Architecture is an incredibly fascinating area of design. The seemingly impossible physics, the play of light, the masculine textures, it all comes together to create an incredible sense of fantasy and wonder.
The magic of great architecture is highlighted and even amplified significantly when presented by the right photographer. Today we’ll take a look at five quick tips to keep in mind to help you shoot better abstract architecture shots followed by eighty stunning examples.
5 Tips for Better Abstract Architecture
Tip 1: Find the Fantasy
When you approach a structure, try to find a crop that makes the reality of the building seem impossible. To illustrate, consider how the image above feels like an optical illusion. It’s as if Escher himself took a photo of one of the fantastical places that occupied his mind.
Also notice how the hard lines are positioned in such a way that it feels like the building is immense and could continue forever. For all we know the edges of the building are right outside the crop of the photo, but that illusion of infinite potential is strong.
Tip 2: Master Symmetry
The idea that symmetry is beautiful is an inescapable notion. When we see it in creatures, plants, art, architecture or anywhere else we are mysteriously drawn in and captivated. Whether it’s that our brains enjoy the fun of spotting repetition or that there’s just less information to process, we can’t help feel that symmetry is good and right.
When you’re shooting architecture, the simplest place to start is with the symmetrical aspects. Find something that repeats, stick two or more of them tightly in the frame and you’ll have the potential for a great shot.
Tip 3: Look Up
Some of my favorite architecture abstracts instill a dramatic sense of vertigo not by looking downward, but upward. Impossibly tall structures have a tendency to fascinate and terrify us at the same time and images like the one above bring that fear to the surface. If you stare long enough to really let yourself get taken in, you almost feel as if you’re going to fall into the sky.
Any time you’re up against a tall structure, whether it be man made or natural, try taking a shot looking straight up from the bottom. Make sure to adjust your ISO and aperture so that the sky detail isn’t blown out, it’s often the texture and drama in that vast cloudy background that really makes the photo.
Tip 4: Twist that Camera
When you’re shooting any sort of abstract, resist the tendency to level the camera as you would with a typical shot. Instead explore every angle and rotation to make the image that much more captivating.
The photo above uses an extreme rotation to add a lot of visual interest. It makes you want to twist your head to find the proper viewing angle, which isn’t always obvious and can leave you wondering.
Tip 5: Lighting is Everything
Whenever you have the opportunity, come back to an interesting building at different times of the day to watch as the sun plays across the surface and shadows envelop or escape the crevices.
Consider the lighting exactly like you would in high and low key portrait situations. Sometimes you’ll want strong prevalent shadows for a dramatic look while other times a bright, almost flat appearance will make a more powerful statement.
80 Amazing Abstract Architecture Shots
Abstracting Contemporary Architecture
Abstract Architecture
Concrete windows (Brussels)
Abstracted architecture 2009-02
The Prada Building Close Up
Sunday afternoon’s abstract
191430_067
Abstract Lights
New York Architecture
London building abstract
Abstract 3D Wave Design
Chicago Abstract
Roof abstract
Frank Gehry Architecture – Windows
Abstract white
Abstract – architectural detail
Pritzger Park Abstract
Retro 80′s office building architecture
Skyscraper abstract
Getty Museum #9
Architectural abstract
union station abstract
Big brother watching over your shopping
Milan, Italy, 24 may 2010
Otto Lilienthal Memorial in Anklam
Selfridges
Ceiling
perception is reality
By the Year 2000 All Our Food Will be in the Form of Tiny Pills
Abstract
Tubular Hive (after)
Curve 3
Skyscraper Abstract
Happy about homework
A Preview of Coming Attractions
Urban Wanganui
the point
L’Auditori Barcelona
vancouver 563
Corrosion of Conformity
Circles
pixies:down to the well
Warehouse
Abstract (Light beyond the grids)
FLW Unity21
Abstract
Abstract: Glass
ceiling abstraction #1
Alberta Sky
Cinémascope
Inmersión
Architecture / blackwhite
Spiral
Ronnie’s Tune
Guggenheim abstract #2
the eyes are its informers
Abstract (Staircase)
You were above me, but not today
iPhoneography: ‘Under the Roof’
Disney 1
Do not glue on, Neumarktstr., Wuppertal
Abstract (reflection in a pillar)
Bug Eye
Angled Architecture
Scripps Bridge, Remixed
Ascension
trying to explore this world underneath…
Stefan Georgi
Xerxes
Black and White Science Museum
SCAT
futuristic design
Mirror Image
Skylight
The Pressure’s On
Railings
Repeat the
Edinburgh Parliament
Heart of Darkness #2
The State Art Gallery
Show Off Your Work!
I hope the images above have inspired you to look at architecture in new ways and to think about how you can capture the beauty of the mundane structures you see every day.
As always, we want to see your examples. Leave a link below to a few of the abstract architecture shots that you’re most proud of capturing. Also let us in on any techniques or special insight you have for taking this type of photo.