Settings Breakdown
Architecture demands edge-to-edge sharpness. f/8-11 provides excellent detail across the frame while maintaining sufficient depth of field for building facades.
Wide angles capture entire buildings in tight urban spaces. Tilt-shift lenses (17-24mm) are ideal for keeping verticals straight without software correction.
Keep ISO low for maximum detail and dynamic range. With a tripod, there's no need for higher ISO even in lower light conditions.
Keep the camera level to minimize converging verticals. Pointing up at tall buildings causes walls to lean inward. Fix in post or use a tilt-shift lens.
Overcast light minimizes harsh shadows on facades. Blue hour balances interior lights with the sky. Midday creates problematic contrast on sunny days.
A tripod is essential for precise framing and longer exposures. Use the camera's built-in level or a hot-shoe bubble level to ensure perfect horizontal alignment.
Pro Tips
Shoot from Half Height
Position camera at roughly half the building's height (elevated viewpoint or further back) to minimize converging lines without tilting the camera.
Use Live View Grid
Enable grid overlay in Live View to align vertical and horizontal lines precisely. Small misalignments become glaring in architectural photography.
Bracket for HDR
Building interiors through windows create extreme contrast. Bracket exposures (-2, 0, +2) and blend for detail in both lit interiors and exterior elements.
Scout the Location
Walk around the building to find the best angles. Morning vs afternoon sun dramatically changes how the facade is lit. Plan your timing accordingly.
Include Context or Isolate
Either frame the building with its environment (street, people, trees) for context, or isolate it completely against sky. Halfway between looks unintentional.
Perspective Correction in Post
Lightroom's Transform panel or Photoshop's Perspective Warp can fix converging verticals. Shoot with extra room at edges — correction crops the image.