Music and Cats

You, too, can take stunning photographs of buildings!

Just follow these simple guidelines:

1. Select a building with a western exposure. Unless you are at the north or south pole, this is not difficult to do. If the building you choose - for example, this nice turn of the (last) century house - is attractive or interesting, all the better. It is not, however, necessary.

2. On the day of your shoot, arrange with the higher power of your choice for a downpour. The proportions of said downpour should be your higher power's equivalent of Biblical. After the building, surrounding plants and air have been thoroughly washed, ask your higher power to move those storm clouds off to the east, but not too far.

3. Next, order up a sunny evening. If your higher power does not do sun, you may have to find another vendor. (Some higher powers may object to your making a agreement with those they see as competitors. Review your theology with regard to covenants and non-competes.) Verify when you place your order that the sunshine will be hitting the building almost horizontally at the time of the shoot.

4. If you have properly coordinated with the powers that be, you will have an optimal setting for a fine architectural photograph: building and plants glowing in warm evening light, and a dark, brooding sky beyond. It helps, of course, if you can hold the camera steady; consider asking your significant other not to bring the wine until after the shoot.

5. If you are very lucky, your higher power may throw in a rainbow. It never hurts to ask. You might even get two.