Architectural photography is a branch of photography in which the subjects are buildings or similar structures that should be both aesthetically pleasing and accurate represented. Architectural photographers are usually skilled in the use of specialized techniques and equipment.
Throughout the history of photography, buildings have been subjects of utmost importance, reflecting society’s appreciation for architecture and its cultural significance.
Architectural photography is typically created from either the exterior views of buildings, or in the interior of buildings. The techniques used in each of these types of photography are similar, but do have some difference and sometimes require different equipment.
Exterior
Exterior architectural photography usually takes advantage of available daylight, or if performed at night, uses ambient light from adjacent street lights, landscape lights, exterior building lights, moonlight and even twilight present in the sky in all but the darkest situations.
In many cases, the landscaping surrounding a building is important to the overall composition of a photograph, and even necessary to communicate the aesthetic harmony of a building and its environment. An architectural photographer will often include flowers, trees, fountains or statues in the foreground of a composition, taking advantage of their ability to help lead the eye into the composition and to its main subject, the building.
Interior
Interior architectural photography can also be performed with ambient light transmitted through windows and skylights, as well as interior lighting fixtures. Frequently though, architectural photographers will use supplemental lighting to improve the illumination within a building. Either electronic flash “strobes” or incandescent “hot lights” can be used.
