Hotel Europe
This striking Edwardian-era flatiron building sits at the triangular intersection of Powell Street and Alexander Street in Gastown, its narrow prow pointing west like the bow of a ship. The building's distinctive wedge shape makes it one of the most compelling architectural subjects in Vancouver, and the key is positioning yourself at the tip of that triangle to shoot straight up the narrow facade, compressing the geometry and emphasizing the building's unusual form. A wide-angle lens works well for this tight shot, while a short telephoto lets you isolate the upper floors and ornate detailing against the sky. Overcast days flatten the light evenly across the pale facade and bring out the texture of the heritage brickwork, though golden hour adds warmth and raking shadows that reveal the architectural detail beautifully. The surrounding streets are narrow, so early morning gives you the space to work without crowds or parked vehicles cluttering your foreground. (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
