Architectural photography… you might be scratching your head, “doesn’t beautiful architecture sell itself?” The answer is not really. No matter how talented an architecture firm is, or how well-known their work may be, in 2021 architectural photography is a necessity. But first, what is an architectural photographer, and what exactly are you getting for your money?
An architectural photographer is an individual who specializes in photographing a variety of architectural products, from skyscrapers to artistic works like furniture and sculptures.
This type of skilled photographer will have deep experience in understanding how to best represent the architecture piece(s) for audiences to consume. A specialized photographer like this will be able to best capture the beauty, and unique aspects of your creations for a variety of advertising purposes.
In hiring an architectural photographer, you are paying for an expert in the field. They will possess knowledge of how to best depict and document a built structure.
This individual will be able to capture high-quality images with a variety of cameras from different angles, and then deliver a library of properly edited photos for your use.
By enlisting the services of a professional photographer to handle your architectural photography needs, you are making a positive investment in your business both today and the future.
Here are seven specific reasons why an architecture firm can benefit from professional architectural photography.
7 Reasons Why Architects Should Hire Photographers
#1 – Many Architecture Firms Don’t Invest in Photography
Today, there are plenty of competitive architecture firms out there. However, most do not have professional architectural photos.
Architectural photography is a straightforward way for firms to get a leg up on their competitors, and differentiate themselves from the pack. By investing in architectural images, you are able to showcase your work in the most authentic and accessible way possible (outside seeing the architecture in person).
With many an architect relying on heavy text and renderings, you can let your work speak for itself. More importantly, you can attract new customers.
#2 – Ability to Advertise Your Work in a Variety of Mediums
Professional photography is a versatile medium. It can be used to advertise in nearly any way possible, such as framed photography for an office lobby, digital assets to be placed in magazines, social media posting, email marketing, video creation, and the list goes on.
Advertising your work is critical, and showing that through the right medium is equally important. With architectural photos, architecture firms have a library of assets that are used for any advertising need they see fit.
#3 – Build a Useful Portfolio
Architecture is a type of fine art. It is a combination of creative thought and mathematical engineering.
Art is better scene than described. People can generate an emotional response when seeing architectural designs, versus just reading about them.
By investing in architectural photography, you can provide prospective clients with a portfolio that properly displays your work and gives them an accurate representation of your skill and ability. This enables them to form their own opinion about your work based upon what matters most… your work.
#4 – Make a Good First Impression with Potential Clients
First impressions matter, both in personal and professional life. When architecture firms are meeting with potential clients or other interested parties, it is a great opportunity to get off on the right foot by being able to show your potential client(s) your creations.
Without them having to ask, you can provide a portfolio of work, or if they are visiting your website, they can view a digital gallery. Customers most importantly want to see your architecture, and professional photography delivers that.
Related: Our Ultimate Guide to Architectural Photography
#5 – We Live in a Visual World
The world has undergone a lot of changes in recent years, including consumer habits. The world is more visual than ever before. Photography and video dominate everyday life, as people prefer to consume information visually, rather than through audio or text.
Architectural photography meets the consumer where they live. It grabs attention and captivates minds, helping cut through all the digital clutter that exists in marketing and social media platforms. Beautiful imagery gets noticed. And that pays off for architecture firms who want to properly leverage their work to gain more business.
#6 – Illustrates Your Style and Methods
There is no better way to explain your style or design method than by showing it off. Architectural photography can illustrate what makes your firm unique, exciting, and innovative.
A professional photographer will work to capture images that highlight your firm’s talent and skill. By taking photos at different times of the day, from different angles, and with different equipment, a photographer can present your work in a light that might not even be possible if viewing it in person.
There is no better way for a client to get inside your firm’s creative mind than visually taking in your creative style.
Related: How Interior Design can get you Featured in Magazines
#7 – Professional Architectural Photographers are Experts
Anyone with a smartphone or DSLR camera can snap a few interior design photos and post them on the internet.
However, these photos may be poorly framed, feature bad lighting, be over-edited, pixelated, or poorly formatted. This downgrades the quality of an architects’ work and can be a turn-off to clients.
To best represent your creations, it is the best investment to hire a professional architectural photographer who understands how to accurately depict your work in all environments and scenarios.
As architects your work is precise and expertly crafted, use the right professional photos to show it off.
