Sometimes I think I was a lucky photojournalist in my former life and still carry the luck. I wish I could get out more and capture for my fine art archive collection but the Architectural Photography takes precedence right now. So where am I going with this blog? In the last two years I’ve been out only a handful of times (mulit-day trips) to specifically shoot for my art. And twice during my 5 excursions I’ve been photographing mountains while news is breaking in those mountains! For example with this popular photo: http://bit.ly/cgIAnk titled “Fosset’s Rest”. I was shooting this range the exact same moment the SAR (search & rescue) were verifying the wreckage of adventurer Steve Fosset’s plane (did not know while I was shooting). And as of last weekend photographing at Stonewall Peak in East San Diego County when a Sheriffs helicopter shows up and starts circling the mountain looking for a lost hiker. I guess I’m just in the right place at the right time with my Camera. If AP or Reuters comes knocking I’ll gladly name my price.

So the client wants the option of people in the “Architectural” photo. How does a “building” photographer accomplish this? The main idea for me is to shoot the image where the features/composition of the architecture are not disturbed/detracted by the presence of the people in the composition-people are more of an accent in my opinion and can easily turn into the subject if not placed correctly in the frame. Living things in photos naturally draw my eye to them. In my opinion the shot should be no more than 30% people and no less 70% architecture. Of course, the wider your lens the easier this is too accomplish. Good Luck! http://bit.ly/cNJzah