created front-to-back sharpness, but what makes this image really stand out is the composition. The symmetry is flawless; each corner lines up and the dome is positioned right in the centre of the frame. The icing on the cake is the spotlight starbursts.

The glassy reflection is key to this image, creating an almost perfect reflection in the water. The pinky sunset hues frame the incredible building, which is perfectly centred, as if the image has been mirrored in post, despite being captured in camera.

Mono architectural images look fantastic, but we like the decision to render this exciting skyscraper in colour. The yellow background complements the building’s cool tones beautifully and the harsh shadows emphasize the angular lines. The Dutch tilt adds additional interest, by allowing the structure to occupy a more striking portion of the frame.

Urbex (or urban exploration) is a popular form of architectural photography and this image is a compelling example. The derelict interior, highlighted via intermittent rays of sunlight is dripping with atmosphere and the briefcase and documents are clever props, grounding the composition with a clear focal point that’s relevant to the building’s ex-military base history.

This is a popular vantage point in which to photograph London’s tallest building, but you’d be hard pressed to happen upon a finer example. The composition is stunning – the angular structure in the foreground has created an attractive frame within a frame while the towering skyscraper behind balances the composition. An ND filter has likely been used to remove any distracting textures by smoothening both the river and sky.

An abstract design and natural leading lines makes Tehran’s Azadi Tower a stunning architectural subject. The ultra-wide 16mm focal length (35mm equivalent) amplifies the structure’s imposing size, emphasized further by the tiny lone figure, which is spotlighted by rays of sunlight seeping through the archway. The passing flock of birds balances the frame and adds interest to the clear sky.

The Sheikh Zayed Junction, illuminated by street lights at sunset provides incredible foreground interest for this image of the Dubai skyline. Pink hues and glittering lights have been teased out beautifully in post and the towering Burj Khalifa helps to balance the left side of the image.

The architectural aperture in the foreground of this image has created a frame within a frame, channelling the viewer’s gaze towards the central structure and subject. The light hitting the subject draws the eye further, allowing it to pop against the dark background.

This mind bending look up shot disorientates the viewer, with high rise buildings on three of the four edges of the frame. The vibrant buildings and bright blue sky means this image really works in full colour. A fantastic shot!

A monochrome look-up shot of a skyscraper against a clear sky is a classic architectural image and this is a fine example. The cloud, reflecting on the side of the building helps to pull the structure from the dark background and the perpendicular plane and trail is a clever finishing touch.

This image has been shot perfectly square on. A standard focal length was a good choice, providing minimal distortion. The rooms stretch right to the edges of the frame, providing a tessellation effect and the black-and-white conversion helps to nullify any distractions. This emphasizes the shapes and shadows, intensifying the graphic-art style.

A classic London vantage point of Millenium Bridge with an illuminated St Paul’s Cathedral behind. The bridge acts as foreground interest and leads the viewer’s eye towards the grand, domed structure. Smoothing out the water with an ND filter has softened any distracting waves and enhanced the glowing reflections.

This mono architectural shot is a fine image. The tiny lone figure walking across the frame is perfectly centred and amplifies the building’s sense of scale. The black and white conversion removes any distractions, adding to the beautiful minimalist aesthetic.

This look up shot of a spiralling staircase is a mesmerising image. The lighting has highlighted only the railings, rendering everything in dark shadows. The black and white conversion has ensured that any clashing colours are nullified, allowing the viewer to concentrate on the spiralling subject matter.

This interior shot of Salisbury Cathedral is beautifully composed. The frame is sharp from the tip of the water feature in the foreground to the very back of the building and the reflection in the water is both centred and level. The extreme HDR edit has rendered every detail visible throughout the entire frame, and the image geometry has been tweaked to ensure every vertical is straight.