What are the most common themes in architectural photography competitions?

2 Innovation and sustainability

Another common theme in architectural photography competitions is innovation and sustainability. This theme challenges you to capture the modern and futuristic aspects of architecture, such as new designs, materials, technologies, and solutions. You can also explore how architecture responds to environmental and social issues, such as climate change, urbanization, or diversity. To excel in this theme, you need to be curious and observant of the trends and changes in architecture, and use angles, colors, and contrasts to emphasize its creativity and impact.

3 People and places

A third common theme in architectural photography competitions is people and places. This theme encourages you to portray the relationship between architecture and human activities, emotions, and cultures. You can document how people use, interact with, or transform the spaces they inhabit, work, or visit. You can also express how architecture influences or reflects the identity, mood, or history of a place. To impress in this theme, you need to be empathetic and respectful of the people and places you photograph, and use perspective, framing, and timing to create a narrative and connection.

4 Details and patterns

A fourth common theme in architectural photography competitions is details and patterns. This theme allows you to zoom in on the elements and structures that make up architecture, such as shapes, lines, textures, or materials. You can reveal the intricacy, beauty, or meaning of these details, or create abstract or artistic images from them. You can also look for patterns, repetitions, or symmetries that create harmony, contrast, or rhythm in architecture. To stand out in this theme, you need to have an eye for detail and composition, and use focus, exposure, and cropping to enhance your vision.

5 Light and shadow

A fifth common theme in architectural photography competitions is light and shadow. This theme invites you to explore how light and shadow affect the appearance, atmosphere, and expression of architecture. You can use natural or artificial light sources, or a combination of both, to create different effects, such as drama, mystery, or mood. You can also use shadow to create shapes, silhouettes, or depth in your images. To master this theme, you need to understand the principles of light and shadow, and use aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to control your exposure.

6 Transformation and change

A sixth common theme in architectural photography competitions is transformation and change. This theme challenges you to capture the dynamic and evolving nature of architecture, such as construction, demolition, renovation, or adaptation. You can show the stages, processes, or outcomes of these changes, or compare and contrast the before and after scenarios. You can also reflect on the causes, consequences, or meanings of these changes, such as progress, decay, or preservation. To excel in this theme, you need to be aware and flexible of the opportunities and challenges of photographing change, and use techniques such as time-lapse, HDR, or panorama to create stunning images.