Architectural photography offers a unique perspective of buildings, residential properties, and other structures. In 1826, photographer Joseph Nicéphore Niépce captured the architectural image View from the Window at Le Gras, and today it’s known as the world’s oldest surviving photo.
While architectural photography has changed over the years with new developments in technology and equipment, the intention to evoke emotions remains the same. It’s used in many industries — including real estate, interior design, hospitality, and more — to catch the attention of potential clients. Let’s look at how architectural photography can enhance branding and marketing efforts for your business.
What Is Architectural Photography?
Architectural photography is a specialized genre of photography that focuses on capturing the structure, design, and aesthetics of buildings. There’s careful consideration of light, angles, and editing to showcase architecture in visually appealing ways.
Architectural Photography Techniques
Impactful architectural photography requires a deep understanding of techniques — such as composition and light— and post-process editing skills. Photographers fine-tune images with an emphasis on maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the building.
Architectural photographers enhance colors, contrast, and clarity to create eye-catching images with an artistic point of view. They can also correct perspective distortion and remove lens distortions for a polished final photo. Photographers use advanced digital editing tools to improve image quality and remove imperfections or distractions.
Capturing Interior and Exterior Shots
When you think of architectural photography, exterior images likely come to mind. Photographers capture exterior and interior photos to highlight the best features and allow viewers to see what the structure offers.
Photographers may use artificial or natural lighting and schedule the shoot around certain times of the day or weather conditions. Shooting at sunrise or sunset (known as the “golden hour”) captures warm-toned hues, window reflections, and long shadows, bringing a sense of drama or moodiness to the images. Cloudy skies, snowfall, or rain-drenched surfaces also add interest and alter the tone of the photos.
Architectural Photography Vs. Real Estate Photography
Architectural photography and real estate photography both offer many benefits. However, it’s important to know the differences between them. A professional photographer can help you decide which service fits your business and the goal you want to achieve.
Focus and Purpose
The role of architectural photography is to capture the design, structure, and aesthetic qualities of buildings in a visually stunning way. Real estate photography focuses on presenting properties to highlight their selling points and appeal to potential buyers. Photos accurately represent the home while emphasizing key features such as size, layout, and overall appearance.
Composition and Style
Architectural photography captures angles, plays with light and shadow, and emphasizes unique details. Real estate photography follows a more straightforward approach, prioritizing clarity with wide angles to display entire rooms.
Usage and Audience
Commonly used by architects and designers, architectural photography is often seen in marketing materials — such as brochures and magazines — to showcase a building’s specific features or historical details.
Real estate photography is typically used in property listings, advertisements, marketing materials, and social media by agents, property developers, and homeowners looking to sell or rent their properties.
The Imaging Pros at Absolute Altitude
Architectural photography highlights the beauty and functionality of properties. Absolute Altitude is dedicated to bringing your ideas to life with creativity and accuracy. When you need to hire a photography agency, contact us.
Our team of skilled professionals provides services that help you rise above and stand out in an insanely crowded marketplace. When you invest in high-quality photos from Absolute Altitude, you can attract more clients, generate additional revenue, and expand your business.
