Depending on the concept that a photographer decides to frame, architectural photography has the ability to convey more than the spatial qualities of static buildings. Through capturing an accurate and detailed picture of a building, architectural photography is an integral aspect of managing a rental property, showcasing real estate for sale, or attracting visitors to a tourist attraction. However, in highlighting the complexity of completed designs, recording ongoing construction and documenting historical landmarks, it can also give deeper meaning to the visual medium and tell a story of a building’s evolution and its significance in the past, present and future.
Communicating Complex Design Concepts
As well as showcasing properties at their best, detailed views highlight the intricacies of architectural designs, and through emphasis on individual elements such as color, shape and texture, add an extra narrative to the design. Without a visual translation, complex design concepts can be difficult to imagine. A professional photograph can help to give architectural context to a building, guide the viewer through a space, reveal its functionality and show how it can be occupied. With consideration to lighting and direction from which a photograph is taken, a picture can also describe how the building interacts with its surroundings. In this way, architectural photography tells a story and impacts the way in which a space is perceived and understood.
Documenting the Stages of Construction
In addition to recording a completed building project, architectural photography is useful in documenting the step by step progress during construction. In documenting the growth and output of a design project from the laying of its foundations to the final finishing touches, designers and clients are provided with accurate and detailed visual information of the physical structure and additional aesthetic qualities of the building. While this allows them to track building progress, check that construction building standards are being met and identify any potential issues, it also preserves the design process to inspire and inform future projects.
Raising Awareness of Historical Landmarks
Architectural photographs are also an important tool for preserving the designs of historical buildings and heritage landmarks. By documenting their presence, showcasing their unique features, and recording any alterations to their structure, photographers help to raise awareness of the cultural significance of historical architecture which in turn encourages society to protect and conserve it to enrich the memory of future generations. More people can enjoy and learn about heritage buildings and landmarks through photographs and, as well as telling a story about the past, they may inspire the architects, city planners and conservationists of the future.
While architectural photography can be useful for marketing real estate and building projects, it is also a valuable tool for documenting and showcasing the ongoing design of a new build or the changes in an historic landmark. For all types of building, professional shots by an expert photographer can add depth to the understanding of complex design concepts, highlight unseen details and help to raise awareness of a building’s significance.