Architecture Photography: The Ultimate Guide To Taking Great Shots
Updated: Nov 17, 2022
Lately, one of my closest friends drove over to the architectural beauty Hampi in South India, where she perceived the knowledge of ancient Indian creativity and culture. Though there are thousands of pictures, stories, and guides of the city over the internet, I wanted to share an elaborate conversation to let my mind absorb the finest details. Ergo, when she arrived back in the town, in no time, I DMed her instantly to meet me in the nearest cafe. It was then my mind flew to my dream place, Hampi, while she narrated her travel stories. When the final part of her foretelling occurrences bypassed through the pictures she clicked, it felt like hundreds or thousands of emotions held me still to convey the blast of experiences, fun and joy. It made me discern how one single picture can take over anything, and maybe this is why photography is a profession and not merely a hobby. It's about recapturing the entire moment in one single shot, and a good photographer is someone who brings life to the subject. You might have noticed that a few pictures throb your heart while some don't even manage to raise your brows. It happens because of the quality of the photograph, but only through expensive accessories; you can't beat those talented ones. But, hey, there was nothing behind to disappoint you, instead a purpose on why you should read this article. Having watched hundreds of videos, experimented with guides, and read a few books, I decided to explain everything to you from scratch. Regardless of whether you are a professional photographer or not, your beginner ability will make the internet go wild. It's time to get started with the ultimate guide on architecture photography.
What Is Architectural Photography?
The term architectural photography consists of two words- architecture and photography, encompassing the brief denotation of the means to capture the subject righteously. Now that you understand its meaning: let us move on to learning the words separately so that you can coincide them to get the utmost information.
The term architecture comes from the root meaning "chief" and "builder", so everything that serves as a shelter and can be used for various purposes is classified as architecture. Humans are driven by the urgent need to have a place to live. As such, good architecture solves problems for individuals and the entire planet.
When it comes to photography, it relates to drawing with light, as it also refers to capturing the impressions of things, places, and people in a likable way that the palpability cannot be perceived normally. Having said that: imagine this article without any picture or your daily newspaper without a single image. Would you be willing to read it even though it makes importance and deep sense to you? No, you won't! Because it is the art of images and conveying messages through it, making everything adorable and connecting our mind strings to the actual occurrence.
Now you might wonder about the beginning of the photography so let us move on to the next section.
The Invention Of Photography.
Numerous people like you want to skip the portion as they might believe it is irrelevant but tell me, without knowing the beginning, how could you survive learning the whole concept?
Okay; for your adorable smile, I would make it quick so that it doesn't bore you anyway!
It was only in the 1820s that Nicephore Niepce used an exposure for several hours, capturing a glimpse of the scene from his window, which became the first surviving photograph, despite light-sensitive materials and camera obscura discovered long ago. The image coincided with the first architecture photograph, even if the subject was practical rather than aesthetic. It completes the early depiction tale. As promised, I took less than a minute.
Now, if someone asks you about it, boast about it proudly.
Forms Of Architecture Photography.
Now that you know a bit about the course of the past, let us move on to its forms. You know that there are numerous approaches available in architecture. Likewise, there are various procedures available in architecture photography, ranging from leisure to purely functional. It led us to learn about the forms, which are-
1. Documentary Architectural Photography.
Documentary architecture photography is necessary to describe plans, drawings, and explanations of a structure in books, magazines, and construction documents.
2. Postcard Photography.
It serves the sole purpose of recognizing the sender and location. Hence, such photos are reproduced with oversaturated colors and scant regard for technical prowess.
3. Vacation Photography.
Whatever picture you take with your camera while you visit a place for memories comes under this. There is no science and explanation here, as it is simple!
4. Advertising Photography.
Enhancing the significance of a product through the stylist features, colours, image blending, and artificial reflections used for advertisements have this kind of photography.
5. Artistic Architecture Photography.
Often found in exhibitions and galleries, these images are in the context of a particular theme or artist. Hence, the architecture serves as the means to an end and doesn't display the architect's qualities; instead revolves around the photographer's ability.
You have beautifully surpassed this section with a worthy read. Now it is time to learn about the cameras.
Best Camera For Architectural Photography.
The most crucial aspect of photography is the choice of camera. Certainly not, peops. You might think otherwise, but it is a minor concern since a good photographer can gratify emotions despite technical severities. Sometimes, even a bad-resolution image with technical distortion will surpass the ambition to impress the viewer with the best-shot photograph.
