Architecture Photography

Well, Architecture photography has a long history and our modern-day, visually – the obsessed culture has got us consuming a large quantity of architecture through photographs and spacial experiences. The intersection between architecture and photography has evolved significantly over a period of time since the first-ever photo taken in the 1820s. The invention of photography during the nineteen century and the control over the visual representation of the built world acquired specialization between an architect and the photographer.

Photography of architecture is about a complex three-dimensional world projected on a small flat surface. It’s also the testimony of interaction between two closely related, whose interplay has grown entangled in recent times. The history of architecture and photography is captivating, and it interrogates photography as an automatic drawing or a direct imprint of the constructed world. It also accentuates the ideology of the photograph as an image crafted towards a particular communicative goal.

Architecture photography medium is a wider significance in architecture. Buildings do much more than sheltering us. Architecture photography is similar to documenting buildings and has evolved into its own diverse art form.

So What is Architectural Photography?

Architecture photography also referred to as building photography or structure photography, means photography that focused on buildings. It also includes capturing shooting buildings exteriors and interiors, as well as bridges, structures, and cityscapes.

The main objective is to improve not only the visual strength of your architectural photography but also the different stories they can tell us. Visual photographs go beyond individual images in order to communicate the building’s relationships with their contexts, time and space.

Best Way to Photograph Architecture:

1. Photographing in a variety of weather conditions, at different time intervals: Basically used to specify and visualize building’s environment, atmosphere and urbanscape around, in various weather conditions. Apparently, Architecture photography shows tremendous results when shot a series of images during different times of the day.
2. Prioritize the lighting: Good lighting should always be a priority as it enhances the spaces, specific structure or atmosphere, and plays a big role in shaping one’s understanding of an architectural project.
3. Search for unique angles: Different perspectives and angles architecture photographs can expose a form of abstraction of building’s detail.
4. Look for Contrasts: Images that are juxtaposed differently but related buildings or themes can be a robust while photographing architecture. If you can capture different scenes in one image, then you have successfully achieved the best photographing technique.
5. Include human scale: Historically, there was a trend of not including people in architectural photography. But now, a number of high-profile architectural photographers are beginning to bring a change. Though it is true, Architecture doesn’t and wouldn’t exist without us.
6. Explore details: Shooting with a wide-angle lens, is usually the smartest thing to do when it comes to architecture photography as a building contains hundreds of intricate details up close revealing something new about the building’s history or construction.
7. Investing in Appropriate photography equipment: Investing in the right equipment is going to reap big rewards. A wide angles lens is commonly used for photographing buildings and interior spaces in low-light conditions. If you are looking for technology and precision, a drone with a quality camera installed can shoot wonders.
8. Choosing locations: Architecture photographers focus on shooting things like government buildings, museums, and historical landmarks. Old building photography makes captivating images when included with well-maintained historic sites that offer examples of classic architecture.
9. Know your subject: Once you choose a building or structure to shoot, spend time to get to know about the surroundings. Explore every angle possible that helps you decide what kind of style you want to achieve.

Overcoming Challenges in Architecture Photography:

1. HDR: High Dynamic Range (HDR) images are well suited for Architecture Photography when used correctly. HDR adds drama and creative flair to the exterior shots. The interior lighting contrasting with conditions outside might makes it difficult.
2. Distortion: Lens distortion sometimes ruin a great architecture photo as it can create unnatural wrapping that puts things out of proportion or makes the straight lines of a building curve. Photo editing software like Photoshop and Lightroom include lens profile compensating for distortion.
3. Know when to use Photoshop: With any type of photography, it is an important step in creating high-quality images. It’s important to understand when it’s okay to use photo editing tools. Over editing can make your realistic photos look unnatural and unappealing.