Granary Wharf Leeds and Wellington Street: A Tilt Shift Lens Adventure

Just a quick post with some shots from the train station and canal area of Leeds.

These were taken during the early days of testing the Tilt Shift lens we invested in for the architecture photography business.

Tilt shift lenses are a game changer for architectural photography. These lenses allow for control over the plane of focus, enabling photographers to capture buildings with perfect vertical lines, avoiding the distortion commonly seen with regular lenses. This ability is particularly useful for cityscapes and urban architecture, where maintaining the integrity of lines and shapes is crucial. The Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L lens we used offers exceptional sharpness and versatility, making it a valuable addition to our toolkit.

Here’s what we used to make theseClick to see the 17mm TSe Lens

Wellington Street: Historic Architecture

Wellington Street boasts a mix of old and new architectural styles. This shot captures the detail of an older brick building with the sun highlighting its intricate design. The tilt shift lens helped to maintain the building’s vertical alignment perfectly.

Bridge Over the River Aire: Capturing the Full Span

This panorama of the bridge over the River Aire was created by stitching together six photos – two sets of three – to capture both the top and bottom views. The result is a detailed and expansive image that showcases the bridge’s structure beautifully.

Inside the Dark Arches: Architectural Marvels

The Dark Arches, with their gothic and imposing structure, offer a unique photographic challenge. By combining two photos taken from low and high angles, we created a comprehensive view that highlights the arches’ dramatic lines and shadow play.

Aire Bridge: A Blended Perspective

This image of the Aire Bridge from the opposite side is a blend of six photos. The tilt shift lens was crucial in capturing the full extent of the bridge without distortion, providing a clear and detailed view of this significant structure.

New Entrance to the Train Station: Modern Design

The new entrance to the Leeds train station is a bold and modern architectural statement. This shot captures the dynamic design elements that make it stand out, with the tilt shift lens ensuring straight lines and sharp details.

Wellington Street: Architectural Detail in Sunlight

Another view of Wellington Street, focusing on the beautiful brickwork of a historic building. The sunlight at just the right moment added a warm glow, enhancing the texture and detail captured in this shot.