There are several approaches one can take when photographing architecture. One would be literal, where you include the entire front of the building in your frame to show people what the structure looks like. Yesterday I took second route to illustrate the theme of a Target store in suburban Fairfax County, Virginia.

Merrifield, a section of Fairfax, used to be, as the New York Times puts it,  a “Suburban Wasteland.”

In recent years Merrifield has begun to undergo a dramatic transformation. At the heart of this metamorphosis is a mixed use complex called The Mosaic District. Target is architecturally its most prominent tenant.

From time to time you will hear grumblings from some that big box stores are a blight on the environment. This Target store seems to throw that argument on its head.

The store reminds me somewhat of the innovative designs from long ago employed by the now defunct Best Products (not to be confused with Best Buy).

As you drive down Route 29 in Merrifield you will see the impressive Emerald City-like Mosaic Center with the giant Target bullseye on its side.

For this image,I used 200mm lens to compress the buildings and highlight the graphic feel of the Target logo as well as the lines on the building. It was shot in a harsh midday light which actually helped to define the grid on the building’s facade. My goal was to capture the feel of the building not only its look.