In the realm of photography, capturing unique and compelling images often requires seeking out subjects that stand apart from the ordinary. The world is dotted with architectural wonders that defy conventional design principles, making them perfect subjects for photographers eager to capture something truly extraordinary. This article will take you on a visual tour of 15 of the strangest buildings around the globe, each offering a wealth of opportunities to create stunning and unusual photographs.
1. The Crooked House (Krzywy Domek), Poland
Location: Sopot, Poland
Architect: Szotyńscy & Zaleski
Photography Tips: Embrace the whimsical lines and distorted shapes. Use a wide-angle lens to emphasize the building’s playful curves, and shoot during the blue hour to add a mystical glow to your shots.
2. Dancing House (Tančící dům), Czech Republic
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Architects: Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry
Photography Tips: Capture the dynamic motion by shooting from various angles. The building’s glass façade can create beautiful reflections, so try photographing it during sunset for dramatic effects.
3. The Basket Building, USA
Location: Newark, Ohio, USA
Architect: NBBJ
Photography Tips: Focus on the intricate details of the basket weave. A telephoto lens can help you capture the textures and patterns, while an ultra-wide-angle shot can emphasize the building’s quirky shape.
4. The Piano House, China
Location: Huainan, Anhui, China
Architect: Hefei University of Technology
Photography Tips: Shoot at night when the building is illuminated. The contrast between the piano and violin shapes against the dark sky can create a striking image.
5. Lotus Temple, India
Location: New Delhi, India
Architect: Fariborz Sahba
Photography Tips: Use symmetry to your advantage. The temple’s petals create natural leading lines, guiding the viewer’s eye towards the center. Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the white marble’s glow.
6. Casa Batlló, Spain
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Architect: Antoni Gaudí
Photography Tips: Capture the vibrant mosaics and organic shapes. A macro lens can help you focus on the intricate details, while a wide-angle lens is perfect for the entire façade.
7. The UFO House, Taiwan
Location: New Taipei City, Taiwan
Architect: Matti Suuronen
Photography Tips: Emphasize the otherworldly feel by shooting during foggy or overcast weather. The abandoned state adds to the eerie atmosphere, ideal for moody, dramatic photos.
8. The Atomium, Belgium
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Architect: André Waterkeyn
Photography Tips: Play with reflections and geometry. The spheres and connecting tubes offer numerous opportunities for creative compositions. Shooting from below can create a powerful, towering effect.
9. Habitat 67, Canada
Location: Montreal, Canada
Architect: Moshe Safdie
Photography Tips: Focus on the repetitive patterns and geometric forms. Capture the interplay of light and shadow on the concrete cubes, and experiment with black and white photography for a timeless feel.
10. The Egg, China
Location: Beijing, China
Architect: Paul Andreu
Photography Tips: Utilize the reflective water surrounding the building for mirror-like images. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best reflections and symmetry.
11. Hundertwasserhaus, Austria
Location: Vienna, Austria
Architect: Friedensreich Hundertwasser
Photography Tips: Highlight the vibrant colors and irregular shapes. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors, while a wide-angle lens captures the full scope of this unique building.
12. The Sheep Building, New Zealand
Location: Tirau, New Zealand
Architect: Unknown
Photography Tips: Use a telephoto lens to capture the building’s detailed textures. Including the surrounding rural landscape can provide a delightful contrast, emphasizing the building’s quirky charm.
13. The Torre Galatea, Spain
Location: Figueres, Spain
Architect: Emili Blanch
Photography Tips: Focus on the surreal elements like the giant eggs and golden statues. Shooting at different times of the day can reveal various moods and lighting effects that enhance the surrealist theme.
14. The Big Pineapple, Australia
Location: Woombye, Queensland, Australia
Architect: Unknown
Photography Tips: Capture the bold colors and playful design. Shoot on bright, sunny days to make the colors pop and consider using a fisheye lens for a fun, exaggerated effect.
15. The Kansas City Public Library, USA
Location: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Architect: Unknown
Photography Tips: Focus on the massive book spines that make up the façade. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full extent of the “books,” and consider including people in your shots for a sense of scale.
Tips for Photographing Strange Buildings
- Golden Hour Magic: Shoot during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) for the best natural light and avoid harsh shadows.
- Creative Composition: Use leading lines, symmetry, and framing to highlight the unique features of the building.
- Perspective Play: Experiment with different angles and vantage points to showcase the building’s unusual design.
- Contextual Elements: Include elements of the surrounding environment to provide context and enhance the composition.
- Night Photography: Many of these buildings are beautifully illuminated at night, offering a completely different mood and aesthetic.
- Post-Processing: Enhance colors, contrast, and details in post-processing to make the architectural features pop.
Conclusion
Photographing strange and unusual buildings around the world can be an exhilarating experience for any photographer. These architectural marvels challenge conventional design and provide endless opportunities for creating unique and captivating images. From the whimsical curves of the Crooked House to the futuristic pods of the UFO House, each structure offers a distinctive story and visual appeal. So, pack your camera gear and embark on an adventure to capture the extraordinary beauty of the world’s strangest buildings.