Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Traditional Street and Architectural Photography
How Do I Shoot This Building?
Aug 15, 2018 12:02:38   #
kenievans Loc: Dallas
 
This is the Infomart building in Dallas. I love this building. I think it is one of the most beautiful buildings in Dallas. I am strictly an amateur and just do photography for my own pleasure. I have never attempted any architectural photography before but I have been wanting to shoot this building. I have been scouting for a location to try and capture as much of the building as possible but so far I haven't had much luck. In the 4th picture I can capture most of the building but the bottom half is blocked by a parking garage. I like the angle of the 1st picture but again the bottom is blocked this time by a HVAC/power plant structure. The only other locations I found were in the parking lot and the I can only go back maybe 100 yards shooting over the tops of cars.

I was able to get up close to the building for #2 and #3 to capture the detail but I am having a really hard time with distortion. I am shooting with a 24mm lens on a Canon T6. The only thing wider I have is the kit lens that starts at 18mm. I was able to straighten these up some in pp but I would appreciate any suggestions on equipment or technique to get better shots. I'm not sure what additional information you need to comment so please don't hesitate to ask me.


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

Reply
Aug 15, 2018 13:29:03   #
mallen1330 Loc: Chicago western suburbs
 
kenievans wrote:
This is the Infomart building in Dallas. I love this building. I think it is one of the most beautiful buildings in Dallas. I am strictly an amateur and just do photography for my own pleasure. I have never attempted any architectural photography before but I have been wanting to shoot this building. I have been scouting for a location to try and capture as much of the building as possible but so far I haven't had much luck. In the 4th picture I can capture most of the building but the bottom half is blocked by a parking garage. I like the angle of the 1st picture but again the bottom is blocked this time by a HVAC/power plant structure. The only other locations I found were in the parking lot and the I can only go back maybe 100 yards shooting over the tops of cars.

I was able to get up close to the building for #2 and #3 to capture the detail but I am having a really hard time with distortion. I am shooting with a 24mm lens on a Canon T6. The only thing wider I have is the kit lens that starts at 18mm. I was able to straighten these up some in pp but I would appreciate any suggestions on equipment or technique to get better shots. I'm not sure what additional information you need to comment so please don't hesitate to ask me.
This is the Infomart building in Dallas. I love t... (show quote)

A Large building like this is always hard to capture in a single shot, complicated by obstructions like trees, parking, wires, etc.... On a shoot like this, I consult the net. Google "Infomart building in Dallas" to see other's photos and the angles that seem to work, and look at the Google map satellite view to find viewpoints. It looks like the view from the Stemmons Fwy, which is elevated would be the best (but may be dangerous to stop during heavy traffic). See my screen cap from Google. To do justice to large buildings, several shots work. Plus be sure to include shots of the somewhat dramatic multi-story interior.


(Download)

Reply
Aug 15, 2018 14:11:55   #
kenievans Loc: Dallas
 
mallen1330 wrote:
A Large building like this is always hard to capture in a single shot, complicated by obstructions like trees, parking, wires, etc.... On a shoot like this, I consult the net. Google "Infomart building in Dallas" to see other's photos and the angles that seem to work, and look at the Google map satellite view to find viewpoints. It looks like the view from the Stemmons Fwy, which is elevated would be the best (but may be dangerous to stop during heavy traffic). See my screen cap from Google. To do justice to large buildings, several shots work. Plus be sure to include shots of the somewhat dramatic multi-story interior.
A Large building like this is always hard to captu... (show quote)


I didn't think about looking at a satellite image. Thank you. Do you think my 24mm is sufficient? With the crop factor that actually makes it 38mm. Should I even bother trying the 18mm kit lense?

Reply
 
 
Aug 16, 2018 10:19:33   #
Naptown Gaijin
 
kenievans wrote:
I didn't think about looking at a satellite image. Thank you. Do you think my 24mm is sufficient? With the crop factor that actually makes it 38mm. Should I even bother trying the 18mm kit lense?


Absolutely yes in using the 18mm. It is equivalent to a 28mm in FF. You might also consider stiching together two or more photos in pp, depending on the angles/obstructions, etc.

Reply
Aug 16, 2018 11:05:16   #
Oroglutton Loc: Dallas TX
 
Great shots of an iconic Dallas Landmark! My guess is getting a whole look may not be possible without some stitching several scenes together. There is another approach you may want to consider. That is shooting some of the detail of this beautiful structure from a different perspective, i.e. very close, different angles, sun shading, tipped camera, shadows, etc. Anyone who lives or drives in this Dallas area already know the building from the perspective of your shots shown here. Given the architectural detail built into the building, it is an invitation to take the opportunity to play with some abstract details present and awaiting your exploiting with light painting! Enjoy!

Reply
Aug 16, 2018 12:11:51   #
kenievans Loc: Dallas
 
Thank you all for your assistance! I will be heading back this weekend with my 18mm lens and my tripod to shoot the outside. I don't know if they will allow me access to the inside. I have heard it is just as spectacular as the outside but I will bat my lashes and see how it goes.

Reply
Aug 16, 2018 21:38:43   #
Spectre Loc: Bothell, Washington
 
This is why drones are so popular.📸

Reply
 
 
Aug 17, 2018 02:42:42   #
Caldian Loc: Crystal Lake, Michigan & traveling
 
I used to have to photograph buildings this size and looking at the airial photo one of the other respondents provided I would guess that you could probably get the whole frontage width with a 28mm lens when positioned just below the freeway.
As was suggested by another - use a drone! You wouldn’t have to fly it too high to get a clear shot of the full facade. Probably need to go straight up from the back of the parking lot nearest the edge of the freeway.
Hope this helps.

Reply
Aug 17, 2018 08:17:41   #
kenievans Loc: Dallas
 
Caldian wrote:
I used to have to photograph buildings this size and looking at the airial photo one of the other respondents provided I would guess that you could probably get the whole frontage width with a 28mm lens when positioned just below the freeway.
As was suggested by another - use a drone! You wouldn’t have to fly it too high to get a clear shot of the full facade. Probably need to go straight up from the back of the parking lot nearest the edge of the freeway.
Hope this helps.


Thank you for commenting. I have never flown a drone and I have a feeling this would not be the place to learn. The place is full of tech companies.

Reply
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Traditional Street and Architectural Photography
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.