Welcome to my next “How To” series in which I demonstrate how to create a beautiful urban landscape image from a unique point of view.  As with previous posts, my hope is to inspire and create discussion and I look forward to hearing about your approach using different points of view.

 

Let’s get started!

 

THE FINAL PRODUCT

This is the shot I wanted. How did I achieve it?

FROM CONCEPT to LOCATION

For this project, I wanted to produce a wide angle image showing multiple skyscrapers reaching towards the sky.

To make the shot unique, I envision a black and white image, with the shining lights of the buildings acting as highlights.

To accomplish this, I choose the corner of Bay and King streets, in the middle of the Financial District in Toronto, and simply look up.

EQUIPMENT, SET UP & COMPOSITION

For this shoot, I simply need my camera and wide angle lens.

To be honest, I tried this shot at 2 different times of the day. The images captured in the middle of the afternoon were not satisfying as the sun and shadows played havoc with the shot, and the buildings didn’t stand out.

 

 

 

To remedy this, I shot again at the start of the golden hour – just as the sun had set.  I found these results much better as the lighting in the sky and from the buildings was exactly what I was looking for.

 

 

 

 

When thinking about the composition of this shot, I wanted to have the skyscrapers logically arranged within the frame, leading the eye to the centre of the shot.  When shooting, I tried experimenting with different camera and building orientations to see which worked best.

 

 

 

I also found it somewhat difficult to get a clear, well-focused shot shooting at this angle and time of day, and many of the shots actually turned out slightly out of focus. I think that next time, I may use a tripod for more consistent results.

After looking at the multiple shots that I had taken, from different camera angles and times of day, I finally decided to use this one.

The image is crystal clear, and the buildings distributed in an appropriate manner throughout the frame.  Although the shot is a bit dark, that is something I can remedy during the editing process, which I will outline in my next post.

 

Until then, I’d love to hear from you!  Did you find this interesting? Useful? Please share your thoughts and what you liked about it!

 

COMING SOON:  The first in a new “Where To” series showcasing the Financial District in Toronto.

 

Don’t forget to click like and recommend Jonathon C Photography to your friends or anyone you know who may find it interesting.

 

Finally, please follow jonathoncphotography.com so you can always be first to hear about all the new content that I post!

 

Bay Street Black and White BNW Canada City Clarity Composition Concept Digital Photography Education Financial District Framing Golden Hour Jon Chodarcewicz Jonathon C Photography Jonathon Chodarcewicz King Street Landscape Lights Location Photography Point of View POV Shadow Sky Skyscrapers Sun Techniques Toronto Tutorials Urban Urban Landscape Wide Angle Windows