Confessions of an Architecture Nerd: A Day in My Photographic Life
Let’s be honest
– I’ve always been a bit obsessed with buildings. The way they command a space, how the light dances across their surfaces, the stories held within their walls… It’s no wonder I fell headfirst into architectural photography.
Sure, people might say I just ‘take pictures of buildings’, but there’s a whole art and science to it. Let me take you through a typical day in my life as an architectural photographer:
The Pre-Dawn Shuffle
No two days are alike, but they often start alarmingly early. The best light is always at the crack of dawn, before the world fully wakes up. This means coffee is my best friend as I stumble around gathering my gear. Today’s essentials: camera (obviously), tripod, an assortment of wide-angle lenses, and maybe a drone if I’m feeling adventurous.
Location, Location, Location
Sometimes I’m commissioned by architects to showcase a newly finished masterpiece. Other days, I’m exploring abandoned structures or stumbling upon a hidden gem of a building. Research is key! I spend time understanding the building – its era, style, and the architect’s intent – to plan my shoot strategically.
The Chase for Light and Angles
The sun is my fickle partner. I’m constantly analyzing how the shifting light affects the structure. Low angles? Harsh shadows? This dance goes on for hours. Each viewpoint is a potential masterpiece, so it’s about finding the perfect angles to capture the building’s personality. I probably look like a bit of a madman, contorting myself in strange ways to find “the shot.”
Geek-out Moments
The best part? Discovering details that most people miss. An intricate carving hidden under an arch, the perfect symmetry of a window, the texture of weathered stone… These are the moments when I feel like I’m conversing with the building, discovering its secrets.
The Dance of Post-Processing
Back in my studio, the real magic continues. My trusty computer becomes my playground, carefully tweaking color, adjusting contrast, and emphasizing the lines and curves that make the building sing.
The Satisfaction (and Business Stuff)
The most rewarding moment? Seeing the client’s reaction when they get their images. An architect’s eyes lighting up because their vision has been captured, or someone discovering the beauty of a historic building through my photographs. That feeling is why I do this.
Of course, there’s the less glamorous side: emails, invoicing, marketing. It’s part of being a freelancer and running your own show.
Why I Love It
Architectural photography is more than just snapping photos. It’s about slowing down, seeing the world differently, and being a tiny part of preserving the architectural stories that surround us.
A day may be long, occasionally with unexpected rain showers or trespassing warnings from grumpy security guards, but you can’t beat the thrill of finding that perfect shot and sharing the unique beauty of a building.