Capture the character of London, from ancient churches to modern buildings, in this introduction to photographing the built environment. Learn about the history and development of this specialist genre before venturing out to selected streets and spaces in central London, identifying architectural styles and beginning to experiment with composition, lenses, image processing and ways of seeing the built environment.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This fascinating course introduces you to the art and practice of architectural and interior photography, offering hands-on experience both on location and in the studio. You will gain an understanding of the history and development of the genre and its impact on how we perceive the built environment, while learning how to use equipment effectively, compose strong images, and interpret light on location. Exploring London close to City Lit (involving walking), you will develop your ability to recognise architectural styles, approach photographing buildings and interiors, and identify the optimum angles and best time of day to capture them. Back in the studio, we will review our work and look at editing and processing techniques and software.
What will we cover?
• History and styles of architecture and architectural photography • Specialist lenses, equipment requirements • Composition • Optimum time of day for architectural photography • Working safely on the street and your rights to shoot in public
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Identify differing architectural styles of building in London • Recognise the optimum time to photograph a particular aspect of a building • Select the right choice of lens for the type of structure you are photographing • Download and process images using suitable imaging software • Understand usage of colour balance and perspective correction tools • Demonstrate safe and considerate working practice in a public space • Understand your legal right to photograph buildings from a public place
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Ideal for those who have completed our Beginners Photography course, or for anyone with a basic understanding of ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance and how to change these on your digital SLR or mirrorless camera. You must have manual functions on your camera (i.e. be able to change the aperture and shutter speed settings - not a point-and-shoot camera).
Students should be computer-literate at a basic level. Please note that you will be using Apple Mac computers, although all the software used on this course is cross-platform. If you have never used a computer before, you might benefit from our course ‘An introduction to Apple computers’ that runs each term.
You will need to be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and be prepared to take part in group discussions. You should be happy using numbers and able to do simple measurements and calculations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
A structured programme of lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises at locations in London. The photography studio uses a projector for presentations and viewing images. Each student will have their own MacBook computer to work on. Students may want to continue working outside of class to build a portfolio of images. The course also uses Google Classroom (an online teaching resource) for you to share comments with your class, download course material and upload images for group discussion. See below for instructions on how to log on.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring your camera (if you have one) to the classes and you may wish to bring a notebook and pen. City Lit has a range of digital SLR and mirrorless (Canon, Fuji, Nikon & Sony) cameras, tripods and lenses which you are welcome to use during the hours of the class. We are unable to lend out equipment between sessions. It would be useful to bring a memory stick (or portable hard drive – please note PC-formatted hard drives can be read by Apple Mac computers, but not written to). We may use tripods. You can bring your own or borrow one from the City Lit photography studio.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Consider furthering your photography skills with ‘Developing your photographic skills’, your software skills with a course in Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One or Affinity. Or perhaps you want to take a photo walk (Bridges in the City or River Thames), or even learn to print those beautiful images with our Digital Printing course.
Neil A White is a British photographic artist based in London, UK. His fascination with the natural world and contrasting environments is at the heart of his photography and an infinite source of inspiration. His work explores the relationship between nature and the modern world, and how they co-exist, sometimes harmoniously, more often in conflict with one another. He sees this conflict as one of the key dilemmas of modern-day existence. When taking pictures of landscapes and the natural world, he tries to connect with the land, feel the air, the light and bring those feelings into his photographs. Neil’s work tends to be reflective and is often quiet and deeply personal. The relationship humans have with the natural world is of great interest to Neil and this is a common thread that runs through much of his work. In 2006 he received an MA in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography from the University of the Arts in London, adding to his BSc in Engineering Management. His work has been exhibited and published in the UK and internationally. Neil is a senior lecturer in photography working in higher education.
