Architectural photographers specialize in photographing built spaces, from ancient temples to modern parking garages. They can specialize in various areas and produce artwork, informational photographs, or promotional materials. They must consider framing, lighting, and context when capturing images for documentation or portfolios. Training may be obtained through art schools or interning with experienced photographers.
An architectural photographer is a photography professional who specializes in working with built spaces, which can range from temples discovered in an archaeological dig to parking garages built last week. These photography professionals can choose an area of specialization, such as retail, commercial, residential or interior architecture, and can perform a wide variety of assignments over the course of their careers. Depending on the nature of an architectural photographer’s work, he or she may produce artwork, informational photographs or promotional materials.
Architecture itself is an art form and architecture documentation requires special care. Like other photographers, architectural photographers are familiar with the basics of photography, including issues such as light levels, focus, texture, and various printing techniques that can be used to produce different looks and feelings. They should also think about issues like framing their images and the mood they hope to evoke with an image.
In some cases, an architectural photographer may be hired to capture images for the purpose of documenting an architectural design. These images can include before and after shots of a site or building under renovation, as well as detailed images depicting the exterior and interior of the building. These images must also be placed in context, forcing the photographer to think about how much to include in each frame and whether or not it may be necessary to take aerial photographs as well. This type of work may also include photographing architectural models, and the images may be used in promotional publications for the building or architect, competition portfolios, or information packs provided to governments and individuals interested in the project.
Architectural photographers may also be hired by an architect or interior designer to take photographs for a portfolio. These images emphasize the artistic nature of the project and can be works of art in their own right. An architectural photographer may also photograph buildings for art exhibitions, treating the images as works of art, and these images may also be collected in photography and architecture books.
Some architectural photographer training may be provided at art schools with photography departments, and students may find it helpful to internee with an experienced architectural photographer to learn more about day-to-day work in the field. Some students also take architecture courses to deepen their understanding of the structures they photograph. Others may pick up architectural photography skills naturally, developing a portfolio of architectural images that they can use to solicit new clients.
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