What is Architectural Photography? – Part I

What is Architectural Photography?

Architectural photography is the photographing of buildings and similar structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and accurate representations of their subjects. This is an exercise undertaken by Professional Architectural photographers, who are skilled in the use of specialized techniques and equipment.

Throughout the history of photography, buildings have been highly valued photographic subjects, mirroring society’s appreciation for architecture and its cultural significance. It’s the 1860s that saw architectural photography become an established visual medium.

The most notable architectural photographer has to be Julius Shulman who is considered the pioneer in bringing the craft into the limelight.

In Kenya, current professionals include Mutua Matheka and Rahim Kara.

How is it done?

Minimum set up would include a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera which employs detachable lenses, a tripod and a remote shutter release.

While some photographers fully depend on natural light while documenting their spaces, other will employ the use of off-camera-flashes on the scene to bring out a different look-and-feel to the photographs.

One more essential gadget is a remote shooting/tethered setup which includes a tablet computer and WiFi router connected to the camera. This allows one to trigger the camera and review images from a compatible smart phone or tablet.

The Process

Before the Shoot …

Just like the typical site analysis before design begins, a good practice for any Architectural Photographer is do a site survey before any shoot takes place.

This allows the photographer to prepare accordingly in terms of;

The scope of work for the assignment
The shot list
What gear to carry
What time-of-day to undertake the assignment

The Shoot …

The actual shoot can be for making images of;

The Construction Process

The most ideal situation would be making images of the building/project from inception to handover. This would require making images of the site before design, during construction and after construction is complete.

This gives the best story of the life of the project as opposed images of the completed project.

The Final Product – Exteriors

Exterior architectural photography usually takes advantage of available daylight, or if performed at night, uses ambient light from adjacent street lights, landscape lights, exterior lights, and even twilight present in the sky.

The landscape surrounding a building is important to the overall composition of a photograph, and even necessary to communicate the aesthetic harmony of a building and its environment.

The Final Product – Interiors

Interior architectural photography can also be performed with ambient light transmitted through windows and skylights, as well as interior lighting fixtures.

Frequently though, architectural photographers will use supplemental artificial lighting to improve the illumination within a building.

After the Shoot …

The shoot will most likely involved taking at least 3 photos of the same scene (see images below). These are imported into Adobe Lightroom for Basic Adjustments (Highlights, Shadows, Colour Balance) and then blended in Photoshop to give one image that is well exposed in bothe the shadow and highlight areas.