Michael Harding was born in Canada, where he studied cinema and photography at Concordia University, Montréal, before moving to the UK. Since then, he has created striking images of architecture, art, people and landscapes for international blue-chip clients for their use in editorial, advertising and corporate applications. Michael’s work has won many industry awards, notably being selected in the Eleventh Association of Photographers Awards and further receiving a Merit Award in the Seventeenth Association of Photographers Awards. His work was selected for a Highly Commended Award in the Deutsche Bauzeitung “Visions in Architecture” European Architectural Photography prize. His work has been exhibited in both the United Kingdom and Canada. Michael has been Chairman, as well as President, of the Association of Photographers (AOP). The AOP is Europe’s most established organisation for professional photographers, working to ensure greater recognition for all professional photographers, as well as working to positively influence legislators in the UK and Europe for the benefit of all photographers.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/photography-space-and-architecture247972Photography, space and architecturehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/p/space_and_architecture-1-1080.jpg239239GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Photography/Courses/Art & design/Photography/Creative, commercial & documentary photography22851132170217041228511321702<p>Capture the character of London, from ancient churches to modern buildings, in this introduction to photographing the built environment. Learn about the history and development of this specialist genre before venturing out to selected streets and spaces in central London, identifying architectural styles and beginning to experiment with composition, lenses, image processing and ways of seeing the built environment.</p>00https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/p/space_and_architecture-3_-1080.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/p/space_and_architecture-4_-1080.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/p/space_and_architecture-5_-1080.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/p/space_and_architecture-7-1080.jpg2454529Photography, space and architecture239239https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/p/space_and_architecture-1-1080_1.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-05-11T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceMay 2026Art & designVY006239239Photography, space and architecture191155239Neil Whitephotography-space-and-architecture/vy006-2526<p>Capture the character of London, from ancient churches to modern buildings, in this introduction to photographing the built environment. Learn about the history and development of this specialist genre before venturing out to selected streets and spaces in central London, identifying architectural styles and beginning to experiment with composition, lenses, image processing and ways of seeing the built environment.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-11 00:00:00<p>This fascinating course introduces you to the art and practice of architectural and interior photography, offering hands-on experience both on location and in the studio. You will gain an understanding of the history and development of the genre and its impact on how we perceive the built environment, while learning how to use equipment effectively, compose strong images, and interpret light on location. Exploring London close to City Lit (involving walking), you will develop your ability to recognise architectural styles, approach photographing buildings and interiors, and identify the optimum angles and best time of day to capture them. Back in the studio, we will review our work and look at editing and processing techniques and software.</p><p>Capture the character of London, from ancient churches to modern buildings, in this introduction to photographing the built environment. Learn about the history and development of this specialist genre before venturing out to selected streets and spaces in central London, identifying architectural styles and beginning to experiment with composition, lenses, image processing and ways of seeing the built environment.</p><p>• History and styles of architecture and architectural photography<br>• Specialist lenses, equipment requirements<br>• Composition<br>• Optimum time of day for architectural photography<br>• Working safely on the street and your rights to shoot in public</p><p>• Identify differing architectural styles of building in London<br>• Recognise the optimum time to photograph a particular aspect of a building<br>• Select the right choice of lens for the type of structure you are photographing<br>• Download and process images using suitable imaging software<br>• Understand usage of colour balance and perspective correction tools<br>• Demonstrate safe and considerate working practice in a public space<br>• Understand your legal right to photograph buildings from a public place</p><p>Ideal for those who have completed our Beginners Photography course, or for anyone with a basic understanding of ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance and how to change these on your digital SLR or mirrorless camera. You must have manual functions on your camera (i.e. be able to change the aperture and shutter speed settings - not a point-and-shoot camera).</p><p><br>Students should be computer-literate at a basic level. Please note that you will be using Apple Mac computers, although all the software used on this course is cross-platform. If you have never used a computer before, you might benefit from our course ‘An introduction to Apple computers’ that runs each term.</p><p><br>You will need to be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and be prepared to take part in group discussions. You should be happy using numbers and able to do simple measurements and calculations.<br> </p><p>A structured programme of lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises at locations in London. The photography studio uses a projector for presentations and viewing images. Each student will have their own MacBook computer to work on. Students may want to continue working outside of class to build a portfolio of images. The course also uses Google Classroom (an online teaching resource) for you to share comments with your class, download course material and upload images for group discussion. See below for instructions on how to log on.</p><p>Please bring your camera (if you have one) to the classes and you may wish to bring a notebook and pen. City Lit has a range of digital SLR and mirrorless (Canon, Fuji, Nikon & Sony) cameras, tripods and lenses which you are welcome to use during the hours of the class. We are unable to lend out equipment between sessions. It would be useful to bring a memory stick (or portable hard drive – please note PC-formatted hard drives can be read by Apple Mac computers, but not written to). We may use tripods. You can bring your own or borrow one from the City Lit photography studio.