10 TOP TIPS FOR URBAN LANDSCAPES
1 ALWAYS SHOOT IN RAW This uncompressed data provides a higher-quality image and more freedom to be creative during the editing process.
2 REMOVE SHARP OBJECTS If you fit spikes to your tripod legs for extra stability in the field, it’s best to remove them before you wander around a city with them.
3 BE OPEN-MINDED While walking from landmark to landmark, keep an eye open for street photography scenes and abstract opportunities.
4 FOLLOW THE LIGHT Light, and more importantly shadows, are your friend in the city. Look for strong contrasting diagonals or shafts of light that lead the way.
5 PROTECT YOUR HIGHLIGHTS Keep an eye on the histogram when reviewing your images. If the highlights are clipped, adjust your settings and shoot again.
6 USE SYMMETRY Most buildings have an element of symmetry, so use this in your compositions. Find a reflective surface or puddle and double the effect.
7 LEAVE SPACE TO BEND If perfectly straight verticals are your thing, allow plenty of space around the subject to ‘stretch’ the image back into shape during processing.
8 POPULATE YOUR SHOTS Use people to add interest, life and scale to an image. Use a slower shutter speed to blur the passing traffic and add a new dynamic to your shots.
9 KEEP HYDRATED Ensure you drink plenty of water while wandering the city. Dehydration affects concentration, and your images will suffer if you don’t keep topping up.
10 PLAN YOUR DAY Probably the best tip I can give is to know where you are going. So much time and energy can be wasted just wandering around in circles.