Stuttgart Z-UP Building

Stuttgart’s comprehensive public transportation makes reaching the Z-UP Building a breeze. It's very easy to get there as it's only 5 minutes from the subway station. Take U5, U6, U7, or U15 to Stadtbibliothek Station. Then head south toward Heilbronner Str./B27. Z-UP building will be on your right. Once you're there, look for the stairs that my model is standing on. Then, you can place your model on the same stairs and take a photo from a straight angle.

The Z-UP building can be photographed at any month of the year if there is enough light. I recommend sunny days because there will be more light falling on the façade, and it makes for a beautiful photo. Your best chance of getting sunny days in Germany would be in the summer months. That said, capturing the moodiness of the rainy weather might also be interesting.

The mid-day sun will cast dynamic shadows on the Z-UP’s facade, enhancing its geometric features. For similar photos, I recommend sunny days with a lot of daylight. That said, nighttime photos would be cool to try.

Be Mindful: As you're very close to the highway, be mindful of the traffic.

Compress the Scene: By using a telephoto lens (100mm), you can compress the scene and show the architectural details of the Z-UP building.

Staircase Perspective: Use the stairs to add depth and lead the viewer’s eye into the photo.

Reflections and Transparencies: Experiment with the reflections on the glass for an artistic twist.

Different Lenses: A wide-angle lens will help you fit the whole building into your frame. Try out different compositions with different lenses.

Add Scale: Using a model will help add a sense of scale and make the photo more dynamic.

Geometric Play: Emphasize the building's geometry by aligning your camera with its lines and curves.

Drone Tip: If you want to capture the letter Z that gives the building its name, consider bringing your drone to capture a look down. It might be interesting to see how the building fits Stuttgart's cityscape.

(before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements.)

Stuttgart City Library is right across the street. The cube-shaped building will be another architectural feast after Z-UP.

To take a break, head to The Schlossplatz, a nice place to relax and people-watch.

For automotive enthusiasts, the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum are a short ride away, showcasing Stuttgart's legendary car manufacturing heritage.