Is Architecture Photography or Architectural Photography the Correct Term?
The term “architecture photography” is technically incorrect. The correct term is “architectural photography.”
However, the former is more commonly used and easier to search for online. When looking for a photographer that specializes in photographing buildings and other structures, either search term will work.
Just be aware that you might see some results for “architecture photography” that isn’t technically accurate.
Just the same as architecture photographers is not technically right. Architecture photographers should be architectural.
So don’t hire architecture photographers as they don’t even know the proper name for what they are doing, lol.
A Brief History of Architectural Photography
The first architectural photographs were taken in the mid-19th century with the new technology of photography. These early photos were used to document buildings and other structures for historical purposes.
However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that architectural photography became an art form. Photographers began to experiment with different techniques to capture images of buildings and other structures in new and creative ways.
In the early days of architectural photography, black-and-white images were the norm for documenting architectural designs. Color photography wasn’t widely available until the 1950s.
Since then, color photography has become the standard for most architectural photographers. However, some photographers and architects still prefer to shoot in black and white for certain projects.
Digital photography has also changed the landscape of architectural photography. Film cameras are still used by some photographers, but digital cameras are now the standard.
Digital cameras offer a number of advantages over film cameras, including the ability to take an infinite number of photographs without having to reload film. Digital cameras also make it easier to edit and manipulate photographs.
Architectural photography is now its own distinct genre of photography with its own set of techniques and styles. Many architectural photographers have their unique way of photographing structures.
How Common is Architectural Photography?
Architectural photography is a relatively niche genre of photography. However, it is growing in popularity as more and more people are recognizing the value of having high-quality photographs of their projects.
There are many different types of architectural photography, including interiors, exteriors, landscape, close-ups, and aerial. Different photographers specialize in different types of architectural photography. For example, some photographers may only shoot exteriors while others may only shoot interiors. Some may choose to shoot a certain type of building or interior design project.
Architectural photography is most commonly used by architects, interior designers, real estate agents, and construction companies.
Should You Have Architectural Projects on Your Website?
If you have a business that involves buildings or other structures, then you should have some architectural photographs on your website. These photographs are used to show off your work, attract new clients, and give potential customers a better sense of what your business is all about.
There are many different ways to use architectural photography on your website. For example, you can use a photograph of your buildings and other structures as background images, gallery images, or even in sliders on your homepage.
If you have a portfolio of your work, then you should highlight architectural photography there. These photographs can be used to show potential clients the type of work you’re capable of. They can also be used to show off the variety of projects you’ve worked on.
Including architectural photographs on your website is a great way to show potential customers what your business is all about. If you have a business that involves buildings or other structures, then you should consider investing in some high-quality architectural photography.
How is Architectural Photography Used in Marketing?
Architectural photography is used in marketing, such as print advertising, flyers, social media, and websites. It is used to show off your work in the best light, attract new clients, and give potential customers a better idea of what your business is all about.
Including architectural photographs in your marketing materials is a great way to impress potential clients and show them the quality of your work. These photographs are an essential part to show the variety of projects you’ve worked on.
Photographs can be used to show potential clients the type of work you’re capable of as an architect. They can also be used to promote the variety of projects you create.
If you have a website for your business, then you should include at least one architectural photo of your business location or space. This photo should be used in your about section or locations pages.
For many reasons, this type of photo is used to tell a story. Even more, it can give your clients perspective on why your business is an important industry.
Including architectural photography in your marketing materials is a great way to show potential customers what your business is all about. If you have a business that involves buildings or other structures, then you should consider investing in some high-quality architectural photos.
Interested in learning more check out: The American Institute of Architects
Do You Need a Professional Architectural Photographer?
We offer expert architectural photography. Nowadays, high-quality photographs are a must-have for any company.
We specialize in a wide range of photographic genres, such as several types of architectural photos, have worked with numerous businesses to compile a collection of assets that highlight their expertise and talent.
So, if you are an architect, an interior designer, or building real estate we can help you to achieve your marketing goals.
Conclusion
Each building project has a story to tell, just like every photograph. Using lighting and expert techniques photographers are able to create images that bring acclaim to your project. Whether you build art galleries, design skyscrapers or create single-family homes you should consider hiring an architectural photographer. You won’t be sorry.
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