Architectural Photographer Explores The Blissful UAB Engineering Building
Architectural Photographer Explores The Blissful UAB Engineering Building
An Architectural Photographer Studies Architectural Photography
I took this photo all the way back in June. I had plans to get more images but got a bit busy. I decided that shouldn't stop me from sharing this one photo I captured one morning. In the image, you can see a young man on his way to class. It was very early, and there was hardly anyone out. It was peaceful seeing the building before the fall semester started, but there were still plenty of students running around trying to get to class. This is exactly why this building was made.
UAB is an institution dedicated to educating its students. I went there as a student of architectural photography. I wanted to study the light, the people, and the forms in order to make me a better architectural photographer. UAB's architecture has a distinct look compared to most of Birmingham, and it becomes more and more defined as time goes on. Using more glass than the average building in Birmingham, they mix it with brick and steel beams in triangles and canopies. All the buildings rhyme. I would love to do a series on the buildings of UAB, and document their architectural style solidifying over the years.
What Did I Find?
Walking up the stairs, there are a dozen tables. They were in disarray and I quickly went to work organizing them. This is going to sound crazy, but there is a pedestrian bridge connecting the building adjacent to it, and on it was a girl playing the clarinet. I was soothed by melodious clarinet at sunrise, while meditating on the early morning light as it shaped my subject. I was in peace.
The most interesting aspect of the building became clear to me. It jutted out, calling attention to itself. The balance between the brick, and glass was perfect, and the gray siding and turquoise tint made the building feel alive. Crosslit, it was patiently waiting for me to take its portrait.
As an architectural photographer, I try to do more than just take snapshots of buildings. As cheesy as it sounds, I try and capture moments. Architecture is human, and I find that organic, human elements really elevate a photo. I sat, waiting for my element, when he came rushing by. He looked as if he was late to class, but he was right on time to assist me with my task.
What Did I Learn?
Well, for one, I need to go back and get more photos. Before I became an architectural photographer, I was actually a student at UAB. It was nice to be able to go back and see my old campus through the perspective architectural photography has given me. I learned that patience is worth more to my photography than anything else.
I used to shoot events. I stopped because, at the time, my style of photography was not sought after. I preferred to get unposed shots. Shots of people laughing, crying, hugging, and comforting each other. I really disliked posing people for photos. By posing people, I was simply documenting their existence in the space. Not posing them allowed me to capture the truth of the moment.
Architecture is the same. In architectural photography, you can do two things. You can tweak, push pull and pose, or you can recognize potential for something natural. Waiting for the light to hit perfectly - not just good enough. Waiting for someone to pass by instead of posing someone. These things make all the difference to me.
If I have enough time, I can either curate, or manufacture the perfect image. I will always prefer to curate.