Shooting Architecture Images with a dSLR
Architecture Photography – The Key to Real Estate and Travel Images
Nov 8, 2009
Architecture photography is an important component to many different photo albums. Travel photographers must capture unique architecture to help depict a city’s true image, while a real estate agent must show the value and quality of a house.
Research shows that quality architecture images are truly worth thousands. A market survey showed that potential buyers are more interested in viewing photographs than any other source of information when browsing for houses online. Good images sell properties, while bad images leave an unappealing memory in potential buyers.
The key to shooting architecture is to capture different variations of the building, from an overview through fine details without sacrificing the frame. Rooms must appear large and spacious, windows bright and inviting, gardens expansive and green. Lighting, camera settings, tripods and cable releases must be used to accurately and creatively portray any architecture situation. Just don’t forget to shoot establishing, medium and detail images.
Camera and Light Settings for Shooting Architecture
Architecture images require sharpness throughout the entire frame. Using aperture priority mode, dial the camera down between f/16 and f/22 to keep details sharp from foreground to background. Make up for slow shutter speeds by using a tripod and shutter release cable to eliminate potential camera shake.
Lighting is equally important as camera settings; however, most photographers can make due with only natural lighting. Shoot at sunrise or sunset to ensure even lighting throughout the interior and exterior. Next, turn on all interior lights if possible to help create a warmer scene or use the sun to back light an exterior scene.
Three Steps to Better Architecture Photographs
Use a three-step approach to compose strong interior and exterior architecture images. First, capture an establishing shot that clearly displays the overview of the property. For exteriors, capture the entire property, including driveway, gardens and building. Shoot the largest or most important room for interior shots, while emphasizing open spaces. Use the rule of thirds to compose this image.
Next, capture a medium shot that depicts another important aspect of the property. Examples of exterior images include balconies and entryways, while interior shots include bedrooms, staircases and living areas.
Finally, capture a detailed shot that shows a single unique feature. Focus on contrasting lines, interesting trim or intricate design. Whether shooting for real estate or travel albums, the detail shots should show why this particular property is unique.
Post Processing for Architecture Photography
Interior lighting often confuses the camera’s auto white balance. Light bulbs give a warm orange hue, while compact florescent bulbs add a blue-green cast to images. Both Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw can be used to quickly adjust the white balance. Leave a slight orange tone when possible to create an inviting, warm atmosphere.
Architecture images also share a common perspective problem caused by pointing the camera up to capture the entire building. Square walls often appear wide at the bottom and narrow near the top. Use Adobe Photoshop’s cropping tool to straighten the image. Drag the cropping box over the entire frame. Next, click on the perspective option. The four corners of the cropping box can now be moved independently.
Adjust each individually to follow the natural verticals that should be displayed in the image. The cropping box will become a trapezoid, but by clicking enter to confirm the crop the image will be stretched to fit the rectangular frame.
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