Whether you are staying put for the holiday season or off to explore this wide world, let these expert photography tips from destination photographer Karmen Harley inspire your picture-taking.
From the African jungle to the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, Karmen Harley has snapped some of the world’s most beautiful locations. “I want others to be able to see what I see and to be able to feel the same emotions I felt in that exact moment,” she tells. “I want to be able to share my life with them. Anyone. Everyone.”
We caught up with Karmen to seek her top tips on photographing something we all, as lovers of dream homes, adore: Architecture.
Here are her three tips on how to master your images of architecture.
1. Always assess the quality of light
The direction of light can increase shadows and add drama, or, it can completely obscure details and make your photograph boring. Work out where the sun is going to be and choose the best time for your shoot.
You want to time it so the light is right, so if you can, visit the piece of architecture during different times of the day to find the best light.
Venice in beautiful light. Picture: Karmen Harley
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2. Decide whether you want throngs of people in your shot
If you’re photographing a major tourist attraction, think about whether you want a photograph of just the structure itself or whether you want it crowded with people.
In Rio, I organised a taxi to take me up to the entrance of Christ the Redeemer statue first thing in the morning, an hour before the ticket booth opened. I wanted to take some photographs without thousands of tourists in the foreground taking selfies.
Usually, the best time to avoid tourists is very early morning, which is lucky because usually, it’s also a great time for some gorgeous early morning light.
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3. Long exposures are key
If you want to take your architecture photography to the next level, play around with long exposures.
Long exposures aren’t just for night time and you can create a mysterious, surreal atmosphere by using daytime long exposures.
The extra bonus is that you can also use long exposures to blur out crowds at popular tourist attractions.
Play around with long exposures to take gorgeous night shots like this one of Russia’s Hermitage Museum. Picture: Karmen Harley
Originally published as 3 tips on photographing architecture from a pro by Kristy Barratt. Author at realestate.com.au.
