Middlesex County Court House
Rising from the heart of London, Ontario, this 19th-century Gothic Revival courthouse is one of Canada's oldest surviving public buildings, its locally quarried stone towers and pointed arches giving it a distinctly castle-like presence on Ridout Street. The dramatic facade rewards wide-angle shooting, where you can frame the full symmetry of the building from across the street or move in close to capture the texture of the rough-cut stonework and ornate Gothic detailing. Overcast days work beautifully here, softening shadows and bringing out the cool grey tones of the stone without harsh contrast. Early morning gives you cleaner shots with less foot traffic and better light on the front elevation. A 24-35mm lens handles the full facade well, while a longer focal length lets you isolate the towers and architectural details. The surrounding trees add seasonal interest, especially in autumn when warm foliage contrasts with the stone. (London, Ontario, Canada)
