What are some of the best practices for shooting architectural photography with a wide-angle lens?

1 Choose the right lens

Not all wide-angle lenses are created equal. Some are more suitable for architectural photography than others, depending on the focal length, aperture, and quality. Generally, you want to avoid fisheye lenses, which create extreme distortion and curvature, unless you are going for a creative effect. You also want to avoid zoom lenses that have variable apertures, which can affect your exposure and depth of field. Instead, opt for a prime lens or a zoom lens with a fixed aperture, preferably in the range of 14-35mm. A wide-angle lens with a large aperture, such as f/2.8 or f/4, can also help you shoot in low-light conditions and create a shallow depth of field.

2 Use a tripod

A tripod is essential for architectural photography, especially when using a wide-angle lens. A tripod will help you stabilize your camera, avoid camera shake, and achieve sharper images. It will also allow you to use slower shutter speeds, smaller apertures, and lower ISOs, which can improve your image quality and dynamic range. Moreover, a tripod will help you compose your shots more carefully, align your horizon, and adjust your perspective. You can also use a tripod to take multiple exposures or bracket your shots, which can be useful for HDR or panoramic stitching.

4 Frame your subject

Another challenge of shooting architectural photography with a wide-angle lens is framing your subject. A wide-angle lens can capture a lot of the scene, but it can also make it difficult to isolate your subject and create a clear focal point. To frame your subject effectively, you need to consider the elements of composition, such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry, balance, and contrast. You also need to pay attention to the background and foreground, and avoid clutter, distractions, and unwanted elements that can detract from your subject. You can also use a polarizing filter or a graduated neutral density filter to enhance the colors and contrast of the sky and the landscape.

5 Experiment with angles

One of the advantages of shooting architectural photography with a wide-angle lens is that you can experiment with different angles and perspectives. A wide-angle lens can create a sense of depth and drama, and emphasize the shapes and lines of the architecture. You can also use a wide-angle lens to create a sense of scale and context, by including people, vehicles, or other elements in the scene. You can also try shooting from different heights and distances, and explore different viewpoints and vantage points. For example, you can shoot from a low angle to make the building appear taller and more imposing, or from a high angle to show more of the surroundings and the layout.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?