An
architectural photography assignment is a commitment of
time, resources and money. Creating high-quality images on location
presents a complex series of challenges. Thorough planning and communication
between the client, photographer, location owner and representatives
at the site can help ensure maximum efficiency and productivity.
Specialist
Lenses for Architectural Photography
It
is essential that an architectural photographer has control of the
dynamics of an image ie distortion of the building being photographed
caused by tipping the camera up or down.
Tipping
a camera up to view a tall building causes converging verticals,
which in severe cases make the building appear almost triangular.
This can be corrected when using a Shift lens by raising the lens
panel vertically, relative to the film plane, and not tipping the
camera. Shift lense are also important to the architectural interior
photographer allow the camera to be set high but still emphasising
floor space when that is important.
A
Tilt and Shift lens also allows the photographer to control how
much of an image is in focus by the placing of the plane of focus
ie if a building as at an acute angle to the camera.
Planning
an Architectural Photography Assignment
The
Client to Supply, (where possible).
- Exact
location of the site,
description and documentation required
- Walk
through the project site with photographer if feasible
- Provide
maps and/or plans with accurate North arrow
- Provide
construction progress information
- Clearly
describe goals: areas/features to photograph,
number of views
- Detail
design materials, light sources, spaces in use, etc
- Communicate
problems or flaws that photographer to downplay/avoid
Client
requirements:
- The
Brief.
- Image
usage.
- The
Deadline.
- Any
Special Requirements
At
the Site: Issues to Consider
Are
the owners or those at the site expecting the photographer?
Do
they understand the level of production and length of time involved?
(Some people assume a photographer will show up with a hand-held
camera, take snapshots and be finished in a few minutes).
Will
client or representative be present during the shoot?
The
photographer must know how to contact:
- Client
with office, home and weekend numbers for day and evening
- Building
owner
- Security
force
- Maintenance
personnel
- Electrical
service for permission to control site lighting and computer
controls
- Others
involved in the project
Has
full access been arranged to the site?
- Is
there parking available for the photographer?
- Can
photographer and equipment get in after hours if needed?
And
get out afterwards?
- Does
the photographer need keys or security codes for access to any
areas?
- Are
the elevators working? Alarm systems turned off?
- Are
all the rooms and areas accessible?
- Can
windows and blinds be adjusted?
Consider
the time of year and the weather to be expected
- Natural
light and the angle of the sun
- Which
way does the building face?
- Sun
on the main façade?
Consider
the season
- Leaves
on the trees?
- Flowering
shrubs and plants?
- Snow
on the ground?
- Seasonal
decorations?
Consider
the day of the week
- Moving
automobile traffic and/or parked cars?
- Pedestrians,
office workers, services or deliveries?
Consider
the best time of day for the photography
- Interiors.
Exteriors.
- Natural
light. Sun. Shadows. Mixed lighting. Views.
- Is
it best to shoot at night?
Has
all the construction been completed?
- Has
the client representative inspected the site recently?
- Trailers,
dumpsters, scaffolding, fences and debris removed?
- Construction
and leasing signs removed?
- Permanent
signage in place? Illuminated?
- All
spaces, including ground floor stores, occupied?
- Landscaping
complete?
Site
conditions should be reviewed before the photographer arrives.
- Windows
clean? None broken?
- Grounds
well maintained?
- Lawns
green? Gardens watered?
- Mature
plants? Or just wisps?
- Watering
apparatus turned off to keep the building dry?
- Request
delay in facility maintenance during the shoot (mowing, road
work, window cleaning…not today, thank you).
- Fountains
working?
- Flags
and banners in place?
- Find
out about other possible disruptions such as trash pickup, deliveries,
street festivals,
parades
- Graffiti
on building? Fences? Posters? Signs?
If
access is required from nearby buildings, consider the following:
- Have
advance arrangements been made? permission
received?
- Fees
and/or permits required?
- Proof
of insurance needed? "Additional insured" on policy?
Electrical
considerations:
- All
bulbs in working order. All the same color. Spares available?.
- Access,
for window shade controls and security systems.
- Be
sure timers and light sensors can be adjusted for proper exterior
lighting at dusk and at dawn.
For
photography of interiors, be sure to consider the following:
- All
tenants and neighbors notified about the photography?
- Public
and private spaces clean?
- All
furniture installed?
- Paintings
hung? Sculpture and other artwork in place?
- Flowers
and plants available? Props arranged
Permission
for moving (and replacing) personal objects?
Photographer
may need client participation to obtain property and model releases.
Architectural
photographers Extra ToolKit
Gardening
- Strimmer.
- Secateurs.
- Stiff
Broom.
Cleaning
- Broom.
- Cloths
etc
- Soft
Broom
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Misc
- Compass.
- Sun
Chart.
- Step
ladder.
- Shoe
covers.
- Extension
leads.
- Door
wedges.
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