Hidden in Plain Sight - Guide for aspiring photographers
A Guide to Taking Great Photos of Architectural Details with Your Phone
1. Lighting Is Everything
Daylight is your friend: Take photos during the day. Early morning or late afternoon gives soft,
flattering light. Avoid using flash.
Watch for shadows: If your subject is in shade, try adjusting your angle slightly to let light fall more
evenly.
Check reflections: Especially on metal or glass. Move around the detail to minimise glare or find
more interesting reflections.
2. Hold Still & Focus
Two hands = better stability. You can also lean against a wall or rest your elbows on a solid surface.
Tap to focus: On most smartphones, tap the screen where you want the image to be sharp.
Hold your phone steady for 2 seconds after pressing the shutter, especially in low light.
3. Get Closer, Not Zoomed
Don’t use digital zoom – it lowers quality.
Instead, move physically closer to the detail. Fill the frame with your subject.
Let the textures shine – get close enough to see age, wear, and material.
4. Frame it with Intention
Think about composition. Is your subject centred, framed by other elements, or leading the viewer’s
eye?
Try different angles: Look from below, side-on, or straight-on. Change your height or tilt to find the
most striking version.
Don’t be afraid to take a few shots – then choose your best.
5. Keep it Real – But Clean
We’re not looking for filters or effects.
No need to edit heavily. Minor adjustments (brightness, contrast, crop) are fine, but the charm is in
what you actually found.
Avoid distractions in the background – crop or shift your angle to keep the focus on the detail.
6. Check Your Settings
Resolution: In your phone’s camera settings, choose the highest resolution.
File type: JPEG or PNG preferred. Keep each file under 10MB for upload.
Orientation: Landscape and portrait are both welcome – use whichever best fits the subject.
7. What NOT to Include
No people or faces – this is about the buildings, not portraits.
No copyrighted artwork or brand logos.
Avoid whole buildings or distant shots – we want details.
8. Where to Look
Edwardian or Victorian shopfronts.
Decorative brickwork or ironwork.
Old council buildings, libraries, or churches.
Industrial remnants like faded signs or machinery.
The backs of buildings, side alleys, or above street level.
The Hat District and Market Hill area – but feel free to explore beyond!
9. Think Like a Storyteller
Ask yourself: Who might have carved this? What was this building used for? Why is this detail
here?
What mood or texture does it give the street? If your photo makes someone stop and wonder,
you’ve nailed it.
10. Final Checklist Before You Submit
Sharp focus
Good lighting
Interesting detail or texture
No people or distracting background
Taken in Luton
High-resolution file
Title/caption ready (optional)
How to Submit
Go to: https://hatdistrict.co.uk/hiddenphoto2025
Deadline: Noon on 9 September 2025
You can submit up to three photos. Selected images will be:
- Printed and shown at the Hat District (12–21 Sept)
- Displayed on digital screens across the Hat District
- Shared online on our website and social media
You’ll be fully credited. Some images may be entered into an audience vote or
be included in a charity auction (opt-in only).
You don’t need to be a pro – just be curious.
See something interesting? Pause. Frame. Click.
Your photo might change how others see Luton too.
