Exploring Architectural Photography

Exploring Architectural Photography

  • Defined as a discipline of photography that focuses on capturing buildings and similar structures.
  • Seen as the medium of choice for the documentation and understanding of built environments.
  • It is often applied for aesthetic appreciation, historical documentation, or information provision.
  • Architectural photography can encompass diverse sub-genres such as cityscapes, landscapes with a focus on buildings, interior photography and more.

Key Concepts in Architectural Photography

  • Subject: The building, structure or architectural design being photographed.
  • Perspective: This refers to the angle or viewpoint of the photograph. It’s important in capturing the character and depth of the building.
  • Lighting: Correct lighting is crucial. It can be used to highlight intricate architectural details, reveal forms, and create dramatic effects.
  • Time: The time of day, and by extension the quality of light, can dramatically affect the aesthetics of the shot.
  • Composition: Frame composition can affect the balance, depth, and interest in your photographs. Architectural photography often calls for symmetrical compositions.

Prominent Architectural Photographers

  • Julius Shulman: Famous for his photograph “Case Study House #22” which showcases mid-century architecture.
  • Ezra Stoller: Recognised for his meticulous black and white portrayals of modern architecture.
  • Candida Höfer: Known for her grand photos of public and institutional spaces, predominantly interiors.
  • Iwan Baan: Famed for his documentations of architecture and its relationship with the human aspect.

Architectural Photography Techniques

  • Wide-Angle Lens: To capture the full structure or intricate interiors, a wide-angle lens is typically used.
  • Long Exposure: Used to dramatize the effects of light and shadow over time, or capture elements of movement like clouds or water.
  • Bracketing: This technique involves taking several photos of the same scene at different exposures, then blending them together for a final image that captures a wide range of detail.
  • Symmetry: Architectural structures often contain elements of symmetry, which can be used to create striking photographs.

Interpreting Architectural Photographs

  • Pay attention to the lines in the photograph. Do they lead the eye? Are they converging or parallel?
  • Assess the use of lighting. How does it highlight the structure’s design?
  • Evaluate the capturing of space and depth. Do they successfully convey the volume of the structure?
  • Notice the time of day. How does it affect the photograph’s mood or atmosphere?

Consolidating knowledge of key architectural photographic concepts, studying well-established architectural photographers, and applying professional architectural photography vocabulary for analysis contributes significantly to skill development in this genre.