Photographing shop signs

We've spent some time window shopping, looking for a good display to photograph but now we want you to lift your eyes a little higher in search of a good shop sign.


Gear
A medium zoom lens with your DSLR or a compact such as the Samsung EX1 will get you close to the signs without you having to borrow some ladders off a window cleaner. You'll also need to carry a tripod if you plan on returning later in the evening when the neon's get switched on.

Technique
When you stand on the street you look up at the signs which is fine when you're looking for the nearest bakery but in your photos it will just look unnatural. To combat this just step a little further back or better still find something to stand on that will give you a little more height. You could try holding the camera above your head but this won't help you with framing and will get you a few dodgy looks.

If a sign's particularly interesting or amusing such as a hairdressers in Sheffield which is called Curl Up & Dye, zoom right in and fill the frame with the sign. Or are you going to put them into context showing some of the street or the shop front in the shot? If you do include the store pop on a polariser so you don't catch your reflection in the windows. This works particularly well with old buildings such as those on the Cobbles in York or with unique stores that have displays that will add to the image. Standing at one end of the High Street quite close the buildings looking up will give you the chance to capture several signs all in one shot or try waiting until the sun's began to set and photograph the many neon signs that decorate our streets. Just watch for camera shake as you'll be using slightly longer exposures and take a look around your image to see if there's any flare from some of the lights. Having said that, this can work well sometimes.


You've read the article, now go take some fantastic images. You can then upload the pictures, plus any advice and suggestions you have into the dedicated Photo Month forum for everyone at ePHOTOzine to enjoy.