Royal Exhibition Building

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed exhibition hall sits within Carlton Gardens and rewards photographers with strong architectural symmetry, ornate terracotta detailing, and a striking central dome. The front facade facing Nicholson Street is your most classic composition, with the formal garden path and fountain providing a natural leading line straight to the entrance. A wide-angle lens in the 16-35mm range works well for capturing the full scale of the building while including the surrounding gardens. Shoot from a low angle to emphasize the dome against the sky, or pull back to incorporate the fountain and manicured hedges for context. Early morning gives you soft, even light with minimal crowds and fewer cars along the surrounding streets. The gardens are freely accessible at all times, and the building exterior can be walked around completely, giving you north, south, and side elevations to explore. (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)