Originally published on Escape to Shape blog on May 26th, 2018
JC is an architectural photographer based in Denver, Colorado. JC works with architects, developers, and interior designers to document their work in a creative and meaningful way. He is passionate about photographing the great architectural projects "of our time" from beautiful public buildings and to physic-defying sky scrapers. We are honored to have JC share his tricks of the trade, for as he noted in coversation with us recently, "Photography and travel go hand in hand, so I figured a post inspiring people to see things differently would be fitting content for your blog." And we could not agree more!
A friend of mine recently just got back from vacationing in Amsterdam. I asked her if she took a lot of photos. She said she was in awe of the architecture and every time she tried to take a picture, she felt she was too close, struggled to find a good angle, couldn’t find a way to frame her subject and would give up.
I know this feeling well. I work as an architectural photographer. Photographing buildings is a lot harder than many realize. I have found over the years through my obsessive observation and photography of the built environment that it’s the details, the moments, the vignettes that create the most beautiful photographs.
© 2017 JC Buck - Bahia Palace Marrakech
I told my friend next time you are in that situation, when your senses are overloaded by all that’s going on in front of you, simply narrow your focus. Take note of the details. It's the details that tell the story of the whole. If you can't frame the entire building, get closer.. Take a picture of a door, a window, the roofline, a wall, the textures, notice the way the light is hitting the scene. What is it about the subject that resonates? Focus on that.
© 2017 JC Buck - Majorelle Garden
This is a fun exercise for the eye. When you photograph this way, you are effectively taking notes. It's proven that people remember more by writing things down, even if they do not revisit their own notes. Just the act of writing helps cement material in our brains. I feel the act of taking a photo does the same.
I know many people feel that when they see tourists with their cell phones and camera's out, that they are not in the moment. They have travelled all this way to be on their phones. They are not enjoying the present! I totally disagree. I feel the camera becomes an extension of our bodies and by taking photos we are actively observing, studying, and recording a scene for later. The shutter sound alone stamps an image not only to the camera's sensor, but also to our brain.
© 2017 JC Buck - Medina of Marrakech
The most rewarding part of photographing the details is when you string them together, create a collage of sorts- they begin to tell a story. A story more interesting than any wide-angle photo showing everything; which, we can call "post card photography." I take those photos too, but come on, what fun is taking the same photo a million others have shot?! You want to create your own memories of your own interpretations, your own visual record.
Given that I work as an architectural photographer, I am biased towards buildings, but the idea of focusing on details works for any subject. If you photograph people, narrow in and photograph just their face, their hair, feet, hands. If you like nature and landscapes, narrow your focus to the flowers, grass, rocks, water, sand- get close and find yourself shooting straight down to the ground. Maybe it’s a hiking trail, or the sand of a beach. The options are endless!
© 2017 JC Buck - El Fenn
My longtime partner Liz and I have been fortunate to travel with Escape to Shape many times and each time I bring a different camera with me. Last year we went to Marrakesh, Morocco. The photos scattered throughout this post are from that trip, all shot with a Fuji x100f. Notice all the quiet moments, details, scenes that easily could be overlooked. I made a book using these images and collectively they create a beautiful reminder of our time in Morocco.
© 2017 JC Buck - La Mamounia
I encourage you to pick up a travel camera*, something small, it could be your phone, but, in my opinion, a dedicated camera is better because you will be more focused when taking pictures. So next time you pack your bags, don't forget the camera, narrow your focus and photograph the details!
If this was helpful, if I inspired you to narrow your focus, then please connect with me on Instagram @jc_buck, I would love to see your photos! And use #jclookatmydetails. Just the act of writing this brief post has inspired me to get out there and shoot more details!
Cheers!
JC
*Recommended Travel Cameras: Fuji x100f, Fuji xT2, Sony A6000, 6300, 6500. These are amateur priced mirrorless cameras featuring pro level performance! I shot all the Morocco photos on a Fuji x100f
about Escape to Shape and its founders
Escape To Shape is the vision of Erica Gragg and Francesco Anchisi, two 'gypsetters'* who believe in a sophisticated yet down-to-earth way of living- blending traveling, local flavors, experiences and entertaining with balance & wellness. Together the two have successfully married their passions for travel and cultural connections with fitness and wellness, creating a unique and rewarding way to experience the world. Each unique ESCAPE TO SHAPE location provides a perfect backdrop and platform for discerning guests to re-discover themselves while discovering a new culture.
Each location, activity and menu is hand selected and curated by Erica and Francesco so as to ensure that guests experience the most authentic and very best each culture has to offer- a blend of cultural 'must sees' with an 'in-the-know' edge and off-the-beaten path treasures. Erica and Francesco host each Escape and provide a welcoming and intimate backdrop- similar to visiting a close friend’s private villa. Past guests have enjoyed African dance lessons in Cape Town, South Africa; trekking horseback through the vineyards in Colonia, Uruguay; experiencing an authentic Berber meal in the peaks of the Atlas Mountains in Marrakech; exploring the architecture of magnificent St Petersburg, Russia with a historian; practicing yoga in the underground cisterns of Istanbul, Turkey; journeying inside a volcano in Iceland; savoring the sunrise over the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, swimming with baby sea lions in Galapagos, Ecuador and hiking peaks & valleys in breathtaking Bhutan, plus much, much more. All this combined with luxurious accommodations, delicious food, daily yoga and/or fitness classes, hiking, culinary delights, cultural (& shopping!) discoveries, unique activities reflective of the region + lots of laughter.
© 2017 JC Buck - Marrakesh Airport by e2a Architecture