2022 in Construction: Our Favorite Pictures So Far

Written by Robert Lowdon

Robert Lowdon is an internationally published commercial photographer based out of Toronto, Canada. He spends his time photographing architecture and industrial projects for the most part.

Published August 24, 2022

construction worker uses tablet for images

This has been another exciting year in photographing different construction projects. I thought I would take a bit of time to post some of my favorite images from the year so far. I’ve been particularly interested in construction sites that are using innovative technologies.

I have seen a strong push from our various clients to include these technologies in the construction images we provide.

As always the construction workers and the machinery are usually the best parts to photograph on site.

And of course, the construction site can be a pretty unforgiving place so safety has to always be a top priority.

My Favorite Construction Pictures

As a commercial photographer, I am pretty lucky. I get to see and do a lot of things the average person might not have access to. This year construction photography has been a big focus for me and my team. We have expanded our capabilities and are able to serve clients throughout North America.

Reservoir Project – Saskatchewan

The construction worker is using a tablet on site for inspections. By using a tablet for inspections, the worker can save time and make the inspection process more efficient.
A worker uses a tablet on site for inspections.

It was very important to the client to document the technology being used on the construction project. In this construction image, our goal was to show real workers interacting with technology in a natural way.

In this case, we set up a shot of the worker conducting inspections, something he would normally do in his day-to-day activities.

Progress Photos of Site

The construction site is a hive of activity, with workers busily putting up the new building. The progress photos are a great way to keep track of the progress, and also to see how the construction is coming along.
Progress photos of the construction site are vital for reporting.

A lot of what occurs on-site relies on construction images being taken by the staff. Reporting is an essential part of each project. Whether it’s a progress report, variance report or to address any possible safety issues, cell phone cameras and tablets have become a vital resource for project management.

Candid Image of a Worker

Construction boss begins new building project. The massive new structure will be an important addition to the city.
Outside new building at prison site

The most important resource any construction company can have is its people. Some of my favorite construction images I have taken in the past show real employees in real environments.

In this image, a worker is next to a new building site. It gives a great perspective of the construction project. This image was a candid shot taken at a tailgate meeting.

Inspecting Train Bridge

A construction worker measures old beams that are to be replaced on bridge.
A worker measures old beams that are to be replaced

When it comes to infrastructure projects, accuracy is key. That’s why it’s so important for workers to take precise measurements on their job sites.

In this case, the worker is measuring old beams on a train bridge that are to be replaced by new reinforced concrete. By making sure that the new beams are the same size and not moving, the worker can help to ensure that the bridge will be safe and functional as work continues.

This is just one small example of how critical accuracy is in the world of infrastructure. Whether it’s measuring beams, pouring concrete, or assembling steel girders, workers need to make sure that their work is precise. Otherwise, the safety of both workers and the general public could be at risk.

Worker on a Bridge

A construction worker stands on the top of a bridge with a tablet, surveying the area below.
Worker stands on the top of a bridge with tablet

Safety is always the top priority when it comes to construction work, which is why it’s so important to have a reliable system in place to track progress and ensure that everything is on schedule. With today’s technology, there’s no excuse for not being able to do just that.

For example, construction workers can now use tablets to complete inspections. This not only helps to improve efficiency but also reduces the chances of accidents. In addition, tablets can be used to store important documents and files, making it easy for workers to access them while on the job.

Profile Image of a Worker

Portrait of worker at construction site in downtown toronto.
Worker at construction site in downtown toronto

Shallow depth of field portraits are some of my favorite images. These work out great for many forms of marketing, including ads, billboards, magazines, and other forms of media. I like to ensure there is lots of space left for copy for our clients to customize their marketing materials.

Hero Image of Executive

The construction executive is pictured on-site next to heavy construction equipment. This image could be used for a story about the executive's work in the construction industry, or for a story about the construction process itself.
Construction executive photographed on-site next to equipment

Interesting angles are really important for construction. In this image, I am shooting at an upward angle to give a sense of scale to the image.

The inclusion of the working equipment and person in the background creates a dynamic image.

