Architecture Photography Tips
Tips to improve your architectural photography. You’ll learn the stylistic and technical fundamentals to help you take better photographs of architecture whether it’s your own work, or someone else’s. In this video I share with you some of the amateur mistakes I made when I was first starting out so you can avoid them in your work.
Photography is an essential meta skill I think every creative needs in their toolkit, it teaches you about light, composition, texture, color and narrative and it will help you document your surroundings, your design projects and your travels in a more professional style.
The seven tips I discuss are:
1) Keystoning + how to correct it
2) White balance + style
3) Using a tripod + why you need one
4) Lenses: the best ones for architecture
5) Details
6) Light + how to make best use of it
7) Decluttering
See the links below for for the gear I’m using.
// GEAR I USE //
DRONE:
*Mavic Pro by DJI: http://amzn.to/2hW3dTA
DSLR CAMERA:
* Canon 6DMKII http://thirtybyforty.com/6dmkii
* Canon 80D: http://amzn.to/2fBWGMQ
LENSES:
* Canon 24mm f2.8 Lens: http://amzn.to/29l7ac5
* Canon 40mm f2.8 Lens: http://amzn.to/29x2QcI
* Canon 10 – 18mm f4.5 – 5.6 IS Lens: http://amzn.to/2vyErvS
* Canon 24-70mm f2.8L Lens: http://amzn.to/2DMt0Y5
* Canon 16-35mm f4L IS Lens: https://amzn.to/2Emj9Ev
MUSIC I USE:
* http://thirtybyforty.com/music
AUDIO:
* Rode VideoMic Pro (hotshoe mtd.): http://amzn.to/29qlNM3
* ATR-2100 USB (dynamic mic): http://amzn.to/2dFDaKp
ARCHITECTURE GEAR:
* Copic Markers: http://thirtybyforty.com/copic-sketch
* Prismacolor Markers: http://thirtybyforty.com/markers
* Timelapse Camera: http://thirtybyforty.com/brinno
* AutoCAD LT: http://amzn.to/2dxjMDH
* SketchUp PRO: http://amzn.to/2cRcojz
* HP T120 Plotter: http://amzn.to/2dBGf1O
* Adobe CC Photography (Photoshop/Lightroom) Plan: http://amzn.to/2dhq5ap
CAD DRAWING TEMPLATE:
* Download here: http://thirtybyforty.com/autocad-template
STARTUP TOOLKIT:
* Architect + Entrepreneur Startup Toolkit: http://thirtybyforty.com/SPL
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Please watch: “Making a Site Model – The Outpost Project”
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Thank you for the video! I would love to see people post more videos about architecturally based photography. Camera I have is a Fuji GX 680 w a 150mm lens. I also have a Canon T3i. I’m far from professional grade, but I do take what I do very seriously and feel we never stop leaning.
I have been watching your videos since 2019 when I started Architecture school way out in South Africa. And I just keep re watching your videos, I am still an amateur but I am planning to start architectural photography and your videos are just amazing as always. Thank you for the content. Keep safe in these stressing times of Covid.
Amazing skill, thanks alot.
Very well done video and explanations of a complex subject matter.
I shoot with a Sony A9. I have been a location scout for many years. It is a great camera to shoot fast with run and gun scouting but I need learn a lot more about sophisticated lighting for shooting mansions with high ceilings. I have been getting away with just using long exposures when I am shooting for high-end realtors. Do you have any courses for that? I shot this one with no lighting but it could have come out better with it and handling glare (like on the refrigerator): https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/515-Casuarina-Concourse_Miami_FL_33143_M58299-89340#photo6
just bought a canon t2i, thanks for the tips!
I have just canon SL2. I really hope I’ll enjoy my photography adventure with some great learning experiences.
WHICH CAMERA WERE YOU USING THIS TIME TO CAPTURE THOSE PICTURE?
Excellent video. I shoot Pentax which uses IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization), which also allows the ability to shift the sensor – referred to as Composition Adjustment. It does not allow as much shift as a shift lens, however shifting the sensor is more than adequate for most residential architectural shots. http://mikeoria.zenfolio.com/img/s6/v146/p941762480-5.jpg Pentax bodies (both crop and full frame) have supported this functionality for about the last 12 years, and works with any lens that is mounted on the body.
