12 Techniques to Remove Unwanted Objects in Urban Photography

Being a city photographer passionate about creative photography, I'm constantly exploring the best methods to represent my city from an unusual and interesting perspective. On the one hand, as foreground extras can be seen in the cityscape, it can be difficult to shoot them without people or vehicles entering the frame as the background.

As time passed, I developed my toolbox, packed with such photo-perfecting techniques as how to remove an object from the picture and demonstrate undisturbed, flawless outlooks.

In this blog, I'll share my top 12 tried-and-true methods for crafting pristine pictures amid the bustle of the metropolis.

1. Conceal with Careful Cropping

One of the go-to moves in how to remove an object from a picture is using subtle cropping to eliminate undesired edges or extras. When photographing architecture or street scenes from a distance, carefully zoom in the lens just enough to exclude unwanted elements but still retain the essence of the scene. You’ll find it helpful to play around with different crop placements in the camera, checking the LCD after each shot to see which composition brings my subject to life most effectively. This minimal adjustment requires just a few extra shots but makes a big difference in the final image.

2. Blur the Background

Another technique to rely on when it comes to how to remove an object from a picture is utilizing a wide aperture like f/2.8 to blur backgrounds. This draws the eye directly to my foreground subject by minimizing distractions. It's especially useful for singling out monuments, signs, or other structures against a scenic backdrop. The shallow depth of field creates a natural vignette effect that frames the scene beautifully. You’ll love how this simple adjustment can transform an ordinary shot into a gallery-worthy work of art.

3. Seek Empty Spots

Before you shoot, scan your place in search of a crowd-free zone where you have the opportunity to shoot a picture flawlessly. The parks, plazas and open squares are usually open to view; the light of early and late evening helps to add restlessness when activities end. It would also be kind if you would seek permission, whenever it is in your hands, before photographing a person. You can always make a strategic plan in such a way that it will lead you to attractive and quiet lawn grounds, even in the center of an urban jungle.

4. Frame from Above or Below

One way to capture familiar scenes from an unfamiliar angle is by changing your vantage point. Shooting from a higher floor of a parking garage or tall building can offer a bird's-eye view of the skyline. Unusual angles emphasize unique architectural details and patterns you may have overlooked before. Rooftops, hills and overpasses are some of the go-to spots for an elevated vantage point.

5. Move in Close

For tightly cropped perspectives that eliminate all context, you’ll find simply zooming in or moving closer to your subject effective. Focusing intimately on just one sign, doorway or other detail prevents surrounding activity or clutter from interfering with the composition. These macro-style shots allow textures and designs to really shine. A tripod is handy for steady shots when getting up close and personal with your subject.

6. Wait it Out Patiently

Sometimes, learning how to remove an object from a picture can be done without editing. Another trick is lingering at a scene you want to capture until moving objects clear out. Rather than rushing, set a timer or use burst mode shooting to photographically "wait out" passersby between shots. This method requires patience but ensures pristine pictures free of intrusive extras. Your folder of favorites will be brimming with places that, despite their initial imperfections, were saved with a little patience.

7. Schedule Strategically

Certain times of day naturally lend themselves to calmer scenes as well. Early mornings before the morning commute see steady flows of foot traffic die down. Late evenings are when most people have left work or events, but while ambient light still illuminates the city, it also works well. You’ll find scout-shooting at various times helps determine when it is best to return to photograph with minimal distractions. Off-season periods provide another option for clearer shots when tourism is low.

8. Blur Motion

Occasionally, you may enjoy incorporating moving objects artistically by using a shutter speed like 1/15 sec to blur their motion. This can draw the eye while static elements remain crisp. Pedestrians, cyclists or traffic streaking past monumental architecture produce lively energy compared to sterile shots without context. Learning how different shutter speeds affect movement allows you to creatively decide whether you want subjects sharp or blurred, depending on the mood you wish to convey.

9. Change Focal Lengths

Switching between wide-angle and telephoto lenses offers another way to learn how to remove an object from a picture or omit the surrounding context as desired. Wide lenses incorporate sweeping streetscapes or skylines within a single frame, while telephotos allow tight close-ups that fill the frame with just one storefront sign or architectural flourish. You’ll find having a range of focal lengths in your bag lets you frame shots optimally depending on available space and your vision for the scene.

10. Embrace Imperfection

While you strive for clean compositions, you don't have to see glimpses of everyday life as distractions either. Candid shots with imperfections feel like more authentic representations of an energetic urban environment. Occasionally, you can include people if their movements or expressions enhance the shot. After all, cities are dynamic places full of life—capturing fleeting moments adds veracity that polished perfection lacks.

11. Shoot in Black and White

Another go-to processing move when it comes to how to remove an object from a picture is stripping color for a timeless, graphic effect. Monochrome draws the eye to intricate patterns, textures and forms without using color as a distraction. Gritty urban textures like concrete, brick and metal particularly shine in black and white.

12. Get Creative with Reflections

Double the visual impact by capturing reflections in glass building fronts, vehicle windows, and other reflective surfaces. Shooting both the subject and its reflection allows me to fit dynamic, layered scenery into a single cohesive frame. Puddles and other reflective surfaces provide spontaneous opportunities for creative reflection shots on the fly.

Final Words

Over time, while using these techniques, it will escalate your urban photography to a fabulous level. Sharp frames eliminate competing objects, highlighting building and public structure details as heroes against clean backgrounds. I wish you good luck using these tips while exploring your city, which may be as useful to me as they have been over the years. And here we are. Always remember to take plenty of pictures, and have a wonderful trip around the world!