What are the lighting techniques used in architectural photography?

Natural light is the most common and versatile source of lighting for architectural photography. It changes throughout the day and the year, creating different colors, shadows, and angles. To use natural light to create a sense of time, you need to pay attention to the direction, quality, and color of the light.

How would you describe architecture in photography?

Architectural photography is the subgenre of the photography discipline where the primary emphasis is made to capturing photographs of buildings and similar architectural structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and accurate in terms of representations of their subjects .

What are the three approaches to photographing architecture?

This can be done in three ways: 1 Photograph from the mid-point height of the building, which helps to keep the camera level. 2 Photograph using a tilt-shift lens which also helps keep the camera level. 3 Point upwards, take a photograph and correct the perspective in post-production.

What is the key of architectural lighting?

Architectural lighting design focuses on three fundamental aspects in lighting buildings and spaces - aesthetics, energy efficiency and functionality . Architectural lighting breathes life into buildings and public spaces.

What are the three common forms of architectural lighting?

The three most common forms of architectural lighting are cove, soffit and valance ; all three are integrated into the room's structure. Cove lighting is located in a ledge, shelf or recess high up on a wall, and the light is bounced toward the ceiling or upper wall.

What is the focus of architecture photography?

It involves capturing images of the building's exterior, interior, and other architectural aspects . Architectural photography has a history that dates to the 1820s! The oldest surviving photograph – 'View from the Window at le Gras,' is an architectural photograph.

What are the different types of architectural photography?

Architectural photography can generally be classified into two different categories within the broader sub-genre. One is exterior photography, and the other is interior . Both use similar techniques, but there are some differences. Based on the particular photography taking place, different equipment might be necessary.

What angles are used in architectural photography?

Use a Wide-Angle Lens A wide-angle lens can help you capture the entire building in one shot and they typically have focal lengths of 24mm or less. As you go wider, be careful not to distort the perspective too much. It's important to ensure that vertical lines remain straight when photographing architecture.

What is the use of architectural photography?

Photographs of buildings are a great way to promote a building . They showcase the immaterial features of the building and can also be used for marketing purposes. They can also be used to enter competitions and win awards. This is because people tend to remember what they saw in a picture for a long time.

What are the responsibilities of architectural photography?

Architectural photography contributes to the preservation of historical landmarks and structures . They document these spaces, making photos of their architectural elements, historical significance, and intricate details. These photographs serve as vital records and educational resources for future generations.

What are the settings for architecture photography?

Low ISO — Keep your image crystal clear by minimizing noise with a low ISO. Try to keep your ISO around 100. Narrow aperture — Since buildings are so large, you want a narrow aperture to keep a deep depth of field. Aim for an aperture between f/8 and f/14.

How to get started in architectural photography?

Begin by gaining an understanding of the basics of photography, such as composition, exposure, lighting and camera settings . Invest your time in learning about different types of cameras and lenses, and how they can be used to capture architectural elements effectively. Invest in the appropriate photography equipment.

What are the 3 C's in photography?

Our “3 C's” are “ Content, Concept, and Composition ”. As a part of the creative photographic process, I believe mentally assessing the close interaction of how we are expressing all “3 C's” will lead us to making more successful photographs.

What is the best lens for architectural photography?

However, in general, a wide-angle lens with a focal length between 16mm and 35mm on a full-frame camera is recommended for architecture photography. This allows you to capture a wide field of view and fit more of the building into the frame.

What are the techniques of natural lighting in architecture?

Natural lighting, also known as daylighting, is a design strategy and technique that efficiently brings natural light into a building or home using exterior glazing through the inclusion of windows, skylights, etc., thereby reducing artificial lighting requirements and saving energy .

Architectural Photography and Lighting Techniques (2024)

Tips & Tutorials >>

By Tedy Narsiskus

2017-11-03 2017-10-09

16.91 k

In this article:

Just like a well-trained performance dancer, a photographer's best work comes only after rigorous practice, trial and error, and techniques.

For architectural works, proficiency in basic light painting is essential as it directs the viewers' attention. The way you control and play with lightiing, amongst other techniques, will elevate photos with more depth and realistic dimensions.

Capturing the light is the principal technique in any genre of photography and it trains our awareness in shooting any shape and type of the object. However, playing with the light in architectural photography require more practice.

EOS 5D Mark II; EF17-40mm f/4L USM; 17mm; f/11; 62 sec; ISO-100 (Marina Bay)

Back in the day, I did not understand why people were so concerned about lighting. I always believed that composition was more important until I tried macro photography and I could not forget what my friend said to me, “Shooting macro without incorporating light will result in ordinary pictures”. From that moment, I started to explore light in my architectural photos as I now believe that lighting is the spirit of every photo.

Before we learn more about how to incorporate light in architectural photos, learn all about the basics of architecture photographer from below:

Architectural Photography #1: 3 Basic Concepts

Architectural Photography #2: Using Wide-angle/Telephoto Focal Lengths

Architectural Photography #3: Effective Composition Techniques

Architectural Photography #4: Photographing Buildings at Night

Composition, Composition, Composition!

I understand that this topic might not be interesting for fellow enthusiasts who regularly read books about photography. However, architecture is not all about composition. The harmony of multiple components – symmetry, flow, rhythm, contrast, and light – is what makes each photo appealing to the audience.

EOS 5D Mark II; EF8-15mm f/4L Fish Eye USM; 15mm; f/8; 1/100 sec; ISO-1250 (Rhytm)

Angle determines the composition, and composition determines the harmony of a photo. Harmony is a balanced unification from an object that we shoot using the desirable angle.

A balanced composition does not always mean a symmetric one. Something that is symmetrical must be balanced, although balance is not always symmetric. Being symmetrical is a matter of proportional distribution of visual weight.

EOS 5D Mark II; EF17-40mm f/4L USM; 17mm; f/8; 0.3 sec; ISO-1000 (Let's Dancing Rock)

There are two concepts of balance in art, symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance is known by the concept of an evenly distributed elements around a central point or axis. Symmetry is easier to understand as its concept is mostly found in traditional old architecture such as a king palace. Applying the symmetrical composition in this type of object is relatively easy as most of the historical building have a balanced proportion between left and right surface.

About the Author

Tedy Narsiskus

A person whose hobby is photography. Lives in Bandung, West Java. Specialized in architectural photography. Also likes landscape, stage photography, and animal photography. He has written several books published by Elexmedia and is now active in giving workshops of architectural photography in some cities of Indonesia

https://nardynt.wixsite.com/narsiskustedy