Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum's striking Federation-era facade, combined with the bold modern addition designed by Denton Corker Marshall, gives you a strong architectural subject with layers of texture, geometry, and contrast to work with. The curved glass and steel canopy over the entrance forecourt is particularly photogenic, and shooting from low on the forecourt pavement exaggerates its dramatic sweep against the sky. A wide-angle lens in the 16-24mm range works well here to capture the full scale of the building without stepping too far back. Early morning on weekdays gives you clean shots without crowds, and overcast light flatters the mix of materials by reducing harsh shadows and glare on the glass. The surrounding Carlton Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also offer framing opportunities using the tree canopy to frame the museum facade from a distance. (Carlton, Victoria, Australia)