Photography, space and architecture

About this course

The course examines architectural photography’s history, styles and relationship with the built environment. Participants photograph buildings and interiors in London, considering composition, light, viewpoint, lens choice and the most suitable time of day. Location work is combined with lectures, demonstrations and practical exercises in the studio. Sessions also cover downloading and processing images, including colour balance and perspective correction, with photographs reviewed using Mac computers, a projector and Google Classroom.

What you'll learn

• Identify different architectural styles in London
• Choose suitable lenses for photographing different structures
• Assess light, viewpoint and timing when photographing buildings
• Process and download images using suitable imaging software
• Apply colour balance and perspective correction tools
• Work safely in public spaces and understand the right to photograph from public places

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners developing beyond fundamental camera controls rather than complete beginners. Participants should understand ISO, aperture, shutter speed and white balance, and be able to change aperture and shutter speed on a manual digital SLR or mirrorless camera. Basic computer literacy, walking between London locations, group discussion and following written and verbal instructions are also part of the course.

• A manual-function digital SLR or mirrorless camera is required for the course activities
• Basic computer literacy is needed for work on Apple Mac computers
• Location exercises involve walking around London
• Participants should be comfortable with group discussions and simple measurements or calculations

Before you go

• Participants may bring their own camera; City Lit has digital SLR and mirrorless cameras, lenses and tripods available for use during class hours.
• Tripods may be used and can be brought from home or borrowed from the photography studio.
• A memory stick or portable hard drive may be useful for storing images.
• Each participant has access to a MacBook computer during the course.