Architecture photography stands out as a field of photography. Moreover, there is a need for architectural photographers in many subjects. If you are excited about the buildings’ compositions or cannot stop viewing how to photograph architecture works, perhaps architecture photography is the right choice for you.
Before diving into details, let’s start with the definition of architecture photography and its types.
What is architectural photography?
Architecture photography, also referred as building photography or structure photography, generally means the style of photography whose main focus is on buildings.
Architectural photography includes many aspects such as images of the outside and inside of buildings, straight lines or vertical ones, a range of depths of field, cityscapes and many more.
What are the types of architectural photography?
In relation to the subjects of architecture photography, there are broadly two categories that could be referred to:
- Exterior architecture photography: Architecture photography that shows the outside view of a structure or building on a large scale.
- Interior architecture photography: Architecture photography that shows the inside view of a structure or building on a large scale.
Since we have given the definition of architectural photography, we can continue with how to shoot architectural photography and the requirements for it. Let’s examine it together.
How to Capture Great Architectural Photos
Practice Practice Practice
The most common advice anyone new to photography gets is practice. This situation does not change when it comes to architectural photography. If you want to get the best angle and become professional, you have to practice regularly.
Obviously, in order to achieve the best possible results in your architecture photo shoot, you always need to evaluate the building and learn about its history.
Try Shooting at Different Times
Like the feelings and mood of a person, the results of an architecture photo shoot also change from time to time. Do not expect to get the best result at your first try.
Try taking the photographs at different times like early in the morning, during sunsets, or in cloudy or sunny weather. Each will reflect a different message about your main subject.
The most common advice anyone new to photography gets is practice. This situation does not change when it comes to architectural photography. If you want to get the best angle and become professional, you have to practice regularly.
Understand the Light
Natural light is essential in photography. This rule does not change in architectural photography. Moreover, it does not matter whether you are shooting indoors or outdoors. Every experienced photographer tries to make the most of natural light.
Creating the atmosphere provided by natural light with a set is difficult and takes time. It is also expensive.
Therefore, it is vital to read the light well during architectural photography. If you are inside, you should determine your angles by looking at the light. Do not forget to check the weather forecast when shooting outside. And always be prepared for unexpected events.
Sometimes, light and current conditions determine your theme and the atmosphere of your photos. It may rain suddenly on a clear day. Adapting quickly at such moments will make you look more professional.
Architectural Photography Equipment
The equipment required for architectural photography often causes confusion for those who wish to start this business. Depending on what you intend to use your photos for, your needs will change accordingly. If you are shooting only for yourself, the camera of your current phone or the camera in your hand may be sufficient.
However, if you want to produce professional works, architectural photography differs from other branches of photography. Here you may need some special equipment.
Best Camera for Architectural Photography
You may need to view the existing structures in detail from the outside and inside in architectural photoshoots. For this, you need a good machine with continuous shooting modes or face-tracking autofocus systems.
All interchangeable lens cameras, such as DSLR cameras with full-frame sensors are enough to provide you with the good perspective control and high-quality images.
Best Lens for Architectural Photography
Depending upon the structure you wish to photograph as your subject, you may have to purchase a wider angle lens, since it might not fit into standard frames.
When it comes to the world of architectural photography, tilt-shift lenses are a popular type of lenses.
Finally, a tripod is one of the pieces of equipment you should have to stabilize your machine. These materials will be sufficient for those who are new to architectural photography. Over time, you can buy more professional equipment according to your needs.
Architectural Knowledge
Architectural photography deals with the viewing of buildings from inside and outside. However, this does not make these photos cold or unemotional. These need your interpretation to give the desired effect.
If you want to take awe-inspiring architectural photos, knowing the building you are working on will make your job much more comfortable. General knowledge of architecture may also be useful for you at this point.