William B. Cronyn House
This Italianate brownstone from 1856 is one of the oldest surviving residential structures in Park Slope, and its age shows in the best possible way. The facade has a worn, layered character that rewards close attention, with decorative cornices, arched window hoods, and original stonework that photographs beautifully in raking light. Shoot from across the street to capture the full facade, or move in tight with a longer lens to isolate the architectural details. Morning light works well here when the sun hits the front of the building from the east, bringing out the texture of the stone. A 50mm or short telephoto lens is ideal for flattening the perspective and keeping the proportions honest. The street is relatively quiet, so you have time to work without heavy foot traffic getting in the way. (Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York, United States)
