Line, shape, form, texture, color, size, and depth - the seven basic elements of photographic art. These seven elements are the building blocks for every photo, and in architecture the elements are more raw and plain to see. The interplay between the elements make photographing an architecture project feel like solving a jigsaw puzzle. Marrying the rudimentary element of a building, while also showcasing the usability of a space is the challenge I enjoy.

When talking about my photographic approach to architecture projects, there are a few different routes to take depending on your needs. By answering a few questions, we can determine what approach is best to get all of the images you need for the project.

Would you like people staged in your photos?
Are you providing blueprints with your shot list, or is Graham Images leading those decisions?
Are you interested in having photos of details and abstract elements?
Would you like aerial images from a drone?

The main question is whether or not we’re including people staged in the photos. This is the main factor for the schedule and pace of the shoot. Let’s talk more about what different approaches can look like for architecture photography projects.

A look at different architecture approaches

Now Featuring, People!

What better way of showing a building’s purpose than to show people using it? Having people in your architectural photographs help bring life to the space, show scale and show the usability and importance of the space.

When you’re including people in the photos you want to make sure you arrive on shoot day with a solid Plan A for where the camera is going and what angle you’re using for each photo. It doesn’t have to be dialed in exactly, but knowing what you’re wanting to show or not show will make decisions easier during the shoot. Usually my client provides blueprints with the shots they’d like marked on the plans. This is the easiest way to get on the same page. From there it’s a matter of lens choices and talking about compositional options during the shoot.

On top of the shot list given to me by the client I’ll always pitch scenes while I’m on site (it’s like a fun treasure hunt for me!). How many extra scenes we are able to explore is dictated by the schedule.

The schedule is typically planned to create one or two images an hour. After deciding on composition of the image the team on site (Graham Images and Client) rearrange and move any furniture that needs it, remove or cover up any distracting visual elements, make sure every space is cleaned up and it feels like just the right amount of “lived in.” I like to schedule the models for every 45-60 minutes. Once the people are in the scene it usually takes about 10 minutes to get enough options on people positioning and movement, then we move on to start setup on the next scene. When scene runs smoothly it allows me time to photograph some nearby abstract images or alternate angles/scenes without people.

Now Featuring… No People

Another approach to an architecture photography shoot is without people, which is more often called for by the building’s construction manager or other building vendors. This approach moves at a quicker pace through the building and can create a higher count of images.

The client typically has given me the lead on photo and creative direction. These shoots are usually me and a site escort touring the building for about two hours. Spaces are expected to be near photo ready so there is less energy put into site cleanup prior to photos, and the site escort is normally helping adjust the scenes; by moving furniture, cleaning up visual distractions and such.

Abstract and Details

Abstract architecture photography is finding something interesting, but not obvious. Its finding art where lines and corners intersect, highlighting the reflective words in the wallpaper, and sometimes just showcasing good design.

When I am on a job, there are always moments in a building where rudimentary elements call for my eyes' attention. It’s these beautiful details that complete a building.

Drone Photography

I’ve been a FAA 107 licensed drone pilot since 2018. I have loved seeing the development of the technology. It’s a new way to get a camera at the right angle… at least we don’t have to do private jet fly-overs or rent a man-lift.

Sometimes a drone is used to get a similar angle to a standard camera, and other times it’s used to get something only a small camera with wings attached to it can get! Drones offer incredible versatility, and provide new meaning and context to buildings through seemingly endless new perspectives that they alone can achieve. Drone photography helps form a new appreciation for architecture, as it provides new views of a building’s geometry, form and scale.

Creating consistent high quality images

With my many years of experience photographing architecture, I am proud of my ability to create images that capture the spirit of the space—not just bricks and mortar. Bringing my creative talent and pairing that with the client’s vision has allowed for the creation of a process that produces consistently modern and clean images.

See more of my architecture work and read more about my approach to architecture photography.