Master the best architectural photography techniques for sharp, artistic building shots. We offer step-by-step tips, equipment recommendations, and professional methods for better still images.
The best architectural photography techniques 2025
1. Use symmetry to your advantage
We humans naturally tend toward balance and symmetry in shapes, and you should use this fact to your advantage. When setting up your camera, use a level to perfectly balance the shot and straighten horizontal and vertical lines to achieve perfect symmetry.
Use facades with mirrored windows as a reference point for a starting point. Arches or centered columns can also add more symmetry to your photos, making them more professional and appealing.
2. Using leading lines
Such lines direct the viewer's gaze to the center of the image and can be viewed from frequently used areas of a building like beams, stairs, and even corridors. You can also use larger structures to mimic leading lines like cranes, rails, and arches, all of which can serve the same purpose.
For such shots, you need a wide-angle to normal lens to emphasize depth. Research the subject and lines before each shot. Then position yourself at the start of the line. Keep the line as straight as possible; you may need a tripod for such shots.
3. Breaking symmetry
At some architectural sites, symmetry is not as important as emotional depth but rather the narrative component. In this case, you need to adapt to asymmetry and use surrounding trees, people, vehicles, and other outdoor structures as a counterbalance to a centered structure. First, take the traditional symmetrical shot, then slowly add these elements into the frame to bring it more life.
Imagine capturing a clear shot without obstacles or irregularities in your architectural photo. Start with a person casually walking by in front of you, then photograph them with a long exposure. You may have seen such shots in major media and AP photos. Such photos, combined with human scale, appear more interesting and add more depth.
4. The rule of thirds is still relevant.
Using “power points” remains one of the best architectural photography techniques in this niche, as they offer the viewer more dynamism and balance the scene. This feature also makes them an extremely popular technique by today’s standards of modern photographers.
To do this, use the grid mode in your viewfinder and position the most striking area of the shot at the intersection of these lines. These lines divide the frame into nine equal areas, consisting of two vertical and two horizontal lines. You can take multiple shots by shifting this striking area and see which one works best. Usually, windows, arches, and doors of buildings are placed at these intersections or power points.
5. Mix it all up!
Yes, sometimes that works too and gives your shots a particularly interesting effect. Start with the rule of thirds: place your subject at the focal points and pay attention to a symmetrical background.
Now move from this symmetrical point to another perspective and thus create an interesting subject. You can add more variety by either shooting from a higher position to emphasize patterns more strongly or from a lower point to highlight the vertical lines of the structure.
Combine a powerful camera lens
No matter how well you master the above best architectural photography techniques of this year, investing in a powerful camera lens should always be a top priority. The SIRUI AURORA Series 85mm F1.4 Full-Frame Autofocus Lens is such a lens that offers you more creative control and higher image quality for your architectural photography.
Equipped with state-of-the-art optics, this lens allows you to crop interesting patterns from buildings and other architectural landmarks. You can take detailed shots of tiles, beams, and changing lights, which are especially interesting at old and rich cultural sites. The lens produces stunning oval bokeh and clear subject isolation, giving your symmetrical and asymmetrical shots narrative depth.
Summary:
Above, we mentioned the five best architectural photography techniques to improve your compositions and final shots. However, to make the most of them, you need a powerful 85mm camera lens like the SIRUI AURORA Series 85mm F1.4 Full-Frame Autofocus Lens to capture significantly closer and more detailed shots.
