Tim’s tips and techniques for urban composition
1
Use geometry and shapes
Geometry is a key thing to consider for
composition, so look out for strong shapes
in architectural elements. It could be a circle, which is a
great shape to concentrate in the centre of a photograph,
or a solid square. A spiral is always a powerful shape,
combining a continuous line for the eye to follow.
Different shapes bring different associations, which
may change according to different contexts. When you
find a shape, think about what it signifies to you, and how
you can express that association in your photograph.2
Create leading lines
When you look at most buildings, you instantly
notice that they are composed of a series of
lines and angles. The leading line principle uses these to
draw the viewer’s eye through a photograph. It might be a
line of columns receding into the distance; clearly defined
floorboards leading your eye to one corner of the frame;
or street markings that point towards the subject. In a
built-up city, getting in close and capturing two buildings
with no space in-between can give you a lot of lines to
lead the viewer’s eye all around the frame.3
Look for symmetry
Most buildings are designed with a certain
degree of symmetry, but this doesn’t need to
be interpreted in the literal sense when you approach a
photograph. Symmetry can be implied simply by having
a central line down the centre of the composition. It can
also be created more loosely by finding two objects that
are similar and positioning them equally from the centre
of the frame. Here, by using the gap between two similar
buildings, it was possible to add an extra dimension and
show something in the distance.4
Try abstract framing
The empty space in an image can be just as
important as the main subject. This approach
makes your focal point just a small part of an otherwise
empty frame. It doesn’t have to be literally empty –
abstract surroundings such as a cloudy sky or a blurred
background work for this too. By enhancing the negative
space in the composition, you define the subject as
the positive space, and you can make a more powerful
statement about the subject. Minimalist photos can
be achieved by creating a composition of clean lines.http://www.digitalcameraworld.com APRIL 2020 DIGITAL CAMERA^33
columns on the front of a structure.
Really think about how the building
makes you feel and try to capture that
with your photography. The best
architectural photographers find
interesting compositions through their
experience of the space – ones that
were not even imagined by the architect.
Here, I’ll show a few compositional
tricks that are particularly relevant
to architectural photography...
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Urban Photography
by Tim Cornbill
is published by Ilex
http://www.ilex.press