Rural architecture is something I think often gets forgotten, or lumped together with abandoned genres of photography.
Architecture can be defined as the art and science of building. More specifically, it refers to designing and creating habitable structures.
At workshops that specialize in architecture photography, attendees have often reported being unable to find anything worth photographing in their local towns – they felt it too hard for rural dwellers like themselves to find structures to photograph.
Architecture as Art or Science of Building
By definition, architecture opens up many opportunities that small towns and country roads can present. Just the word “structure” alone brings to mind bridges easily located near roadsides; habitability comes to mind through barns or farm buildings housing livestock; it all counts!
Architectural photography has come to symbolize the modern structures in our largest cities, thanks to those who started small scale and worked their way up. Without these buildings being constructed today, architectural photography would likely never exist!
Small towns located far from major urban centres often possess great charm. From old and withered structures to newly renovated spaces, rural communities tend to boast architectural details and styles not commonly found elsewhere.
Bridges qualify as architecture, and can be found across cities and rural areas alike. Train trestles make great subjects for photography; take some time to discover them all! Furthermore, doing research will reveal more information on their history that may prove fascinating.
As you drive across the countryside, pay closer attention to any architecture you find – it is out there and much more than skyscrapers; architecture includes art itself in its definition.
By the way, the banner image features a Legion Hall located in a town with a population of 95 people.