Part 1: The basics of architectural photography
To get your photographic expedition off to a good start, it's important to get properly equipped and identify your needs. Here's a handy guide to my essentials and tips for conquering your images.
1 - Building your arsenal
Firstly, in my opinion, there are no specific technical characteristics or performance requirements for good architectural photography. Of course, it's more comfortable to work with a fast and compact camera body with good resolution, allowing easy cropping and zooming in editing. However, any non-fully automatic camera with at least 12 megapixels is a good choice. The main decision is the choice of lens. My must-have for architectural photography, whether for interiors, exteriors or real estate, is the FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G. This lens offers a wide angle with little distortion and, thanks to its 35mm focal length, captures interesting details and perspectives.
While I appreciate the spontaneity of handheld shooting, having a tripod is always very useful. Whether for long exposures or night shots. My last essential accessory is filters! The ND filter helps to limit the amount of light passing through the lens, which is perfect for long exposures. As for the polarizing filter, it eliminates unwanted reflections and brings out the colors of the sky or water. With these two filters in hand, your photos can gain in clarity and contrast, while adding a new dimension to your images.
2 - Planning, connection and daylight
It's crucial for me to feel comfortable in the environment in which I'm photographing. I recommend doing as much research as possible in advance (when the opportunity arises) to understand the history of the work and the architect's vision for its design. This allows you to better grasp the intention behind the structure and to draw inspiration from it to capture it in the best possible way.
Once the location is known, my next step is to check the weather forecast for the coming days. Bright sunshine isn't always necessary, and can even be an obstacle. I prefer to choose my conditions so I can better plan how I'm going to proceed, what equipment to use and, finally, evaluate all my options before moving. Choosing the right time of day is also crucial, as light is constantly evolving, offering varied moods such as the softness of the golden hour, usually between 6 and 8 p.m., or the freshness of the blue hour, just before sunrise or after sunset, which can completely transform the atmosphere of a scene.
Finally, once I've arrived or found a place that sparks my creativity, I like to take a grand tour of it (whenever possible) before I even snap my first photo! This allows me to observe how natural light or architect-designed lighting systems interact with the space. Relying on these elements of the architectural work allows me to capture the authentic essence of the place, while conveying the atmosphere and energy that emanate from it.
3 - Harmonize your image and respect perspective
Especially when it comes to architectural photography, it's essential to create a harmonious image and to compose in such a way as to naturally guide the eye to the main element of the photo. An overly complex or busy composition can confuse the viewer and distract attention from the main subject. It is therefore preferable to use parallel and perpendicular lines to enhance visual legibility. Correcting perspective then becomes a major asset.
Another fundamental principle of architectural photography is the rule of thirds. This rule consists of dividing the image into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines, and placing the key elements of the composition on these lines or at their intersections. Applying this rule results in a more balanced and dynamic composition, guiding the viewer's eye to the main points of interest without the image appearing too symmetrical. This can be particularly useful when positioning elements such as doors, windows or important architectural details.
One last tip: always remember to frame wider than your subject if you're planning a perspective adjustment. This will avoid cutting out too much detail and preserve the essence of the main subject when adjusting.
Now that the foundations have been laid, it's time to get creative!
Part 2: Breaking codes to find your own style
1- Material experimentation
What if we photographed the old-fashioned way? Film photography, which quickly disappeared with the arrival of the digital format on the market, has regained a lot of momentum and importance in the world of photography over the last five years. Whether it's old photographers digging their old cameras out of the closet, or young people opting for a used Pentax K1000 as their first camera, film cameras are making a comeback. It's once again possible to reach a wide audience and amaze viewers by having the audacity to choose a film rather than a digital camera for a photo shoot. The uniqueness of the prints and the beauty of the grain lend a vintage yet timeless character that, I find, is in perfect harmony with the world of architecture. It's also a way of taking our time and rediscovering a certain authenticity and slowness that we've lost with the advent of digital photography.
Minolta X570 + Minolta 50mm 1.2
Film : Ilford HP5 Plus 400
Minolta X570 + Minolta 50mm 1.2
Film : Ilford Delta 100
2- The power of time
It's not often you want to go on a photo outing or plan a shoot when the weather is forecast to be rainy, cloudy or even... snowy! And yet, this could be your chance to be the first to venture out in these conditions and dare to take a shot that may not be “perfect”, but is real. Choosing to exhibit an architectural work in its darkest, grayer hours can be more striking and surprising. It conveys emotion and gives character to the site. We no longer show, we tell. It's time to step out of the tour-guide cliché and create a work of art of our own.
Pentax K1000 + Minolta 50mm 1.2
Film : Lomography Metropolis 100-400
3- Unleash your composition
It's time to get creative. What could be better than revealing an atypical corner of a room or a staircase from an angle that's still unknown to the general public? Make your photo a product that provokes questions and suppositions, take a photo of a place and make it unrecognizable by playing with perspective and composition. Explore volumes and frame in innovative, even abstract ways. This can help you create your own style and make your portfolio memorable.
Sony a1 + FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G à 16,5mm
1/100 | f/8 | ISO 1600
Now you know all my tips for getting started in architectural photography! Collaborate with the elements, architectural works, light and your equipment to create photos that will no longer be mere snapshots, but will become true works of art!
 | Pauline Hautefort Photographer specializing in architecture and interior design for the last three years, Pauline Hautefort is passionate about the arts in all their forms. She is constantly exploring new approaches, notably integrating film photography to her projects. Advisor at Gosselin Photo Vidéo (Quebec City) since 2023, she works with a creative team that nourishes her artistic vision. |
