Structures of the city

In today's class we had an introduction to architectural photography. We focused on fundamental principles of composition in terms of architecture such as golden ratio, perspective and symmetry. Architectural photography focuses on compositional elements such as line, pattern, structure, form, and texture. Exterior and interior images of home, commercial, religious, institutional, and engineering structures, as well as records of the growth of towns and cities, are the two genres of architecture photography. Its goal could be to create creative, publicity, or propaganda visual documentation or expressive visuals. Carefully calibrated camera motions and/or the use of specific lenses (Wide Angle, Fish Eye, or tilt-shift) are required depending on the format, particularly to regulate perspective. 

In reference to today's class I did research about architectural Argentine photographer Sergio Castiglione. Sergio Castiglione is a photographer and architect from Argentina. His art has been shown in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. He mostly focuses on urban exploration and photography of architecture. He documented structures and historic landmarks in over two hundred towns around the world. He is currently based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he works.

Sergio Castiglione, Buenos Aires, Argentina

The series segMOments investigates a new type of photography in which space emerges from the finite existence of light. Panoramic images of some of the world's most important cities reveal the artist's point of view, which captures the morphological beauty of architecture that combines with light as a time marker. Following Sachi Art (2022) : "he visited more than two hundred cities all over the world, documenting its buildings and facts that make each metropolis so unique". 

London - Sergio Castiglione 

Available at: https://shaynegallery.com/artist/sergio-castiglione/#london

            Rio de Janeiro - Sergio Castiglione available at: 

https://shaynegallery.com/artist/sergio-castiglione/#riodejaneiro

                                         Los Angeles - Sergio Castiglione - available at:

                            https://shaynegallery.com/artist/sergio-castiglione/#losangeles

I never seen before such interesting images. He had great idea to combine with light and use it as a time marker. In other hand those dividing elements looks like glass shards. Very interesting and inspiring images. 

In relation to his photographs I took my camera and went outside the Campus. I will show here my Contact Sheets, test shots and EXIF details. Then I will add reflection. 

Contact Sheet I

                                                                       Contact sheet II

Now I will choose the best shots:

                       Canon EOS 700D f/5.6 1/30sec ISO 1600 focal length 25mm

Here is historical building in the heart of Leicester. I captured the image with low angle camera shot and in my opinion that makes that image more interesting. I believe the composition in this photo is preserved. White sky plays good role to the white elements of the building. I'm happy with the outcome. 

                        Canon EOS700D f/5.6 1/30sec ISO 1600 focal length 18mm

Here I was thinking about to not put my object in the center of the frame. In my opinion this window shows the history and how buildings were constructed in the past. In Leicester we can find many traces of history. Also the contrast between black and white for me is interesting. Rule of thirds in this composition. 

Canon EOS700D f/5.6 1/30sec ISO 400 focal length 24mm

Here we have modern building in DMU Campus. I used low camera angle and it enhances the impression of the size of this building. Then we have rule of thirds in this composition. Also a lot of negative space on the left side. Then I found the windows in similar color to the sky.

Canon EOS700D f/5.6 1/40sec ISO 640 focal length 25mm

Here we can see student's accommodation. I used again low camera angle and a bit turned around. The photo is divided and there is negative space. We can see levels and structure of the building.

Canon EOS700D f/5.6 ISO 640 focal length 20mm

Here I can see good composition and good composed two different buildings. What I could develop is the light in this picture. To me the white and black building is too much bright. I should work with ISO here.

                              Canon EOS700D f/5.6 1/30sec ISO 400 focal length 25mm

Here I captured lines and levels of the building. We can see similar elements of it. The main color in this picture is cold, greyish and little sad. It remembers me about brutalist architecture. Brutalist architecture is a type of architecture that originated in the United Kingdom in the 1950s as a result of postwar reconstruction operations. It's a style in art and especially architecture using exaggeration and distortion to create its effect as of massiveness or power (Meriam-Webster 2022). Brutalist architecture is distinguished by its minimalist style, which emphasizes the basic building materials and structural aspects over ornamentation. Other materials used in the design include steel, wood, and glass, as well as exposed, unpainted concrete or brick, angular geometric shapes, and a primarily monochrome color palette (Hopkins, 2014). 

Canon EOS700D f/5.6 1/50sec ISO 200 focal length 33mm

Here I tried to capture the tower of the church and put it into the center of the image. It was quite difficult to make that image, because the tower was very high. In my opinion I did my best. What is lacking in this picture is light. I'm not very happy to do photos when there is no sunny day. I could work here more with ISO setting. 

 

Canon EOS 700D f/5.6 1/30sec ISO 640 focal length18mm

Here I captured beautiful patterns of this building and surrounding. I think all of the elements in this picture working well together. Contrasting black and white color, the history, and a little bit of green color. We can see preserved composition.

                                Canon EOS 700D f/5.6 1/50sec ISO640 focal length 33mm

Here we have rule of thirds composition. Another view of church's tower. What I could do differently is to put my camera on tripod because I noticed that the frame is not straight. 

To summarize my experience with architectural images I must say that I learned much about how to do good composition. I like the fact that I managed to have good composition in most of the pictures and been able to show different shapes and patterns. What I would do differently is that I could use different lenses to achieve more interesting images, however I could go with my camera outside on sunny day. There could be much more light and 'life' in my pictures. Then take more equipment with me for example tripod. 

Sources:

https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/photography/architecture-photography

https://expertphotography.com/complete-guide-architecture-photography-98-tips/

https://photographylife.com/elements-of-composition-photography

https://phodus.com/architecture-photographers/

https://shaynegallery.com/artist/sergio-castiglione/

https://www.saatchiart.com/castiglione

https://mymodernmet.com/brutalist-architecture/

https://www.dezeen.com/2014/09/10/dezeen-guide-to-brutalist-architecture-owen-hopkins/