Hey Lykkers! Quick question—have you ever been on a city stroll, spotted a gorgeous building, pulled out your phone to snap a pic, and then… the photo just didn't capture the magic?

You look at it and think, "Wait, it looked way better in real life!" Yup, we've all been there.

Architecture is all about shape, structure, texture, and mood—and capturing that on camera is trickier than it seems. But here's the good news: you don't need the fancy gear or years of experience. You just need the right tricks up your sleeve.

So, whether you're using a DSLR or just your phone, I've got you covered with five tips that'll totally level up your architectural photography. Let's jump in!

Golden Hour Is Your Best Friend

Lighting makes or breaks your photo, and nothing flatters a building quite like golden hour. That magical time shortly after sunrise or just before sunset gives you soft, warm light that highlights all the textures and details without harsh shadows. Want something moodier? Try blue hour, just after the sun dips—great for capturing city lights and reflections.

Change Up Your Angle

Here's a fun trick: don't just stand there! Walk around the building, squat low, tilt your camera upward, or even climb to a higher spot if you can. You'll be amazed how a small change in perspective can make a massive difference. Play with angles and look for leading lines like roads, fences, or shadows to guide the viewer's eye through the image.

Mind Your Lines

Buildings are all about lines—vertical, horizontal, diagonal—and getting them right matters. Wide-angle lenses (or your phone's ultra-wide mode) can make structures look distorted, like they're leaning backwards. If that happens, don't panic! Apps like Lightroom, Snapseed, or even built-in tools can help straighten those lines and clean up your composition.

Add People for Scale and Story

An empty building can be beautiful, but adding a person brings it to life. A passerby, a cyclist, or even someone standing still gives your photo context and scale. It helps tell a story—how people interact with the space around them—and adds a relatable, human touch.

Edit with Intention

Editing can elevate your shot, but subtlety is key. Boost contrast, sharpen edges, maybe warm up the tones—but don't overdo it with heavy filters. You want to enhance what's already there, not turn the image into something unrecognizable. Think: polished, not plastic.

Final Snap

Next time you're out and about and a building catches your eye, remember these five tips. Give yourself a moment to explore the space, play with light and perspective, and snap something that really tells a story. You've got this!

And hey, if you want bonus tricks for phone photography, just give me a shout!