McElroy Octagon House
Built in 1861, this pale blue octagonal home is one of only three surviving octagon houses in San Francisco, and its unusual eight-sided shape makes it a compelling architectural subject in a city full of Victorians. The symmetrical facade facing Gough Street is your primary composition, with the cupola on top adding vertical interest and a strong focal point. Shoot from across the street to get the full structure in frame, and use a moderate wide to standard focal length, something in the 35mm to 50mm range, to keep the proportions natural without distortion. Overcast days work well here because they eliminate harsh shadows on the angled walls and bring out the soft blue paint. Morning light from the east catches the front facade cleanly before the street gets busy. The surrounding garden adds foreground interest in spring when plants are in bloom. Street parking is available and the corner location at Union gives you a clean background without too much visual clutter. (San Francisco, California, United States)
