The Art of Architectural Photography 5-17-2015

I have written before about the genius of nature in constructing perfect structures.  There is no force or art like nature as it builds organic forms that work in simple design or in the infinitely complex.  Take for example a flower with petals that radiate out from the center.  Look at the marvelous way that the shapes integrate with each other: overlapping, supporting, designing the ultimate shape.  Never replicating a single construction, nature creates flowers that are each unique.  In a cookie-cutter world that accomplishment deserves our respect and the acknowledgement that nature is the supreme designer.

Sepia Photography

 

 

 

 To find out design elements that can be learned from nature visit:
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/11/engineers-bring-processes-of-nature-to-design/
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/11/science/engineers-ask-nature-for-design-advice.html
http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120001999004483023

The Art of Architectural Photography 5-10-2015

Light is the defining element of photography as well as of all the visual arts.  Without light, there is no photograph, painting or other aesthetic that depends on sight.  As the artist creates the art, light is always a critical concern.  The placement of light, the intensity of light and the relationship light has with shadow gives the artwork a unique quality that may be elusive or bold but never absent.  Many artworks incorporate light into other themes.  In those instances, light is a value to play off dark and to illuminate the mid-tones.  However, there are those works in which light is the focal point of the art.

I especially appreciate the art that has light pouring through a window.  The photographing or painting of natural light channeled through a portal is intriguing and often challenging.  The light may appear as shafts, rays, streaks, fog-like.  As well, surfaces react differently to the light as it comes through the window.  Some refract or reflect the light.  Others absorb light.  It is fascinating to watch the light as enters a space and claims the viewers attention.  Light has mesmerized artists since the beginning of time.  I am ever drawn to its allure.

Sepia Architectural Photography

To learn more about window light in art and photography visit:

https://www.artsy.net/article/jessica-famous-windows-from-art-history
http://www.uni-muenster.de/EuropeanPopularScience/win-sample/win-patek-text.htm
http://121clicks.com/tutorials/window-lighting-in-photography-tips-examples