</p><p>Consider furthering your photography skills with ‘Developing your photographic skills’, your software skills with a course in Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One or Affinity. Or perhaps you want to take a photo walk (Bridges in the City or River Thames), or even learn to print those beautiful images with our Digital Printing course.</p>PhotographyCreative, commercial & documentary photographyvirtual3030559Photography, space and architecture259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/p/space_and_architecture-1-1080_17.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-17T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceSep 2026Art & designVY375259259Photography, space and architecture207168259Michael Hardingphotography-space-and-architecture/vy375-2627<p>Capture the character of London, from ancient churches to modern buildings, in this introduction to photographing the built environment. Learn about the history and development of this specialist genre before venturing out to selected streets and spaces in central London, identifying architectural styles and beginning to experiment with composition, lenses, image processing and ways of seeing the built environment.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-17 00:00:00<p>This fascinating course introduces you to the art and practice of architectural and interior photography, offering hands-on experience both on location and in the studio. You will gain an understanding of the history and development of the genre and its impact on how we perceive the built environment, while learning how to use equipment effectively, compose strong images, and interpret light on location. Exploring London close to City Lit (involving walking), you will develop your ability to recognise architectural styles, approach photographing buildings and interiors, and identify the optimum angles and best time of day to capture them. Back in the studio, we will review our work and look at editing and processing techniques and software.</p><p>Capture the character of London, from ancient churches to modern buildings, in this introduction to photographing the built environment. Learn about the history and development of this specialist genre before venturing out to selected streets and spaces in central London, identifying architectural styles and beginning to experiment with composition, lenses, image processing and ways of seeing the built environment.</p><p>• History and styles of architecture and architectural photography<br>• Specialist lenses, equipment requirements<br>• Composition<br>• Optimum time of day for architectural photography<br>• Working safely on the street and your rights to shoot in public</p><p>• Identify differing architectural styles of building in London<br>• Recognise the optimum time to photograph a particular aspect of a building<br>• Select the right choice of lens for the type of structure you are photographing<br>• Download and process images using suitable imaging software<br>• Understand usage of colour balance and perspective correction tools<br>• Demonstrate safe and considerate working practice in a public space<br>• Understand your legal right to photograph buildings from a public place<br> </p><p>Ideal for those who have completed our Beginners Photography course, or for anyone with a basic understanding of ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance and how to change these on your digital SLR or mirrorless camera. You must have manual functions on your camera (i.e. be able to change the aperture and shutter speed settings - not a point-and-shoot camera).</p><p><br>Students should be computer-literate at a basic level. Please note that you will be using Apple Mac computers, although all the software used on this course is cross-platform. If you have never used a computer before, you might benefit from our course ‘An introduction to Apple computers’ that runs each term.</p><p><br>You will need to be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and be prepared to take part in group discussions. You should be happy using numbers and able to do simple measurements and calculations.</p><p>A structured programme of lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises at locations in London. The photography studio uses a projector for presentations and viewing images. Each student will have their own MacBook computer to work on. Students may want to continue working outside of class to build a portfolio of images. The course also uses Google Classroom (an online teaching resource) for you to share comments with your class, download course material and upload images for group discussion. See below for instructions on how to log on.</p><p>Please bring your camera (if you have one) to the classes and you may wish to bring a notebook and pen. City Lit has a range of digital SLR and mirrorless (Canon, Fuji, Nikon & Sony) cameras, tripods and lenses which you are welcome to use during the hours of the class. We are unable to lend out equipment between sessions. It would be useful to bring a memory stick (or portable hard drive – please note PC-formatted hard drives can be read by Apple Mac computers, but not written to). We may use tripods. You can bring your own or borrow one from the City Lit photography studio.</p><p>Consider furthering your photography skills with ‘Developing your photographic skills’, your software skills with a course in Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One or Affinity. Or perhaps you want to take a photo walk (Bridges in the City or River Thames), or even learn to print those beautiful images with our Digital Printing course.</p><p>Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions.</p>PhotographyCreative, commercial & documentary photographyvirtual191,207239,259155,168VY006,VY375NONEMon,Thu11/05/26 - 15/06/2610:00 - 13:0010:0013:005 sessions (over 6 weeks)55-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetNeil White,Michael HardingSome experienceAvailable courses2026-05-11T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-17T00:00:00+00:00May 2026,Sep 2026Art & design239239,259Photography, space and architecturephotography-space-and-architecture/vy006-2526,photography-space-and-architecture/vy375-2627<p>Capture the character of London, from ancient churches to modern buildings, in this introduction to photographing the built environment. Learn about the history and development of this specialist genre before venturing out to selected streets and spaces in central London, identifying architectural styles and beginning to experiment with composition, lenses, image processing and ways of seeing the built environment.