Aerial architectural photography is a highly specialized field of photography, requiring unique composition techniques to capture the perfect shot. While shooting from a drone or helicopter offers a unique perspective on architecture, it is also a skill that requires patience and practice. In this article, we will explore some of the best composition techniques for aerial architectural photography, as well as tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your aerial shots. Whether you are a professional photographer or just starting out, these tips will help you take your aerial architectural photography to the next level. One of the key elements of good aerial architectural photography is finding the right angle.
You should look for angles that will show off the structure in its best light, while also highlighting any interesting features or details. For example, if you’re photographing a bridge, you might want to get an aerial view that shows both sides of the bridge in the same frame. This will help to create a more balanced composition. When composing your shot, you should also consider the background.
Look for an uncluttered background that will draw attention to the main subject. This could be a beautiful landscape, a body of water, or even an interesting sky. Whatever background you choose, make sure it doesn’t distract from the main subject. Another important element of good aerial architectural photography is light. Natural light can add depth and dimension to a shot, while artificial light can create interesting shadows and highlights.
If you’re shooting during the day, look for areas where the sun is at its strongest and avoid areas with harsh shadows. If you’re shooting at night, look for areas where there is an even amount of light that won’t create too much contrast in your images. In addition to light and angle, pay close attention to perspective as well. In aerial architectural photography, you can use different angles and perspectives to highlight different features of a structure. For example, if you’re photographing a bridge, try shooting from an angle that shows off its length rather than its width. Finally, think about how you can use depth of field to create more interesting images.
Depth of field refers to how much of the image is in focus. By playing with depth of field, you can draw attention to certain parts of an image and create a greater sense of depth.
Using Editing Software
Once you’ve taken your photos, you can use editing software like Photoshop or Lightroom to enhance your images. This can be used to adjust colors, crop your images, or tweak contrast and brightness levels. Editing software can also be used to add special effects such as blurring or vignetting.Keep in mind that when editing your photos, less is often more.
Tips for Creating Compelling Aerial Architectural Photos
Angle: When creating compelling aerial architectural photos, it's important to find an interesting angle that will show off the structure in its best light. Look for angles that will draw the viewer's eye to the subject and create a dynamic composition.Background
: Pay close attention to the background of your shot. Look for backgrounds that won't distract from the main subject, such as a clear sky or a stunning landscape. Avoid busy patterns or colors that may take away from the structure.Lighting
: Lighting is one of the most important elements in any photograph.Use natural light to create dramatic and interesting shots, or use artificial light to highlight different parts of the structure. Pay attention to shadows and other lighting effects that will help create depth in your image.
Perspective
: Perspective can make or break a photo. Try to find a unique perspective that will give the viewer a different view of the structure. Use wide-angle lenses to capture more of the structure, or use telephoto lenses to create more intimate images.Depth of Field
: Use depth of field to create more interesting images.Play around with different apertures and focus points to create unique shots with blurred backgrounds and sharp foregrounds. Aerial architectural photography is a powerful way to capture the beauty of a structure. With the right composition techniques, you can create stunning images that will captivate viewers. Understanding the basics of composition, making use of editing software and finding the perfect angle are essential to creating compelling aerial architectural photos. With a bit of practice and experimentation, you can create truly stunning images that will stand out from the crowd.
