Shutter Mike Photography

The Cesar Chavez library in Laveen, AZ (part of Phoenix) is a great architectural photography spot.  Architecturally, the library was designed by Tucson based Line and Space to be integrated with the site without significant negative impact on the site or the environment.  It boasts green features such as significant overhangs for shading the building, a rain water collection system for irrigation and it was partially built into the hillside and bermed with earth to help regulate the interior temperature.  These features were combined with a very aesthetic and photographic design.

If you decide to photograph this library keep a few things in mind; 1) make sure you cover all sides of the building, each one has some very unique angles and shots; 2) I was not able to get there at night, but if you can the lakeside facade looks great at night; 3) the library is located in the Cesar Chavez Park, so there can be a lot of people in addition to library patrons – if you want to focus just on the building without the “human element” after library hours will help cut down on the crowds.

Curving Walls of the Cesar Chavez Library

f/14 – 1/160 sec – ISO 100 – Focal Length 28 mm

Dramatic Roof Over Hangs of the Cesar Chavez Library

f/18 – 1/40 sec – ISO 100 – Focal Length 28 mm

Dramatic Roof Over Hangs of the Cesar Chavez Library

f/18 – 1/40 sec – ISO 100 – Focal Length 28 mm

Following the Terrain

Cesar Chavez Library

f/14 – 1/200 sec – ISO 100 – Focal Length 28 mm

Curving Walls and Roof Over Hangs

Cesar Chavez Library

f/14 – 1/30 sec – ISO 100 – Focal Length 28 mm