EXTERIORS, PHOTOGRAPHING The general technical considerations that have to be observed in photographing exterior views of buildings, etc., are given under the heading " Architectural Photography." There are, how ever, several special considerations which cannot apply in the same manner in interior work. Speaking generally, a long-focus, rather than a short-focus, lens should be employed. At times there are advantages in using a short-focus lens for a comprehensive view of a high building, but in small details or portions the longer focus is always preferable when practicable. Of course, there are many cases where limited space or other conditions render it impossible to use any other than a wide-angle lens. There is one respect in which a wide-angle lens assists the photographer to secure an effect that cannot be obtained by any other means. In photo graphing a high building from the near point of view necessitated by a wide-angle lens, the impression is conveyed of looking upwards in a manner that cannot be given by any photograph taken from a more distant point. The effect is realistic.
Whether photographing a complete building or a small portion or detail, an oblique view should practically always be taken. A square front view is like an architect's drawing ; it is never satisfactory, as it fails to give a fair impression. An oblique view gives at once a
good impression of the relief and the form of the building or detail. It conveys the impression of solidity, and not simply the outline of the front elevation. Sunshine is very effective, and very useful in giving relief as well as good effect. More especially is this the case with large sub jects ; small details are frequently more satis factory in diffused light. Very fine effects can sometimes be obtained by taking a photograph when the sun is shining almost along the surface of the subject, very slightly in front. The long cast shadows from projecting details are strik ingly effective. A liberal proportion of fore ground should be included in any pictorial view of a building, or doorway, or similar detail. And where possible, a foreground with lines running obliquely into the picture should be chosen. It is the most simple and telling manner of conveying the impression of the space that exists between the object and the observer. As in interior work, the point of view, the lighting, and the general conditions should be chosen so as to show in the most effective manner the character, the quality, and the special features of the architecture photographed.