Group Image Next to Drilling Rig

The executive team poses for a group photo next to some heavy equipment. The team is excited to get started on their new project.
Group photo of the executive team next to heavy equipment.

The equipment and heavy machinery used on construction sites can be absolutely massive. What is required to complete a building project is such a large undertaking.

For this image, we gathered the leadership team to showcase a diverse range of individuals involved in the construction project. Staging them in strategic positions in front of the heavy machinery and filling the frame creates a dynamic and powerful shot.

Maintenance Work at BMO Field

Welding is a process that uses heat to join metals. The worker in this photo is using a torch to heat the metal before welding it together.
A worker primes a torch before welding

Fire and photography go really well together. Anytime as a photographer I get the opportunity to photograph welding, brazing or anything that causes sparks, the images always turn out really great. It’s a fun way to add another layer of lighting and drama to the photo.

Candid Shot of Worker

Candid image of a construction worker on site.
Candid image of a construction worker on site.

Covid brought so many changes to how the construction industry operates, with face masks, smaller shifts operating, and social distancing.

This was a candid image I took on location. The face covering really adds a dramatic touch to the image.

Hardhat with Branding

A loose team meeting on a construction site.
A loose team meeting on site.

The hardhat shot is pretty standard, but the face of construction has been changing. We are seeing many more women in vital roles in the industry. Every construction site we have visited in 2022 has had more female representation than in previous years. We are happy to see this shift in the industry and hope it continues to grow in the future.

Worker on Scaffold

The worker is taking a picture of the construction site below.
A worker takes a picture from scaffolding.

Some of the most interesting images come from difficult places to get to. I say if your construction photographer isn’t willing to climb the scaffold to get a good shot – get a new one. But that’s just me.

Pilot Flies Industrial Drone

Construction drone pilot flys industrial drone.
An industrial drone is utilized for mapping

Drones have become so essential for the construction industry that many companies are now using them to capture construction pictures and videos. This allows construction teams to get a better view of the construction site and makes it easier to identify potential problems.

Also, mapping and thermal imaging have become indispensable tools that drones can provide.

Surveyors Work Beside River Bank

The surveyor maps the river bank, noting the location of trees, rocks, and other obstructions.
A surveyor maps the river bank

This is one of my favorite construction images for a few reasons.

First, I think it tells a great story.

Second, it’s by the water and the surveyors are wearing their life jackets. Safety is so important in this industry. Our team works really hard to make sure everyone is always wearing proper PPE and in a comfortable and safe situation.

Third, the landscape is epic. It’s not every day your construction site is on the Ottawa river surrounded by a beautiful escarpment.

Group Photo at Tailgate Meeting

A tailgate meeting on site.
A tailgate meeting on site.

It takes a lot of teamwork to create and build infrastructure. One of the standards of the industry is the tailgate meeting.

They don’t always happen at tailgates, they can really occur anywhere. But we set this one up to tell the story of the team meeting on a construction site.

Operator in Heavy Excavator

A worker operates a large excavator.
A worker operates a large excavator.

A massive excavator makes a pretty good photo. Images like this are always hard to get on a working site. It is really great when one is free to set up a shot. We always work with our clients to get the best and most interesting photos with the least interruption to their production/schedule.

Related: 9 Reasons Why Construction Businesses Should Invest in Photography

Worker Inspecting Rebar

A construction worker inspects rebar for specifications.
A worker inspects rebar for specifications.

Unique angles, textures, and foreground elements make great images. Here we see a worker inspecting rebar for flaws. Each piece needs to be tied with wire at a determined length. Failure to do so could cause problems with the concrete that will cover it.

Related: Industrial Photography: How to Capture the Perfect Shot

Photographing Support Pillars

A construction worker takes images of supports.
A construction worker takes images of supports.

I feel like I talked a lot about the importance of inspection above so I’ll skip that here. A lot of new buildings use these support pillars seen in the background. They really add a lot of depth and create dynamic images.

There you have it! Our favorite construction pictures from 2022 so far. We have literally taken thousands of images across Canada but these are just a few of the highlights.

If you are in need of construction images for personal and commercial use feel free to reach out.

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