These images were shot last month at the Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland Florida. The Science and Technical Building is a unique piece of architecture that many people have photographed. I have shot here before and was looking for something visually different. I shot the sunset from the east side of the building then switched lenses and moved to the west side of the building.
Standing back as far as the surrounding trees would allow I used my Canon r% and my 100-500 mm lens first at 500 mm but gradually backing off to 100mm to get more of the building. I had a choice, a large well defined full moon or enough of the building to show some of its unique features. I shot and exposure range at ISO 2000, f/5.6 at 100mm.
I did my initial processing in :LR Classic and then combined the images in PS using sky replacement. After looking at the image for several day I decided that the full moon lacked contrast. From past experience I knew that the greatest contrast of the features of the moon is achieved halfway between the New Moon and Full Moon. So I substituted.
I liked this better so I shared it with one of my trusted advisors. She suggested that it had more interest if I tilted the image. So I redid the image to keep the moon feature correct as seen from earth and got this final image
4 comments posted
Vella Kendall
I like your final rendering of this. The building had a lot of strong structural elements. Of course everything is sharp and has enough contrast. I bet it would look good as a contrasty monochrome with a real dark sky. Also I found the original very pleasing wit the reflection a very pretty sky. You have many options from this one photo. The tilt works giving a sci fi vibe.
Posted: 12/05/2025 18:04:19
Dr Isaac Vaisman
Gary, this building is an architecture masterpiece. I have seen many images of it and from different angles, changed to high contrast B&W with a very much impact results. I like your composed image, and of course the other iterations. Posted: 12/07/2025 23:22:44
Erik Rosengren
Gary, it appears that you put a lot of thought into and building the finished product. Good color contrast, strong "Rule of Thirds", tack sharp and well balanced. Posted: 12/08/2025 20:11:27
Guy Davies
Nice one, Gary. I do enjoy modern architecture like this and I believe you have done it justice. I wish I could have been there. The tilt on the structure creates a good dynamic feel and the addition of the moon puts interest into the otherwise plain sky. You have to be very careful adding the moon into a picture because you have to remember that the moon is illuminated by the sun so you must make it believable (if the sun is obviously behind you, the moon MUST be a full moon!) Here, there is no clear indication of where the sun might be, so you get away with it nicely. Posted: 12/16/2025 16:02:04
