Government Conference Centre
This grand Beaux-Arts building served as Ottawa's Union Station when it opened in 1912, and its ornate limestone facade, arched windows, and colonnaded exterior make it one of the most photogenic historic structures in the capital. Stand back on Rideau Street or across from Confederation Square to capture the full symmetry of the facade, or move in close to isolate the carved stone details and towering arched windows. A wide-angle lens works well for the full exterior, while a longer focal length lets you compress the columns against the surrounding architecture. Overcast days are ideal since they eliminate harsh shadows on the detailed stonework, though early morning light on a clear day can add warm tones to the pale limestone. The building sits in a busy area, so arriving early helps you avoid foot traffic and parked vehicles cluttering your foreground. (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
