The world is full of must-see wonders, particularly if you are a photographer. Having the opportunity to capture some of the most amazing buildings in the world is incredible, as not only will it provide you with some great memories, but you can also use those photographs to inspire others. Capturing buildings through a lens can help you learn more about lighting and angles, making sure each shot looks majestic and shows the building in its true light.
On the likes of photo sharing websites, you’ll find countless photos of impressive buildings, which can be great to use as your inspiration for how to take incredible photos. Here we take a look at just 5 must-see buildings to photograph.
Colosseum, Rome
The Colosseum is iconic and everyone knows what it is, and what it looks like. That doesn’t mean you can’t still capture its impressive structure though! Located in the centre of Rome, it is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built. It was used for a huge host of events in Roman times, from animal hunts and gladiator contests to re-enactments of battles and stories of mythology. In recent years, the Colosseum has been used as a backdrop for performances by Elton John and Paul McCartney.
It’s incredible stonework with the windows and levels still visible, and the fact that a large percentage of it is still standing, makes it a perfect subject for photographers. The challenge is to try and capture it without the masses of tourists! Why not try capturing the Colosseum at sunrise, when the light bathes the scene perfectly and before the city wakes up.
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia was first commissioned by Antoni Gaudi in the 1880s, and it still remains unfinished which makes it a very unique building. When Gaudi died in 1926, the basilica was only around a quarter finished, and consequent construction has been based on reconstructed versions of his plans for the structure.
The original design had a total of 18 spires, with the taller ones surrounded by sculptures of a winged bull, a winged man, an eagle and a winged lion. The lower spires are surrounded by sheaves of wheat, chalices and fruit sculptures, which have been done in colour. The detail of the La Sagrada Familia is breath-taking, and when it’s finished it will be the tallest church building in the world. You could easily spend hours here capturing different aspects of the building, resulting in a very fine collection.
St Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow
St Basil’s Cathedral is an Orthodox church in the Red Square of Moscow, and is a popular cultural symbol of Russia. It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and offers the largest collection on the history of Russia. With 9 domes, the cathedral is shaped like a bonfire which is very unlike other buildings in Russia.
St Basil’s Cathedral has been created in beautiful colours and detail, making it an iconic landmark. These vibrant colours and the unique shape of the building make it a perfect subject for your photography, giving you the chance to capture something truly unique and mesmerising.
Palace of Versailles, Versailles
The Palace of Versailles was the royal residence of France in the 1600s up until the French Revolution in the late 1700s. It is now a historical monument, home to a ceremonial Hall of Mirrors and Royal Opera. The building itself is beautiful, with its gold facades and majestic design.
The Estate of Versailles spreads over more than 800 hectares, which includes the Palace, the Trianon estate which was home to more intimate accommodation, the gardens and the Park. The Palace of Versailles presents a huge opportunity to capture the architecture, the nature and the landscapes of the estate, with all of it open to the public to view in all its glory.
Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is home to one of the more modern buildings that are a must-see on your travels. The Petronas Towers were started in 1993, and completed 3 years later which is a stark contrast to many of the other older buildings in this list. They are the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world, and have a double-decker skybridge at the 41st and 42nd floors.
While it is a commercial building, home to companies like Petronas, Microsoft, IBM, Boeing and Reuters, it is an awe-inspiring structure. Here you can have the chance to photograph the building itself, but also capture incredible panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur.
