5 tips for shooting urban photography

While the term “urban photography” may invoke the idea of cityscapes, it is much more than that. Urban photography encompasses a wider range of genres, such as:

• wider cityscapes, modern and old
• street photography
• suburban life
• architectural detail

It’s not just about beauty, though. Urban photography also focuses on the nitty-gritty of rundown areas, urban decay, and even poverty.

Look to show the old, the new, and the juxtaposition between the two.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a curious beginner, urban environments provide an assortment of subjects. Here are 5 essential tips to help you excel in shooting urban photography.

 

1. Think about your perspective

First and foremost is perspective. How will you view the scene?

If it’s a wider cityscape or skyline, look for an elevated viewpoint, such as the terrace or window of a tall building, where you can encompass all the elements of a city, including the surroundings.

It’s best to use a wide-angle lens to emphasise how big a city is.

Conversely, from an elevated perspective, you can zoom in closer to the tops of interesting or famous buildings and get a straight-on view you would not otherwise get from street level.

Alternatively, find a distant viewpoint just outside the city—perhaps across a river—to include some natural elements. Most cities and towns are built alongside major rivers.

From ground level, there are numerous options.

You can use a wide angle to elongate the length of streets or get down low and shoot upwards. A wide angle will accentuate the height of the buildings and add a sense of drama.

You can also use a telephoto lens to get close to and isolate subjects from ground level, such as people or interesting architectural details.

 

2. Plan your shoots

Planning is the most important part of urban photography. Spend time scouting and studying the place you intend to photograph, and identify the key features of a location you find most interesting and intend to photograph.

Determine its orientation and the time of day it will be lit how you want. You may prefer warm, low light falling on a particular building, so study it to see if and when that might happen.  

Use apps like Photopills and The Photographers Ephemeris (TPE) to help plan your shoots.

You might want the sun or moon to appear over a bridge or famous building. These apps will help you determine if that is possible and when it will likely happen.

 

3. Determine the best time of day for your shot

Shoot during golden hour

Golden hour is often viewed as the prime time for photography. It’s that time just after sunrise or before sunset when the sun’s low angle in the sky creates a beautiful, warm hue.

While the golden hour is often viewed as the prime time for photography, it might not suit the type of photos you want to capture.

The urban feature you want to photograph may be in the shade during these times. One problem with cities is that surrounding buildings often block the early morning light.

If you’re after golden light, carefully search out specific scenes and features where low light will eventually fall. This could only happen at a certain time of year.

Advantages of golden hour:

• Soft shadows—the low angle of the sun creates long, soft shadows that add depth and dimension to your photos
• Warm tones—the warm hue during the golden hour enhances the colours of buildings, streets, and skies.

 

Embrace the blue hours

Cities are great to photograph at night, but the twilight period at dawn or dusk is ideal because the balance between ambient light and artificial light is perfect.

Photos of urban locations often look best during these times. Dawn is the ideal time to avoid crowds or people altogether.

Tips: Use a tripod during the blue and golden hours to allow for slower shutter speeds without risking camera shake.

If you don’t want people in your shots, use an ND filter to get super long exposure times.

Anyone walking through a very long exposure will not be recorded as they are not in the frame long enough. This can render a busy street almost empty.

Related: The 3 essential camera filters (and how to use them)

 

Don’t be afraid to shoot at high noon

It’s taboo to even mention it, but photography can also be good in the midday sun. This is particularly true for urban photography.

When the sun is higher in the sky (often referred to as top light), it can light areas that would otherwise be in the shade later or earlier in the day.

Use a polarising filter to help control glare and reflections at this time of day and boost contrast and colour, which is lost during the harsh light of midday.

 

4. Utilise shadows and reflections

In many cases, shadows and reflections are something to be careful of. If not controlled, they can ruin your photos.

Like all things, though, with a little bit of careful thought and skill, they can also be used for creative effect.

 

Shadows

In urban environments, it’s almost impossible to avoid shadows. But this is the essence of urban photography.

Instead of getting annoyed, use them creatively. Look for sharp, well-defined shapes and patterns that will create dynamic, striking images.

Shadows are also great when shooting in black and white, so look for high-contrast scenes with bright areas interspersed with dark, interesting shadows.

These shadows can create lovely abstract compositions and highlight interesting architectural features. Get down low and close to accentuate the shadows for more drama and punch to your image.

 

Reflections

Similarly, reflections can also be used creatively.

Seek out interesting reflections on glass buildings. When the sun is not in view, it can often be reflected in the window of a tall building, so you can include this in your compositions.

Look for other elements such as billboards, passing aircraft, or other interesting features reflecting in a tall glass building.

It can be tricky, though, so ensure the reflection is clean and well-defined, just like when including shadows.

Rainy days are great for urban photography because the wet surface produces some lovely reflections.

In particular, look for reflections in puddles. Architectural features can look great mirrored in a puddle or on the wet ground.

 

5. Photograph people and animals

People and animals are essential parts of urban life. Including people in your shots can add an extra dimension and breathe life into your urban photographs.

After all, what is a city without its people?

Look for the interaction between people and their environment. This can be business people, street artists, tourists, a busy street market or commuters in a subway.

When it comes to animals, people and their pets often make interesting subjects.

However, don’t forget that while it’s not the countryside, you’d be surprised how many wild animals inhabit the urban landscape. So try to capture the wild side of city life.

 

Candids

Candid photography is often the best way to shoot an urban scene.

Capture people going about their everyday lives. These moments can convey a sense of authenticity and spontaneity.

Use a telephoto lens to shoot candid photos from a distance. This will allow you to capture natural expressions and behaviours without people knowing you are photographing them or intruding on their personal space.

 

Suburban life

Don’t forget the suburbs, where real life is. Often, the best way to really capture the essence of a suburban area or community is to spend a lot of time there getting to know the people.

This way, the locals will feel more relaxed if you plan to use them in your shots.

Take time to walk or drive around different neighbourhoods. Each street, house, and community area has its own character. Look for unique features that tell a story about the area.

Tip: Be respectful and considerate of privacy when photographing people. Always seek permission if you are planning to photograph someone up close.

 

Conclusion

Urban photography offers endless possibilities for creativity and expression.

By planning your shots carefully, embracing both natural and artificial light, trying out a variety of perspectives, and capturing candid moments and telling a story, you can create beautiful and evocative images that convey the true essence of urban life.

 

About the author:

Ian Middleton is a travel and landscape photographer and writer. He is the author of several books, including a practical guide to photography. His photography has been used in numerous publications worldwide and is sold as high-quality wall art online.

Visit his website for more info: https://ianmiddleton.co.uk

 

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