The value in Architectural Photography.
Mangrove Place, Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, for UPA Architects, 2023
So, why should you consider commissioning a professional architectural photographer?
Architectural photography holds significant value for a number of reasons and for a wide range of stakeholders. This includes architects and designers, developers, interior designers, landscape architects and marketers, to name but a few.
Below is a summary of the key ways in which architectural photography provides value to a client. I’d be interested to know what you think, and whether you’ve ever considered these when deciding whether or not to commission a professional photographer…
Showcasing Design and Craftsmanship
Good architectural photography highlights the design, craftsmanship, and unique features of a building or space. It allows architects and designers to present their work in the best possible light, emphasizing details that might go unnoticed in person.
Marketing and Sales
High-quality architectural photography is a powerful marketing tool. For real estate developers and agents, it helps attract potential buyers or tenants by presenting properties in a visually appealing way. It can significantly influence a buyer's first impression and decision-making process.
Documenting Architectural History
Architectural photography serves as a historical record, documenting the evolution of architectural styles and the state of buildings over time. It preserves the visual essence of structures, allowing future generations to study and appreciate them.
Enhancing Portfolios
For architects, interior designers, and construction companies, having a portfolio of professionally photographed projects is crucial. It showcases their expertise, creativity, and attention to detail, helping to build credibility and attract new clients.
Emphasizing Spatial Experience
Good architectural photography captures the essence of how a space feels, not just how it looks. It can convey the ambiance, lighting, and flow of a space, providing viewers with a virtual experience that resonates emotionally.
Branding and Identity
For businesses and institutions, architectural photography helps convey their brand identity through the visual representation of their physical spaces. It communicates values such as innovation, tradition, or luxury, depending on how the space is presented.
Supporting Awards and Publications
Winning architectural awards or being featured in publications often requires professional photography. High-quality images are essential for submissions to architectural competitions and for being featured in industry magazines, websites, and blogs.
Client and Stakeholder Communication
Photographs are a universal language. Architectural photography allows clients and stakeholders to understand and appreciate the scope and scale of a project without needing technical drawings or extensive explanations.
Increasing Engagement on Digital Platforms
On social media and websites, visually striking architectural images drive higher engagement, shares, and likes. This can help businesses expand their reach and attract a broader audience online.
Inspiring Design and Creativity
Architectural photography can inspire other designers, architects, and students by showcasing innovative design solutions, creative uses of materials, and the interplay between form and function.
To conclude, architectural photography is not just about capturing images; it's about enhancing the perception, marketing, and documentation of buildings and spaces. It plays a crucial role in how these buildings and spaces are perceived, remembered, and valued in both the present and future.