“If you lack professional gear, which you probably do because you’re watching this.” Straight burn 😂😂
Wow wow wow, thanks so much for this edutaining video, I am a new Architectural Photography and I am using a Lumix FZ300 to take my shots, do you think I be able to archive it?
Nikon 5300.
Ty!
Probably one of the most overlooked subjects in photography is architectural photography. I shot architectural shots for years w a Sinar 4×5, now I use a Fuji GX680. It has the tilt/shift and rise and fall of a large format camera, so buying a tilt shift lens is pointless really. I shot black and white exclusively (no color work here), which made me lose a lot of business but it also helped me gain a solid repeat customer base. A lot good tips on this video for those who are thinking about taking this on. It’s hard work, so be ready to do it but once you get going you won’t think too much about it and one more thing and I cannot stress this enough: Enjoy what you do, as it will show up in your product.
cool 👏🏻👏🏻🔝
Great content! Thank you.
I enjoyed the "details" part and the "declutter" part reminded me a lot of Japanese minimalism. Over time, I’ve found that my gear doesn’t make much of a difference, some of my best shots are with inexpensive or out-dated gear. (Nonetheless, I really want the Fuji 16mm f/1.4 for arch.!) NB: I noticed you said that photography has helped you see more objectively, I bet you it’s both, photography can help one see both more objectively and subjectively! The camera is, after all, the ultimate subjective view… Thanks for this, a video of a calming personality, colors, and pace.
All my current gear can be found here: https://thirtybyforty.com/architectural-photography-gear-architects-camera-equipment
Can’t do it right now – have to register again later today when I have an hour … heading out
Great video. Thanks for the tips.
Great video. Thank you.
Nikon with 35mm prime
Canon 700d but hate its not got a level in it like my Panasonic gx7. But thinking canon will still be better quality than m4/3 but is hard to say. Thanks for video was great!
Nice dislike number is 111
Thanks.
Cool video
M50
Rebel t3
I’m not sure but ,if anyone else wants to learn about how much do underwater photographers make? try Zetanniay Visionary Preset (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my colleague got amazing success with it.
I have the exact same shot of the church in Quebec City!!! Cheers!
this was a great video! I just got some upgraded gear and I just felt like my photography was still lacking. thanks for the tips.
Nice.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Eric
when will I become like him.
Good job. Some of these points I had figured out (at least partially) on my own, but confirmation comforts. Other ideas proved new, interesting, and useful.
Awesome
cool video
What awesome content and really fabulous that you have shared from your own experience. Your demeanour is awesome and you seem to really care about helping others through their journey. I have to ask though, at 6:05 you mention bracketed photos in LR, how???? I was sure this could be done in LR. Please help.
Even after 5 years, this video is still helpful. Thank you 🫶
I am a webmaster for our local photo club. I am posting a link to this video for our March meeting. The subject is going to be on architecture photography. Nice vid!
Amazing content, I appreciate the effort and how polished this video is 😄
Hi, I’m an interior designer and visualizer just starting out in architectural photography. I wanted to appreciate your video—it’s very helpful! Looking forward to learning more from your channel and applying it to my work. Thank you!
10:52
/internally screaming/
I shoot a Canon 5Dmk4 and sometimes my wife’s 77D
I use a D610. I have VR 24-120 mm lens, 70-300 mm Tamron AF lens and a 50 mm AF lens.
I’ve been slowly upgrading my gear since I also realized how much photography complements architecture. I have a fullframe Nikon D600 with a 50/1.4 and an 85/1.8. And a 18mm Sigma which is the worse lens I have ever seen. No zooms yet, why is Nikons lenses so expensive compared to Canons that sucks. Anyways if I get richer someday will definitely switch to Sony’s Alpha series with it’s Carl zeiss ultra sharp lenses and it’s unbeaten ability to shoot in the dark.
Hello,
I am beginning to explore my photography skills with a DSLR and this video is really useful for anyone.
However for the camera, I am thinking of buying a Canon 80D.
Should I still go for it or is there a better updated one ?
Thank You.
When straightening converging verticals, it’s not always a good idea to straighten them fully. This is especially important on tall buildings because, looking at them with the naked eye, they will seem to converge slightly due to the visual perspective. If you look at an image of very tall building that has been fully straightened, it will look as if it’s falling forward. As for tilt/shift lenses, there seems to be some real bargains around at present in the UK on Canon products, because the "latest lens" brigade are trading in for the newer versions.
it was really inspiring! thank you