What Is Architectural Photography?
From the Egyptian pyramids to the temples of Ancient Rome, from a residential building to a surging modern skyscraper, architecture is one of the most energetic art forms engraved into the foundation of our civilization. Architecture is an admired theme for photographers because no two constructions are alike, and no two angles produce the same image.
Architectural Photography
Architecture involves the designing, engineering, construction, and final structure of manmade structures. Many styles of architecture have emerged since humans started building structures, and each one of these has its own unique expression like Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Classical, Neoclassical, Modernist, etc.
While anyone with a smartphone can capture a photo of a building, but there is an art to it. The primary emphasis is to capture the photographs of the architectural structures that are accurate in terms of representation of their subject as well as aesthetically pleasing.
The goal of architectural photography is to create images of buildings that portray the whole building, its design, and its immaterial features. The more unique the structure, the more interesting it becomes, and the more evocative the image. The best photographs capture small details, intricate designs, and weird gargoyles, as well as essential structures and signs of religion. The photographer’s intention is to convey a sense of place and time through these photographs.
When photographing a building, you should always look up and take photos of the architectural details. You can look for intricate carvings, brickwork, structural supports, and more. If you’re shooting from the ground, you’ll have a clearer picture with fewer distractions. Then, you can use a wide-angle to capture the entire building. You can also try shooting the building from several angles and switch positions until you get the right kind of composure.
Besides being beautiful, architectural photography also involves the process of capturing time and space. The photographer must consider the time it takes to capture the building from various perspectives, as well as the mood it creates. Once the architecture is photographed, it should be preserved for as long as possible, to preserve its originality. This is the main purpose of architectural photography. It is not just a kind of art. It is an artistic expression.
Unlike ordinary photographs, architectural photography communicates a building’s setting, technique, and location. Usually, the photographer uses a wide-angle lens to capture the building’s facade and interior. A large-angle lens would make the facade too big to be seen in a single shot, but a zoomed lens will allow you to see more details. For example, you can take a photograph of a stairway, or a staircase.
Types of Architectural Photography
There are two distinct types of architectural photography: exterior, and interior.
Exterior Architectural Photography. This is the type that involves capturing outside of a structure. It benefits from the blessing of natural light, which makes it easier to capture. It may yield wildly dramatic, varying, and moody photographs depending on the mood of Mother Nature.
Interior Architectural Photography. This is the type where the interior of a structure is captured. Capturing the interior is a bit challenging in terms of the natural light availability. Although supplemental flashlights can help to overcome this challenge.
Uses of Architectural Photography
As technology has evolved, the use of architectural photography has expanded. There are a number of different uses for architectural photography. These images can be used for marketing purposes and can be very interesting for people to look at. They are especially engaging for businesses that are selling space. These images are an excellent way to nail that first impression. Here are a few examples of the ways that these photographs can be used for marketing. If you’re a business owner, you might use these photos to increase your sales.
Photographs of buildings are a great way to promote a building. They showcase the immaterial features of the building and can also be used for marketing purposes.
They can also be used to enter competitions and win awards. This is because people tend to remember what they saw in a picture for a long time. It’s important to choose the right photos for your needs.
Creating high-quality architecture photography will help you convey the harmony between a building and its surroundings. A beautiful photograph of a building can influence the desire of the viewer to buy it. It may also be useful for marketing an unbuilt property. A stunning image can entice people to buy into a planned build project. These images can be used as a marketing tool for new development. The possibilities are endless with these images!
Dustin Smith, a native of Austin, Texas, is the owner and lead photographer at Skywall Photography, an award-winning commercial and event photography business based in Huddersfield, UK. Growing up in the heart of Texas, Dustin was surrounded by stunning scenery and breathtaking sunsets that would later inspire his passion for photography.
After graduating from Kansas University, Dustin embarked on a journey to explore the world and its diverse cultures. Visiting over 40 countries, he found himself captivated by the beauty of each moment and began capturing them through his lens. This love for photography led him to work with a wide range of clients, including celebrities, corporations, and families, in various settings and events.
Dustin’s dedication to his craft has earned him numerous accolades, such as the 2021 Yorkshire Property Photographer of the Year, multiple awards from The Societies of Photographers, and finalist positions in North of England Wedding Awards and Travel Channel Photography Contests. His work has also graced the covers of Georgetown View Magazine and the national PME magazine.
Skywall Photography is a tribute to Dustin’s late grandmother, Grandma Waller, who gifted him his first professional camera and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. The name “Skywall” symbolises both the heavens and his grandmother’s surname, keeping her memory alive in every captured moment. As Dustin continues to create stunning visuals, he honours the woman who inspired him to follow his passion and share the beauty of the world with others.