Lighting conditions for architectural photography

[BetterSense]

Just wondering here because I haven't really thought much about taking pictures of architectural things. For black-and-white pictures of modernish buildings, what kind of lighting do you typically 'go for'? Bright sunlight is the default here in Texas but is overcast, early morning/evening, or sun-behind-clouds-on-a-partly-cloudy-day more preferred?

 

[Q.G.]

Depends on the building too.
What light do you need to bring out its features best?
It's like taking a portrait: some sitters come over best in soft light, others come over best with harsh light.

 

[JMcLaug351]

BetterSense, I'm in Boston and have been doing an ongoing project of recording the ever changing face of this city. For the "modern" buildings with lots of steel and glass I love the clear strong light of late morning especially in the fall and winter when it's so bright. It's not softened with humidity and dust. That kind of light makes the modern buildings just sparkle. Oh, and while I'm at it don't forget that in big cities with big bulidings that are lots of places where whole buildings are in "open shade" next to a much larger one. I love that kind too. Early in the day it's easy to watch a "sliver" of light move accross a building that is mostly in shade except for that wonderful light coming thru that space between two others near by. You can wait till it hits just the part you want to really show. An example of that in Boston is the "Old State House". A small building by todays standards now over 200 years old. In the late fall and winter there is a period of time in the midmorning when a shaft of light hits only the white top of the building. It is surrounded by huge modern buildings. I've done it many times keeping the shadows low and that white steeple just glows in that light. Have fun with it. Be patient it's good.

 

[jp80874]

Early in the day it's easy to watch a "sliver" of light move accross a building that is mostly in shade except for that wonderful light coming thru that space between two others near by.

Bring a compass and a watch to help estimate when the light will be where you want it.

John Powers