What characterizes a good architectural photographer?
Published on 17/07/2024
Architectural photography requires not only technical skill, but also an understanding of the design of buildings. A good architectural photographer recognizes the architect's vision and is able to convey this vision visually through their photography. But what exactly makes a good architectural photographer? In this article, I would like to briefly explain the characteristics and skills that characterize an outstanding architectural photographer.
1. Transparent communication
Transparency plays an important role in architectural photography, just as it does in architecture. When designing interiors and buildings, visual axes are deliberately created and insights are granted. In this way, your clients' customers build trust. A good architectural photographer communicates just as transparently. As a rule, you will find all the information you need for your decision-making and project management on the website of a good architectural photographer. This can be, for example, a FAQ section that answers all important questions or a detailed description of the order processing.
Architectural photography has no fixed price
If you ever see fixed prices for architectural photography on a website, this does not indicate transparency, but shows that it is standardized architectural photography. A high-quality architectural photographer will provide you with an individual offer tailored to your project, detailing all services, such as shooting days, retouching, license rights, etc. Every project has its own challenges that take more or less time. This time is finally reflected in the outstanding architectural photographs.
Collaborative partnership
But what does the best architectural photographer help if there are problems in the collaboration? For a pleasant and smooth project completion, it is important that the relationship between both parties is good. It's best to get to know your architectural photographer in a brief personal meeting and discuss your project. There you will quickly find out whether both partners are a good match and whether the photographer's architectural photography matches your architectural language.
2. Technical precision and the right equipment
Architecture requires technical precision. Without a stable foundation, the correct calculation of the statics, the selection of suitable materials and a precise execution plan, no project will be successful. Just as architects execute their craft with precision, a good architectural photographer must also have perfect knowledge of their profession.
Basics of architectural photography
A good architectural photographer knows his camera and the associated equipment down to the last detail. This includes knowledge of different lenses, especially wide-angle lenses, which are often used in architectural photography, as well as an understanding of exposure, depth of field and perspective. The ability to choose the right equipment for different shooting situations is crucial.
What makes the difference?
In addition, it is equally important that a good architectural photographer knows how to improvise. In some situations, even the best equipment doesn't help and you have to get creative to create the perfect image. A good architectural photographer always has additional tools with them, such as door wedges, clamps, darkening cloths, cleaning materials and additional light. A good architectural photographer doesn't know any problems, but knows how to get the desired photo by any trick he can find.
3. An eye for detail and composition
However, it is not the technique that ultimately decides whether an architectural photographer is outstanding or average. After all, even an architectural masterpiece is different to a prefabricated house off the peg.
Architectural photography that inspires
Good architectural photography inspires people and leaves them amazed. It appeals to the emotions of the viewer, so that they sink into the picture and enjoy the architecture depicted. It reflects the architect's vision and conveys his creative intention.
The essence of outstanding architectural photography
What makes outstanding architectural photography special? Perspective and an eye for detail make a difference. A good architectural photographer has a flair for recognizing the architect's vision as well as bringing his own creativity to the image. The composition of the image is of great importance. How much floor is important? How are individual elements, such as chairs, positioned in the room? Are other buildings shown in the crop, or are people included in the picture? These are many questions that a good architectural photographer automatically takes into account. Basics that are important for outstanding architectural photography.
4. Creativity and artistic vision
Creativity knows no bounds and this is why a good architectural photographer should also look at your project from a photographic perspective. Of course, all of your planned lines of sight should be shown, but an architectural photographer knows how to discover other exciting angles on site. Architectural photographers not only document, but often have their own artistic perspective. Excellent architectural photographers incorporate this into their photography and deliver unusual and new image ideas. At the same time, they also know what is important. The artistic vision is an bonus, and enriches your project photos with shots that stand out from those of other studios.
5. Understanding of architecture and design
Last but not least, a good architectural photographer should have a sense and understanding of architecture and design. A solid knowledge of the architecture industry and the design of buildings facilitates communication. Good architectural photographers already know which angles are important when looking at a building and which details they need to put in the right light. A good architectural photographer should meet you at eye level so that a quick and reliable exchange can take place.
Conclusion
A good architectural photographer combines technical skills, artistic creativity and a deep understanding of architecture and design. This combination enables them to create images that capture not only the external form of a building, but also its soul and character. For architects, designers and project developers, a talented architectural photographer is an indispensable partner who helps to present their projects in the best possible light.