How do I know which side of a building will be lit at a given time?

Check the sun's azimuth for your planned date and time against the building's orientation — the facade facing closest to the sun's direction will be the one lit, with others in shadow or flatter light.

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Sun Position Calculator for Architecture Photography

A building shoot planned without checking sun position risks arriving to find the intended facade sitting in flat shadow, or another wall throwing an unwanted shadow across it — both avoidable with a quick check.

Sun Position Calculator for Architecture Photography

Open the Sun Position Calculator

Recommended settings

Check azimuth and elevation for the exact shoot date and time to confirm which facade will actually be lit.
For a facade with architectural texture (relief, brickwork), aim for a lower sun elevation that rakes light across the surface rather than flattening it.

Tips for this niche

A building's own shape can cast shadows on itself — check whether a wing or overhang will shadow the facade you're planning to shoot.
Neighbouring buildings can also cast unexpected shadows — check sun position relative to the whole site, not just the target building in isolation.

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Example scenario

A shoot is planned for a building's south facade at 2 PM. Checking sun position shows the sun still mostly to the east at that hour, leaving the south face in flatter light than expected — prompting a reschedule to later in the afternoon when the sun swings further around.

Common mistakes

Assuming a building's 'good side' is lit at any time of day. the facade that looks best in photos online may only be lit during a specific window — check the actual sun position for your planned shoot time rather than assuming.
Not accounting for the building's own shape shadowing itself. wings, overhangs and setbacks can throw unexpected shadows across the exact facade you're trying to shoot — check the geometry, not just the general sun direction.

FAQ

How do I know which side of a building will be lit at a given time?: Check the sun's azimuth for your planned date and time against the building's orientation — the facade facing closest to the sun's direction will be the one lit, with others in shadow or flatter light.

Guides for this tool, by niche

Sun Position Calculator for Wedding Photography Sun Position Calculator for Landscape Photography

Troubleshooting

Why Is the Sun in the Wrong Place for My Planned Shot?

Before the shoot

Architecture Photography shot list