Brian’s Photo Tip #3: Taming the Sun

10th November, 2010 by Melanie Archer | 0 comments

In addition to being a talented architect and quite possibly the most organised person any of us has ever worked with, acla:works director, Brian Lewis, is a highly skilled photographer. His favourite subject? Architecture, of course! In this ongoing series [read Photo Tip #1 and Photo Tip #2], Brian shares tips on successfully photographing buildings.

Photo Tip #3: Taming the Sun

It is always a good idea to think about how the sun will affect the facades of a building before setting off to photograph a building – planning is worthwhile. Prior to photography, if possible and convenient, visit the building at different times of the day and plan when to return to photograph – then wait for the light, clouds and the rain. In Trinidad and Tobago we have to deal with the sun in the south between the months of September to April – it’s surprising how many buildings face north! Usually, buildings look their best in the morning and afternoon or even at dawn or dusk. When setting up remember that the main features and façade of the building should be illuminated with the minor façade in shade. A sun angle that rakes across the façade will help to model its three-dimensional features.

– Brian Lewis

Above: Sun diagram from Architectural Photography by Michael Harris. Below: The southern façade of the Institute of Marine Affairs during the day and at dusk.