Light light light ! This shot shows why light is crucial for architecture. This shot would also work if it was fully misty, if the sun was on the sky scrapers and not the houses - this isn't the only way to shoot this shot but shows that the right light can really make a shot sing. Light adds 3 dimensions to a 2 dimensional photo. Because of the light, we get a sense of foreground, of background, of distance and scale. You say you just opened your curtains and this was the scene - wow ! If only it were always that easy ! The fact is you noticed it and got the shot. Well done
Architectural photography hinges on light, and this shot is a great example of how it can be very powerful and effective and how to exploit it. I think you may have done a bit of processing to bring back the detail in the bridge, but you've not over done it so it looks nice and realistic. I like the hustle and bustle of the people, the warm and cold light, the composition and the feel
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For a brief of 'contrasting architecture' this shot ticks the box big style. I love the slightly surreal combination of classical architecture with modern day progress - 21st century construction and health & safety, with the netting to keep the dust down and objects from falling. The composition is very nice, like a series of layers that lead the eye in. But what makes this shot really sing is the light. The strong sunlight hitting the gold statue really works, it gives the picture a strong dynamic, gives it pazazz. Light can be everything in architectural photography, and when beautiful light happens, capture it !
This picture caught my eye because it's not like every other scene of London that just says buildings. This one is a story, a moment in time because of the people and the birds. And one second later that moment's gone. It's really nicely seen, nicely executed, framed and timed. You say you were troubled by exposure - this shot works because the people are sillhouettes, the contrast works. The way they're standing is great, I don't know if it was fluke or you waited till their shape was right. Sillhouettes are fantastic, I use them a lot and when the light is constrasty, go with it, cos it works ! To be picky, shimmy 6 inches to the right and you'd have cleared the black railings on the left to give the building a defined edge.
This one jumped out at me becuase it was different. And a bit cheeky which I like. When you're judging, different pictures naturally jump out. This is a nicely seen shot. WIth just a hint of moden architecture in the background, the selective focus makes this shot work : the attention is on the lovely detail in the stone and then there's this hazy blurry hint of a structure peeking behind. So, very good use of selective focus. And the composition's nice too - it's bold.
1,243 Images entered
949 Photographers
59,916 Ratings
The City of London is an architectural photographer's paradise. WIth it's perfect mix of traditional and classical buildings alongside fatastic new ones, (all built and maintained with a very high budget), it's no wonder that St. Paul's and the Millenium Bridge featured very highly in this competition. I picked this one out because the lighting and colours and hustle bustle make it vibrant and interesting. Dusk can be a tricky time technically for us photographers, exposure can make or break a shot and the light changes with dramatic effect every few seconds. This shot is timed and exposed nicely, I like it
Brief
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Over the years, towns and cities grow and develop under the influence of different architectural styles, eras and budgets. The contrast this creates on any given street can be stark - even jarring. But sometimes, just sometimes, even the unlikeliest pairings or groups of buildings can make for some interesting perspectives and, of course, striking photos! Calling all urban explorers, this is one for you.
This is a lovely shot, it's abstract, the shadows and shape give it 3 dimensions, it's a great architectural shot. But it's not a shot of 'contrasting architecture'. Yes the shot is of architecture and it's contrasty, but that wasn't the brief - sorry ! So while it's a great shot, it's sharp and holds onto the highlights and there's a nice range of tones, so technically and creatively it's great. But enter it into something else !
This is a beautifully evocative shot. I've shot inamongst pigeons before, it's exhillerating and a also bit frightening ! The movement of the pigeons says 'hustle and bustle, city life, the ever changing world'. The timing, sunset or is it sunrise, makes the shot stand out and work. It's a scene I could almost be in, I get a real sense of that place and time, so for me, while it's not 100% fullfilling the brief, it's a shot that works. Well done.
