We’ve written about it before, but every time I’m looking at my calendar or explaining to a client why we have to shoot this side of the building at this time, I again think about my blog, What’s the Best Time of Day to Photograph a Building? This blog is a follow up to that one, a part two. Again, we’re going over the question of when you should have your building shot and why it matters. Many of the same points are covered, but with some additional ideas and example photos thrown in.
Let’s Talk About Lighting
As we’ve mentioned before, lighting is vital to a great photograph of any building. Two major things influence any shot: weather and time of day, one of which we can control. While New England weather requires you to be a weatherman in addition to a photographer, deciding when to shoot can produce very different photos. Combine both of these together when the camera is in the hands of a master, and you can get some pretty exiting photos.
The Most Common Advice: Shoot Before or After Noon
It is commonly believed that early morning or later afternoon give you the best light. One the front of it, this is true: you get nice lighting with agreeable shadows and a warmer light than the harsh light of noon.
Dealing with Different Directions and Angles
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and depending on how your building is facing or what angled shot you want to get, it requires different times and tricks. While we covered cardinal directions in the last blog, let’s look over some other cases and examples.
Looking at the Seasons
More than just the time of day, the time of the year affects when to shoot. Not only due to lighting but also to capture certain aspects or perks of landscaping or seasons.
Dealing with Trees in Photography
Is the architecture in a built-up or well-established neighborhood where trees often block certain features? Think about getting shots in spring when new growth leaves trees alive-looking but slim. The time of year also provides different lighting interests.
Seasonal Gallery
In all the above cases, I spend time thoroughly evaluating and suggestions what times and seasons work best for a specific project. We’ll discuss what changes can be made post-processing, what we can work around, and more, usually during a free pre-shoot walkthrough. Let me help determine what is the best time to capture your project in all its glory by contacting me today.