How to Photograph a Street Alignment
Street alignments are fleeting - ten to fifteen minutes of perfect light. Learn the essential preparation, camera settings, and composition tips.
Street alignments are fleeting - ten to fifteen minutes of perfect light before the sun disappears. Preparation is everything.
Before the day, use CityHenge to find upcoming alignments and scout your location. Check the weather: clear skies produce clean golden light, while heavy overcast blocks alignments entirely.
Any camera works, including smartphones. For settings: aperture f/8-f/11 for sharpness, low ISO (100-400), and white balance set to Daylight to preserve warmth. Arrive 20-30 minutes early - the peak moment lasts only 5-10 minutes.
For composition, use the street itself as a leading line. Include silhouettes of people for scale. Experiment with different heights. Don't over-saturate in post - golden hour is already warm.