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-11 00:00:00<p>This fascinating course introduces you to the art and practice of architectural and interior photography, offering hands-on experience both on location and in the studio. You will gain an understanding of the history and development of the genre and its impact on how we perceive the built environment, while learning how to use equipment effectively, compose strong images, and interpret light on location. Exploring London close to City Lit (involving walking), you will develop your ability to recognise architectural styles, approach photographing buildings and interiors, and identify the optimum angles and best time of day to capture them. Back in the studio, we will review our work and look at editing and processing techniques and software.</p><p>Capture the character of London, from ancient churches to modern buildings, in this introduction to photographing the built environment. Learn about the history and development of this specialist genre before venturing out to selected streets and spaces in central London, identifying architectural styles and beginning to experiment with composition, lenses, image processing and ways of seeing the built environment.</p><p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;History and styles of architecture and architectural photography<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Specialist lenses, equipment requirements<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Composition<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Optimum time of day for architectural photography<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Working safely on the street and your rights to shoot in public</p><p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Identify differing architectural styles of building in London<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Recognise the optimum time to photograph a particular aspect of a building<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Select the right choice of lens for the type of structure you are photographing<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Download and process images using suitable imaging software<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Understand usage of colour balance and perspective correction tools<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Demonstrate safe and considerate working practice in a public space<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Understand your legal right to photograph buildings from a public place</p>,<p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Identify differing architectural styles of building in London<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Recognise the optimum time to photograph a particular aspect of a building<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Select the right choice of lens for the type of structure you are photographing<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Download and process images using suitable imaging software<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Understand usage of colour balance and perspective correction tools<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Demonstrate safe and considerate working practice in a public space<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Understand your legal right to photograph buildings from a public place<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Ideal for those who have completed our Beginners Photography course, or for anyone with a basic understanding of ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance and how to change these on your digital SLR or mirrorless camera. You must have manual functions on your camera (i.e. be able to change the aperture and shutter speed settings - not a point-and-shoot camera).</p><p><br>Students should be computer-literate at a basic level. Please note that you will be using Apple Mac computers, although all the software used on this course is cross-platform. If you have never used a computer before, you might benefit from our course ‘An introduction to Apple computers’ that runs each term.</p><p><br>You will need to be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and be prepared to take part in group discussions. You should be happy using numbers and able to do simple measurements and calculations.<br>&nbsp;</p>,<p>Ideal for those who have completed our Beginners Photography course, or for anyone with a basic understanding of ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance and how to change these on your digital SLR or mirrorless camera. You must have manual functions on your camera (i.e. be able to change the aperture and shutter speed settings - not a point-and-shoot camera).</p><p><br>Students should be computer-literate at a basic level. Please note that you will be using Apple Mac computers, although all the software used on this course is cross-platform. If you have never used a computer before, you might benefit from our course ‘An introduction to Apple computers’ that runs each term.</p><p><br>You will need to be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and be prepared to take part in group discussions. You should be happy using numbers and able to do simple measurements and calculations.</p><p>A structured programme of lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises at locations in London. The photography studio uses a projector for presentations and viewing images. Each student will have their own MacBook computer to work on. Students may want to continue working outside of class to build a portfolio of images. The course also uses Google Classroom (an online teaching resource) for you to share comments with your class, download course material and upload images for group discussion. See below for instructions on how to log on.</p><p>Please bring your camera (if you have one) to the classes and you may wish to bring a notebook and pen. City Lit has a range of digital SLR and mirrorless (Canon, Fuji, Nikon &amp; Sony) cameras, tripods and lenses which you are welcome to use during the hours of the class. We are unable to lend out equipment between sessions. It would be useful to bring a memory stick (or portable hard drive – please note PC-formatted hard drives can be read by Apple Mac computers, but not written to). We may use tripods. You can bring your own or borrow one from the City Lit photography studio.</p><p>Consider furthering your photography skills with ‘Developing your photographic skills’, your software skills with a course in Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One or Affinity. Or perhaps you want to take a photo walk (Bridges in the City or River Thames), or even learn to print those beautiful images with our Digital Printing course.</p>,<p>Consider furthering your photography skills with ‘Developing your photographic skills’, your software skills with a course in Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One or Affinity. Or perhaps you want to take a photo walk (Bridges in the City or River Thames), or even learn to print those beautiful images with our Digital Printing course.</p><p>Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions.</p>PhotographyCreative, commercial & documentary photographyconfigurable
