Elegance in Architecture: A Modern-Day Fairytale

The Vision

When I first saw the checkered marble floors and the towering arched ceilings, I decided to try a wide-angle perspective to do the space justice. I wanted to place the birthday girl in a way that felt both powerful and delicate—a centerpiece in a sea of stone and history.

The Shot

The birthday girl in this photo wore a breathtaking, shimmering blue ballgown for her quinceañera, with an extensive train that fanned out perfectly across the marble. By shooting from a low angle, I was able to:

• Emphasize the Scale: The wide-angle lens captures the massive skylights and the multi-tiered balconies of the Hartford City Hall, making the room feel infinite.

• Leading Lines: The pattern of the floor naturally draws the eye straight toward the subject.

• Contrast and Color: The vibrant, sparkling blue of the dress pops beautifully against the neutral tones of the stone walls and the warm glow of the wall sconces.

Behind the Lens

One of the challenges of shooting in such a large, symmetrical space is ensuring the subject doesn't get "lost or distorted." By having her look back over her shoulder and positioning her right at the base of the frame's vertical center, she commanded the viewer's attention immediately.

This session reminded me that as a photographer, I'm not just capturing a person; I'm capturing the way they inhabit a space.