Cool Tips on How To Take a Great Photograph

West Street New York

Years ago I had a travel business where we took large groups around the world. Some of my friends, still think that I'm in the business, asking for tips, deals, and places to visit. The question high on the list (especially if they are coming to visit New York) is "how can I take architectural pictures like you?" What a welcomed compliment!

My friends inquiries have let me to write this post on photograph. Whether the subject is classical or contemporary, architectural photography can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Here are some cool tips to help you get started … I presume you understand the basics of your camera.

Downtown Manhattan: West Street

Wall Street Area: This side of town is filled with some of the most innovative and modern architecture. A must see when you visit the big Apple

1. Remember to pick your building and look at it from different angles. Your camera never takes a bad picture, you do! When you know what you want, make sure the camera sees what you see. Shoot several pictures and view the screen (for those of you who use digital cameras).

Midtown Manhattan is bustling with businesses and local entertainment. The architecture isn't bad either

2. What if I want to shoot the whole building? Must be your first time to New York, right? Just kidding! Buy a camera (not necessarily a fancy one) with the ability of taking fish eye images, or a compact with a specific scene mode. Word of caution: Getting a panoramic scene in Manhattan can be dangerous (depending on where you are), so be mindful about not standing back into the traffic. You will be run over.

Midtown Manhattan New York

An aerial view of New York City

3. Want to take some indoor photographs? Keep in mind that not all public buildings will allow you to, so you might have to move on. When pictures are not prohibited indoors, remember to correct the camera's setting to one that is suitable to an interior setting, especially the ones that are reliant on various forms of artificial lighting. If that is the case, you will have to compensate accordingly in the "white balance" menu or take a reading from a gray card. Interior shots in older buildings tend to be more irksome because they traditionally feature small windows and doors – thus lack natural light. After a shoot, it's good to view your screen. Word of warning: Some museums will not allow you to use your flash (but then again, you already know that).

A view inside Central Park - The West Side of New York

5th Avenue, a striking statue in front of The Plaza Hotel, New York

4. Night shots can be very dramatic and atmospheric too, but remember to take them when there is still some light and color left in the sky as this adds tone to the backdrop and help to illuminate the details that you'd like to take. I encourage you to get into a good position and set your camera and wait for the dazzling display of urban lights from windows, street, signs – all of these in their rainbow of neon colors will add to the ambiance. Times Square is world famous for this type of pictures. Don't forget to shoot a structure as a silhouette during sunset, position the architecture between yourself and the sun.

The Upper East Side: 3rd Avenue, New York 

Near The Plaza Hotel: 58th Street and 5th Avenue

Strive to have your pictures reach great heights.

5. Architectural photography can be produced in all weathers. Try revisiting and shooting the same building in these various weather conditions, you can produce a neat portfolio of shots – maybe select the best three and you’ll have yourself an interesting triptych.

Fulton Subway Station in the Wall Street Area

View of World Trade Center

6. Reflections add an extra dimension to architectural images and allow the camera to create a canvas on which the building can be playfully distorted. New York is great for the urban environment which is littered with a multitude of reflective surfaces, so you’ll never have to look too far to practice. For example, windows, water features, puddles, wet streets, rivers and old pubs. Use your imagination, and let your camera record it.

Some of the many beauties of the Upper East Side are the mansions' beautifully crafted doors and picture perfect manicured outdoor designs

7. Research the reason why the architecture exists – you’ll be amazed how a little bit of background information can fuel a great deal of inspiration. New York is full of Art Deco buildings, so be sure to walk around Rockefeller Centre, that part of town will most likely blow your mind. Always look out for the intricate brickwork or chequerboard windows iron railings.

8. Architectural images shouldn’t just be all about aesthetic and graphic. They should also provide dynamism and movement – so play with the lines, the light, and the shadows to provide interest and consider the hierarchy of levels and areas. Learn to break free of the cold and sterile straight lines and rectilinear angles and follow the principles of nature by including curves and circles in the form of shadows or reflections which can soften the structure. Remember the camera never takes a bad picture, but you do. Learn to see what the camera sees and together you will take some great pictures.

More images from West Street New York

Last look at one of the many modern architecture from New York City

All photographs by Michael S. McConkey. Using a Canon XS500 IS