Okay, here’s my blog post about taking photos of ruin murals, written from my personal experience and in a casual, conversational style:
So, the other day I was wandering around, you know, just exploring, and I stumbled upon this amazing old building. Total ruin, totally awesome. The walls were crumbling, but there were these incredible murals painted on them, faded and chipped but still vibrant. I knew I had to get some pictures.
Getting Started
First thing I did was just walk around the whole place. I wanted to get a feel for the space, see the murals from different angles, and scope out the best lighting. It was pretty bright and sunny, which can be tricky, but luckily some parts were in shadow, giving me some options.
Framing and Composition
Then came the fun part – actually figuring out how to frame these shots. I played around a lot! Some murals were huge, so I tried to get the whole thing in the frame, stepping way back. Others were smaller, or had interesting details, so I zoomed in closer to capture the textures of the cracked paint and crumbling plaster. I also tried:
- Getting low to the ground: This made the murals seem even bigger and more imposing.
- Shooting from above: I found a slightly higher vantage point, climbed the stairs, and that gave a cool, different perspective.
- Using the rule of thirds:You know the usual compostiion, I tried not to always center the most interesting parts.
Dealing with Light
Like I said, the light was a bit of a challenge. In the direct sunlight, the colors were washed out, and there were harsh shadows. So I waited. Patience is key, right? As the sun moved, different parts of the murals were illuminated, and I could get those richer colors. And in the shaded areas, I could get those nice, even tones without blowing out the highlights.
Capturing the Details
In this step, my focus was capturing the details, I did:
- Used macro mode for extreme close-ups.
- Experimented with different angles to highlight texture.
- Paid attention to the interplay of light and shadow.
The Final Shots
Finally, I did:
- Reviewed and selected the best photos.
- Made minor edits for brightness and contrast.
- Shared the photos.
I’m pretty stoked with how the photos turned out. They really capture the feeling of this place – the history, the decay, the beauty in the ruins. It was a good reminder that you don’t always need fancy equipment or perfect conditions. Sometimes, it’s just about seeing things in a new way and being patient enough to let the scene unfold.
