Architectural Photography Guide
Architectural Photography
Architectural photography is a specialized niche of commercial photography that involves capturing images of the interior and exterior of buildings. It is a highly specialized field of photography that requires a great deal of technical skill and advanced knowledge.
What is Architectural Photography?
Architectural photography is a type of commercial photography that focuses entirely on capturing the architectural details and design of buildings, both inside and out. In order to accurately capture the essence of a building, an architectural photographer must learn to understand the intention behind the design, the way that interacts with its surrounding environment, and how it is going to be used by its visitors and inhabitants.
The History of Architectural Photography
Architectural photography has been around since the invention of the camera in the early 19th century. At that time, it was mostly used to document the construction of buildings and to showcase the work of prominent architects. However, as the art and creative side of photography continued to evolve, so did architectural photography. Photographers began to experiment with different compositional angles, lighting techniques, and composition to create images that were not only functional, but artistic.
One of the most famous architectural photographers of the 20th century was Julius Shulman. Shulman was known for his iconic images of mid-century modern architecture in sunny California, which helped to popularize the style around the globe. Other famous architectural photographers include Ezra Stoller, known for his images of modernist buildings, and Richard Pare, who was known for documenting the work of Frank Gehry and Le Corbusier.
Techniques of Architectural Photography
Architectural photography requires a unique set of skills and techniques. Unlike other forms of photography, architectural photography often involves capturing images of buildings that are very large and complex. In order to capture these images, photographers must use a variety of techniques, including the following:
Use of Perspective - Architectural photographers often use a wide-angle or a tilt shift lens to capture the entire building in one shot. This allows them to create images that are both dramatic and expansive, which maintaining clean sharp lines and angles.
Lighting - Lighting is an important aspect of architectural photography. Photographers must understand how to use and shape natural light, as well as how to incorporate artificial lighting to highlight the best features of the building.
Composition - Composition is also crucial in architectural photography. Photographers must know how to frame the building in a way that is both interesting and informative.
Post-Processing - Post-processing is an important part and time intensive component of architectural photography. Photographers must know advanced editing techniques to enhance the image in a way that accurately represents the building and its design.
The Importance of Architectural Photography
Architectural photography is important for a number of reasons. First, it helps to document the work of architects and designers, allowing their work to be appreciated by a wider audience. Second, it helps to promote tourism and economic development by showcasing the beauty of buildings and cities. Finally, it helps to inspire future generations of architects and designers by highlighting the beauty and potential of the built environment.
Architectural photography is a fascinating field that requires a great deal of skill and knowledge to master. It is a specialized form of photography that has been around for nearly as long as the camera itself. Through the use of techniques such as perspective, lighting, and composition, architectural photographers are able to capture the beauty and complexity of buildings in a way that is both informative and artistic. As such, architectural photography is an important form of documentation, as well as an inspiration to future generations of architects and designers.
What Are The Types of Architectural Photography?
There are several types of architectural photography, each with its own unique purpose and focus. Here are some of the most common types:
Exterior Photography - This type of photography focuses on capturing the exterior of a building, including its facade, roof, and surroundings. Exterior photography is often used to showcase the design and beauty of the building and its relationship to the surrounding environment.
Interior Photography - This type of photography focuses on capturing the interior of a building, including its layout, materials, and lighting. Interior photography is often used to showcase the functionality and design of the building's interior spaces.
Aerial Photography - Aerial photography involves capturing images of buildings and their surroundings from above. This type of photography is often used to showcase the building's relationship to the surrounding landscape and to provide a sense of scale.
Night Photography - Night photography involves capturing images of buildings and their surroundings at night. This type of photography is often used to create dramatic and moody images that showcase the building's lighting and ambiance.
Detail Photography - Detail photography focuses on capturing the small details and elements of a building's design. This type of photography is often used to highlight the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into the building's construction.
Time-lapse Photography - Time-lapse photography involves capturing a series of images over a period of time and then combining them into a single video. This type of photography is often used to showcase the construction or renovation of a building.
Each type of architectural photography has its own unique challenges and requires different techniques and equipment to capture the best possible images. A skilled architectural photographer will be able to determine the best type of photography to use for each individual project.
What Makes a Good Architectural Photo?
A good architectural photo captures the essence of a building, showcasing its design, beauty, and functionality.
What Is The Main Concern in Architectural Photography?
The main concern in architectural photography is to accurately capture the essence of the building in a visually appealing and informative manner. This means showcasing the design, structure, and materials of the building, as well as its relationship to the surrounding environment.
Is There Money In Architectural Photography?
Yes. While this photography style is considered a niche, there is a growing demand for high-resolution images of buildings and structures for various marketing purposes. Architects, construction companies, real estate agents, and interior designers are just some of the professionals who require architectural photography to showcase their work and attract potential clients.
With a keen eye for composition and technical proficiency, an architectural photographer can create stunning images that showcase a building's unique features and the historical or cultural significance. Hopefully you were able to learn a bit more here about the value an architectural photographer can provide to businesses servicing the design/build space.
Stacy Markow is a former sommelier turned Interiors & Commercial Architecture Photographer servicing clients across the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. Not only can she capture the beauty of your next interior design project for your portfolio, she can also help you celebrate by picking the perfect bottle of Champagne.
For more information on Stacy’s services, or to see more of her beautiful work, you can visit her website at www.stacymarkow.com
