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How to Maximize Impact With Architectural Photography

Feb 29, 2024

architectural photography

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.

We plan your shots

Planning is key to capturing effective B-roll. Typically we are following a custom script that details each shot we want to get while we are at the property. 

We do this to make the best use of your time, and to make sure we can get in and out of the shoot efficiently.

We also specialize in the direction we give to the agent or other hired talent. The fact that we have experience in story-telling and directing people on what to do when adds big-time value.

We often identify unique features and architectural details that deserve attention. Consider the story you want to tell about the property – is it modern and sleek, cozy and rustic, or luxurious and opulent? Absolute Altitude will tailor your B-roll shots to align with this narrative.

     

     

     

     A focus on details

    Close-up shots of design elements like doorknobs, light fixtures, backsplash tiles, and unique architectural elements can add significant value. These shots give potential buyers a closer look at the quality and design features that set the property apart. Use a long lens if necessary to capture intricate details clearly.

    To make your video dynamic and engaging, we  vary your shots in terms of angles and movements. Here are a few techniques:

    • Panning: Slowly move the camera from one side to another to reveal a room or a feature.
    • Tilting and Pedestal Movements: Move the camera up and down to show the height and space either using a hinge or pole.
    • Tracking: Move the camera along a path, following a subject or moving through a space.
    • Static Shots: Hold the camera steady on a tripod to focus on specific elements.

     

    We Use the right equipment

    While a high-quality camera is essential, additional equipment can elevate your B-roll footage. We often get feedback about our price points, and that others are more affordable. We are very transparent about the quality we bring to each project. This means that we use the best equipment to capture high-resolution footage that is in focus, doesn’t shake, and is the appropriate color. We take pride in using the latest tech to make sure our clients and their collateral are captured in cinematic-quality footage.

    Some basic tools we use are (If we listed everything it would be a whole other blog, but here is a short break down of the types of tools that are in the back of our vehicles):

    • Gimbal: For smooth, cinematic shots, especially when moving through spaces.
    • Tripod: For steady, static shots that highlight specific features.
    • Wide-Angle and Prime Lenses: To capture more of the space in a single frame, giving viewers a comprehensive view. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length for tack-sharp images and dreamy depths of field.
    • Specialty lighting: Our lighting kits for high-end shoots are something that you will not find in your average real estate on-site shoot project.
    • Multiple cameras that are specific to the type of scene we are shooting.
    • Drone: For breathtaking aerial shots that showcase the property’s location and surroundings.
    • All the portable power and batteries to power your project!

     

     

     

    Final thoughts

    Capturing compelling B-rolls for real estate videos involves thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and the right equipment. Depending on the project we could have a multi-age script that we have crafted to make sure we create wow-worthy experiences for your portfolio.

     By focusing on the unique aspects of the property and using various shooting techniques, we can create a rich, immersive video that stands out to potential buyers. Remember, the goal of B-roll is to enhance the story you’re telling about the property, making it more appealing and memorable and that is our favorite story to tell.

     Joel Yocca is the man with the plan, the owner & CEO of Absolute Altitude. The A2 team is prepared to provide you with the assets you need to level up in any market.

     

     

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