Tips & Tricks
'Balconies'
1x Blog-Tips & Tricks' .
Nikon D800E . Nikkor 14-24mmf/2.8 . 14mmmm . 1/1600ss . f/4 . ISO400
While walking through the streets of the capital Wellington one evening, I noticed this building’s interesting structure and lines. So I returned the next day when there was more light to take a few pictures of it.
The sky was overcast and the light was not good, but I knew I could enhance the image in post-processing. I always search for interesting points of view and compelling perspectives, and after examining the building from many different angles, I settled on a composition with dramatic diagonal lines. I only took three pictures, and I did not use a tripod since there was barely enough room for me in the narrow alley where I was standing.
For this picture, I did not have to do that much perspective correction in post-processing because I paid great attention to the perspective while I was taking the picture. It was important to me to find a strong diagonal line and a complementary vertical line. Once I found the composition for the final image, I zoomed out and took a much wider shot. I always do this so that I can later rotate and crop without losing any important parts of the photo.
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Even when the sky is gloomy and grey, the light is flat and unappealing and the colors are dull and dreary, it is still possible to create a remarkable architectural image once you know a few tricks of the trade.
I traveled for three weeks throughout the North Island of New Zealand. I enjoyed photographing landscapes on this trip, but my real passion is architectural photography.
While walking through the streets of the capital Wellington one evening, I noticed this building’s interesting structure and lines. So I returned the next day when there was more light to take a few pictures of it.
"After examining the building from many different angles, I settled on a composition with dramatic diagonal lines."
The sky was overcast and the light was not good, but I knew I could enhance the image in post-processing. I always search for interesting points of view and compelling perspectives, and after examining the building from many different angles, I settled on a composition with dramatic diagonal lines. I only took three pictures, and I did not use a tripod since there was barely enough room for me in the narrow alley where I was standing.
" Once I found the composition for the final image, I zoomed out and took a much wider shot. I always do this so that I can later rotate and crop without losing any important parts of the photo."
For this picture, I did not have to do that much perspective correction in post-processing because I paid great attention to the perspective while I was taking the picture. It was important to me to find a strong diagonal line and a complementary vertical line. Once I found the composition for the final image, I zoomed out and took a much wider shot. I always do this so that I can later rotate and crop without losing any important parts of the photo.
POST PROCESSING
I used Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop CS6 to process this image. I also used Nik Viveza 2 plugin to make a few adjustments at the end.
1) I started in Adobe Camera Raw where I made some adjustments in Exposure, Vibrance and Clarity. I then exported the image to Photoshop.
2) In Photoshop, I corrected distortion using the Lens Correction filter. I also applied the Unsharp Mask filter with these settings: Amount 150%, Radius 1.8 pixels and Threshold 25 levels.
3) I rotated the image, then cropped slightly from the bottom and the right side to improve the alignment and to create a more dynamic image.
4) The lifeless, grey sky did not complement the bold graphics of the building, so I decided to replace it with another photo of a sky that I had stored in my archives. I chose a cloudy sky that suited best in terms of contrasting light, and one that would be most striking when converted to black and white.
To do this, I first duplicated the background layer. I masked the sky, and then blurred it with Motion Blur and Gaussian Blur, making certain that the blurring I applied moved in the same direction as the diagonal lines of the building.
5) A black and white conversion was a necessity. It draws attention to the lines and textures in the building and it emphasizes the light and reflections on the building’s façade. I used the Nik Silver Efex Pro plugin to convert to black and white.
6) Lastly, the light and contrast were optimized using the Nik Viveza plugin.
Original image.
1) I started in Adobe Camera Raw where I made some adjustments in Exposure, Vibrance and Clarity. I then exported the image to Photoshop.
2) In Photoshop, I corrected distortion using the Lens Correction filter. I also applied the Unsharp Mask filter with these settings: Amount 150%, Radius 1.8 pixels and Threshold 25 levels.
3) I rotated the image, then cropped slightly from the bottom and the right side to improve the alignment and to create a more dynamic image.
4) The lifeless, grey sky did not complement the bold graphics of the building, so I decided to replace it with another photo of a sky that I had stored in my archives. I chose a cloudy sky that suited best in terms of contrasting light, and one that would be most striking when converted to black and white.
To do this, I first duplicated the background layer. I masked the sky, and then blurred it with Motion Blur and Gaussian Blur, making certain that the blurring I applied moved in the same direction as the diagonal lines of the building.
5) A black and white conversion was a necessity. It draws attention to the lines and textures in the building and it emphasizes the light and reflections on the building’s façade. I used the Nik Silver Efex Pro plugin to convert to black and white.
6) Lastly, the light and contrast were optimized using the Nik Viveza plugin.
TIPS
1) Take your time to analyze the building. Walk around to study the facade up close and from a distance. Return to the building when the light is different – sometimes that’s all it takes to discover the nuances of the architecture.
2) Replace portions of the image’s supporting elements with your own stock images to create extra tension or to better isolate the structure.
3) Do not be afraid to take pictures in strange postures or positions. The results can sometimes be very surprising and rewarding.
4) Find strong, graphic lines while shooting and make several pictures, each with a slightly different perspective. Repositioning yourself a few inches further to the left or right can make a world of difference.
5) Always check the settings of the camera, even when you are in a hurry.
2) Replace portions of the image’s supporting elements with your own stock images to create extra tension or to better isolate the structure.
3) Do not be afraid to take pictures in strange postures or positions. The results can sometimes be very surprising and rewarding.
4) Find strong, graphic lines while shooting and make several pictures, each with a slightly different perspective. Repositioning yourself a few inches further to the left or right can make a world of difference.
5) Always check the settings of the camera, even when you are in a hurry.
BIOGRAPHY
I was born in 1959 and I live in Raalte in the Netherlands. I am a physiotherapist and a passionate amateur photographer. Modern architecture, concert, sports and street photography are my main interests. I am especially drawn to architectural photography because I appreciate the graphic lines and textures of buildings, and I enjoy using them to create graphic compositions and abstract images.
Check out my homepage: http://www.gerardjonkman.nl
