Advice from Kevin Lu
- The Global Photography Community
- Mar 31
- 6 min read
Hey there, photography lovers! I’m Kevin, a London-born-and-raised photographer with a passion for capturing the city’s stunning blend of historic charm and modern flair. My main gig is architectural photography, but I also love escaping to the countryside to shoot landscapes whenever I can. London’s iconic landmarks—like the Shard and Tower Bridge—inspire me daily, and I’m always hunting for fresh ways to reinterpret them. I’ve been at this since 2010, when I first picked up a Canon 550D, though I took a break and returned in 2021 with a renewed fire for the craft. Now, I want to share what I’ve learned with you—mixed with some extra wisdom I’ve picked up along the way. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shooter, here’s my advice to help you elevate your photography game.
1. Find Your Unique Perspective
Photography isn’t just about pointing and shooting—it’s about how you see the world. In a city like London, where every landmark has been snapped a million times, I challenge myself to find angles or details others overlook. Maybe it’s the reflection of St. Paul’s Cathedral in a rain-soaked puddle or the way the Shard slices through a foggy skyline. My tip? Don’t settle for the postcard shot. Explore, shift your viewpoint, and ask, “What can I add to this scene that’s uniquely mine?”
Extra Advice: Experiment with unconventional vantage points—climb stairs, crouch low, or shoot through gaps in architecture. Use foreground elements like arches or branches to frame your subject, adding layers and depth. Try tilting your camera for dynamic diagonals, but keep it intentional—random tilts can feel gimmicky.
2. Master Composition and Framing
A great photo starts with killer composition. I’m a sucker for reflection shots—puddles, windows, or polished steel can turn a flat scene into something symmetrical and deep. But it’s not just about reflections. Learn the basics: the rule of thirds, leading lines, and balance. Then, break those rules when it feels right. A slightly off-center subject or a bold crop can make your image pop.
Extra Advice: Use your camera’s grid overlay to align horizons and key elements. Practice the “frame within a frame” technique—think doorways or tunnels—to draw the viewer’s eye. If your shot feels cluttered, simplify it by zooming in or adjusting your position. In post-processing, crop ruthlessly to refine your vision—sometimes a 4:5 or square format transforms the mood entirely.
3. Harness the Power of Light
Lighting can make or break a photo. For architecture, I love blue hour—just after sunset—when the sky glows deep blue and city lights flicker on. Golden hour, right before sunset, bathes everything in warm, soft tones—perfect for landscapes or portraits. But don’t sleep on midday sun or cloudy days—harsh shadows can add drama, and overcast skies give even, moody light. Study how light hits your subject and use it to tell your story.
Extra Advice: Shoot into the light (backlighting) for silhouettes or lens flare effects—just shield your lens to avoid haze. On cloudy days, boost contrast in editing to keep things punchy. For artificial light, experiment with handheld LED panels or speedlights to paint light onto your subject. And if you’re tackling long exposures at night, use a sturdy tripod and a shutter release to avoid shake—aim for 10-30 seconds to smooth water or capture light trails.
4. Balance Creativity and Technical Know-How
You need both sides of the coin: creativity to stand out, and technical skill to nail the shot. I’ve learned to master the exposure triangle—ISO, aperture, shutter speed—so I can adapt to any scene, from a dim alley to a blazing sunset. But gear? It’s just a tool. Two shooters with the same camera can produce totally different images based on their vision. Lean into your creativity—that’s your signature.
Extra Advice: Start with aperture priority mode (A or Av) to control depth of field, then graduate to full manual for total control. Want a creamy background? Use a wide aperture (f/1.8-f/2.8). Freezing motion? Crank the shutter speed to 1/500 or higher. Keep ISO low (100-200) in bright light to minimize noise, but don’t fear bumping it up in low light—just clean it up in post if needed. Practice until these choices become second nature.
5. Break Out of Creative Ruts
We all hit walls where nothing feels fresh. When that happens, I browse other photographers’ work for a spark—just enough to inspire, not copy.
Extra Advice: Set yourself a project: shoot only shadows for a day, or capture 10 textures up close. Limit your gear—say, just a 50mm lens—to force creativity. Dive into photo books (try Ansel Adams or Henri Cartier-Bresson) instead of scrolling Instagram for deeper inspiration. Or team up with a friend for a shoot-off—competing playfully can reignite your fire.
6. Tap Into the Creative Community
Photography can feel solo, but connecting with others is a game-changer. Meeting fellow creatives in London has pushed me to grow, share ideas, and stay motivated. Whether it’s a local meetup or an online forum, find your people—they’ll lift you up.
Extra Advice: Join a photography club or an online challenge (like #52Frames) to get feedback and build accountability. Host a photowalk with friends—pick a theme like “urban decay” and compare results. Share your work on platforms like Flickr or 500px, but engage, don’t just post—commenting on others’ shots builds real connections.
