The benefits of architectural photography are undeniable, it offers a way to engage with buildings we might never encounter in person, expanding our architectural understanding and vocabulary.
The following tips aim to not only enhance the visual appeal of your architectural photography, but also deepen the stories they tell—moving beyond individual images to convey the dynamic relationship between buildings, their contexts, and the passage of time.
1. Shoot in a Variety of Weather Conditions and Times of Day
While dramatic lighting at sunset can produce striking images, it only captures a building’s atmosphere at a single moment. To tell a fuller story, consider shooting at different times of the day or in varying weather conditions. This approach will highlight how a building interacts with its environment across changing light, weather, and moods.
2. Prioritize Good Lighting
No matter when you shoot, lighting is key. Well-considered lighting can bring out the best in a space, highlighting architectural features, creating mood, and emphasizing what’s important in the design. Great lighting helps shape the viewer's understanding of the architecture’s purpose and character.
3. Explore Unique Angles
Experimenting with perspective can uncover aspects of a building that are otherwise hidden. A fresh angle might reveal new forms, unexpected abstractions, or overlooked details, adding a layer of depth and appreciation to the architecture.
4. Include People (Architecture Is Incomplete Without Them)
Historically, architectural photography has often excluded people, as if human presence detracts from the building’s pure form. However, people are integral to architecture—they shape, use, and experience spaces. Including them in your photographs can convey the dynamic interaction between architecture and its inhabitants.
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5. Focus on Details as Much as the Whole
While wide-angle shots are essential in capturing the full scope of a building, zooming in on details can reveal much about a structure’s craftsmanship, history, and unique design features. Close-ups of textures, materials, and smaller elements provide insight that a broad shot may miss.
6. Avoid Objectifying the Building
Photographing a building from just one perfect angle risks reducing it to an object, ignoring the complexity of its spatial and contextual relationships. As Jeremy Till notes in Architecture Depends, architecture is more than what’s captured in a single photograph. Strive to document the building in relation to its surroundings, its scale, and its interaction with time.
7. Use Post-Processing Tools
Post-processing is an essential part of modern photography. Software like Photoshop and Lightroom can fine-tune your images to reflect the mood or atmosphere you wish to convey. Whether it’s adjusting contrast or correcting lens distortions, these tools can enhance your architectural shots without altering the essence of the design.
8. Invest in the Right Equipment
For serious architectural photography, the right gear can make all the difference. A wide-angle lens is a staple for capturing both interiors and exteriors, and a tripod is invaluable for low-light or long-exposure shots. A polarizing filter can boost contrast and vividness, and if you want to elevate your work, a drone with a high-quality camera can offer exciting aerial perspectives.
9. Revisit the Site Multiple Times
Buildings evolve over time, and so does the way we perceive them. Returning to the same site multiple times can reveal new layers of meaning, whether it’s through the changing seasons, aging materials, or the way light interacts with the structure at different hours. Capturing these changes can tell a more nuanced story about the building’s life cycle.
10. Research the Building Beforehand
Understanding a building’s history, purpose, and context will give your photography a deeper sense of meaning. The more you know about the design’s intentions, its location, or the architect’s vision, the better you can capture its essence in a way that tells a compelling story.
