For my architecture unit I have been tasked with capturing 5 images; two interiors and three exteriors. One of the two interiors must include additional lighting, and the other cannot. The three exteriors include an image which shows converging verticals, one of the whole building in its environment, and a creative image.

Exteriors

Converging Verticals

Before (left) After (right)

For my converging vertical images I chose to shoot near The Meadows in Edinburgh as I had seen previously that there were some very sleek, and modern buildings nearby and I liked the effect of the sun with them as it provided reflections as well as some interesting highlights and shadows.

I took my before image from relatively low to the ground and pointed slightly upwards so that I could capture the whole image in one frame. I then took this image into adobe RAW where I first worked on the exposure, colour balance etc and then I used the transform tool in RAW which then allowed me to correct the converging verticals so that my image was straight. I then took the image into photoshop, cropped it to the right size, sharpened, and exported it as a JPEG.

Building in its Environment

For my other exterior I wanted to show the building in its environment but in a less traditional way; by photographing this image within the last hour or so of light in the day it allowed for lots of reflections of the surrounding buildings as well as the striking blue from the sky. This overall has given my image a cooler affect in terms of the tones, whilst also allowing for some nice contrast from the warmer tones buildings.

Creative

Out of my three exteriors this was the most fun to shoot, and also the image that I like the most. I really love how the smoothness of the building is accentuated by the rectangle highlights which are spread out across the frame. I intentionally pointed upwards for this shot to completely change the perspective of how this building would normally be viewed and I feel that the finished product has turned out well.

Interiors

Debate Chamber, The Scottish Parliament

Natural Light

Fortunately I am close friends with someone who works in the Scottish Parliament building and so I was granted access to photograph inside the building. For my first interior I wanted to show the vast size of the debate chamber, as well as the intricate detailing of the lights and windows which I feel emphasise the modern feeling of this building. I composed my shot so the viewer is led from the bottom to the top of the image without too much distraction from the sides. I also liked the uniformity of my final shot which is presented through the chairs and tables on the left and right hand-side of the frame.

Office, The Scottish Parliament

Additional Lighting

For my second interior I really wanted to photograph an office which had the window seat in it as I felt that the light brought in from the window would add some warmth to my image, as well as making it the more appropriate shot for using additional lighting. This is because without the use of my flash gun the room itself looked quite dull and dark if I exposed for the window, and the window looked washy and blown out if I exposed for the room. Therefore, by adding some lighting to brighten up the interior I could then produce an image which is exposed nicely while still showing the light pouring in from the windows.

Overall I really enjoyed the architecture unit, and the research as well as the images I have produced, have changed my thinking in terms of how to photograph buildings. It has also inspired a different way of thinking towards other genres of photography and has allowed me to explore photography more creatively.