Back in April, I visited City Hall with Charles, a fellow photographer who I’ve met several times at Precision Camera and who is also nice enough to follow my blog. We share an interest in urban landscapes and he was curious about my HDR techniques. We did a combination photowalk / mini-class on how I approach urban photography.
I’ve taken a number of photos of Austin City Hall, but I’ve always found them lacking. The extremely asymmetrical building messes with my head and baffles my composition. I don’t find the building particularly attractive either, though it is interesting. It was designed by Stararchitect Antoine Predock and completed in 2004. Instead of my usual attempts at symmetry, I embraced the angles. I’m happy with the way this one came out.
It was a fruitful evening. I got to spend time with a fellow photographer and ended up make a few nice compositions. Nothing like sharing a little knowledge to help demystify the things that we do.
The three image HDR created with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II and the Olympus 9-18mm wide-angle at a 18mm equivalent. Part of my new Technicolor Collection.
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That’s a beautiful shot — doubly so in light of the fact that you don’t particularly care for the building. I keep hoping Olympus will introduce an E-M5 III so I can afford the Mark II when the price drops. Unfortunately they don’t seem to be in any hurry.
Thank you, Mike. The building is challenging to photograph and challenges one’s view of what City Hall buildings are like. At least it’s not boring.
If you don’t mind reconditioned cameras, Olympus has a body only Mark II for $640 for a limited time.
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras.html?camera_series_sortable=367
The depth of color is wonderful. Almost abstract. I’m glad you left the buildings leaning inward. It makes the shot more interesting.
Thank you, Marilyn. Wide-angle distortion is fun, especially for scenes like this.
Thanks for the tip on the reconditioned EM5 II. I ordered one. The Olympus outlet offers a 30-day refund return as well as the 90-day warranty, so the risk should be minimal.
That’s great. Tell me how you like it.