Dallam-Merritt House
Built in 1876, this Italianate Victorian home on the corner of Washington and Divisadero streets is one of the better-preserved examples of the style in Pacific Heights, with its symmetrical facade, tall narrow windows, and ornate cornice details making it a rewarding subject for architectural photography. Position yourself across the street to capture the full facade straight-on, or work the corner angle to show depth and the relationship of the house to the streetscape. A 35mm to 85mm lens works well here, letting you isolate details like the bracketed eaves or window hoods without distortion. Overcast days are ideal since they eliminate harsh shadows on the facade, though morning light from the east can add warmth and dimension. The surrounding block has mature street trees that can frame the house nicely, so look for gaps that give you a clean sightline. (San Francisco, California, United States)