Returning to the section, we still need to learn about good resources and cameras. I am skipping the part about digital compact and bridge cameras as they are unsuitable for architecture photography.
I am directly giving prominence to Four-Thirds, APS-C, and DX-DSLRs. Now, most DSLRs have sensors smaller than traditional 35mm image format as they are cheap or inexpensive.
But the minutest DSLR sensors rely on the Four-Thirds standard, which had a diagonal measurement of half the size of a 35 mm film frame and a focal length multiplier of 2. Now the question is how this factor is relevant to the photographer.
It is a theoretic value, which helps a photographer to estimate the angle of viewing a lens in such a way that it produces relative to the size of a 35 mm frame. So briefly, if there is a 14mm lens used on these types of cameras, they will depict an angle of view equivalent to that produced by a 28 mm full-frame camera. Compared to the older system, the Micro Four Thirds system uses the same sensor but eliminates the mirror box. These are mirrorless cameras. You must know about the pixels in these types of sensors. Each pixel is substantial and captures more light, resulting in images of higher resolution and dynamic range. Hence, you can go for APS-C, DX, and Four Thirds DSLRs for architecture photography at a hobby level without spending much.
The next category you must know about is full-frame format cameras. Companies like Canon, Sony, and Nikon provide full-frame format DSLRs with sensors similar to the traditional 35mm film frame. However, you can use them under certain circumstances, as the smaller image circles, they produce cause severe vignetting. But if you have good-quality lenses, a full-frame DSLR is the ideal alternative for architectural photography. A quick tip I suggest is that if you are on a limited budget, you can go for an inexpensive architecture photography camera with a better-quality lens instead of buying an expensive full-frame camera with low-quality lenses.
Briefly, there is no ideal choice of the camera as all of them have strengths and weaknesses in terms of architecture photography. For now, digital compact and bridge cameras are of no use if you are into even beginner's architecture photography. Talking about DLSRs, they can be practical for small-budget ones with advanced quality lenses, and so does the mirrorless cameras if you don't want to hang baggage around you every time for photography. Further, full-frame digital cameras are the best option for professional building photography with good-quality lenses.
You can choose accordingly, as per your convenience, but still, I am suggesting a few below in each category so that you can have a broader idea of the best camera for architectural photography.
Camera Type | Recommendation |
DSLRs | Canon EOS Rebel SL3, Nikon D5600, Pentax K-3 III |
Full Frame Architecture Photography Camera | Sony A7 IV, Canon EOS R5, Nikon Z9 |
Mirrorless Architecture Photography Camera | Fujifilm X-H2, Olympus OM-D E-M10 MARK IV |
Architecture Photography Lens.
Now that you have a grip on choosing the right camera, let us move on to various lenses used in architecture photography. It is utterly foolish to spend more on cameras than lenses, as I've seen many people do exactly the same. It is about the lens that affects your image quality as it determines the angle of view, sharpness, and a minimum depth of field in your image. So whether you buy an inexpensive or an expensive camera, you have to learn about lenses.
Now, remember that architecture photography lens differ as they must provide good reproductions with the least lens error and an appropriate angle of view. You know that the subject has a large size and a wide angle of view, so the selective focus doesn't play a crucial role here. Architectural photographers know that the entire subject is in sharp detail, so they shoot with the lens stopped right down, causing less vignetting effects and other image deterioration prospects.
Tilt/shift lenses are the optimum choice while shooting an image and making physical adjustments. They give you the freedom in viewpoint and framing and make a perfect shot! Furthermore, remember that expensive lenses are a better choice as they are made with premium optical adjustments than cheaper ones.
Best Lens For Architecture Photography.
Some of my favorite or as I may say the best lens for architectural photography are, Canon 16-35mm f4L IS Lens, Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8, PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED, PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED.
Best Combinations Of Camera & Lens For Everyone
I have already given you a brief account of lenses and cameras according to budget and profession, but still, there is one thing missing. The combinations!
I do not want to burden you with choosing the best combination for architecture photography, so I have decided to draft the list according to your leisure and profession.
Beginners.
If you are a complete beginner and have just started your journey in architecture photography, you can use an entry-level DSLR or a mirrorless camera with a bundle of lens kits. You can further update your lenses as you become advanced in building photography.
So, Nikon D5600 is a good choice for budget and beginner purposes.
Hobbyists.
For photographers who have a great sense of taking an architecture photograph and are passionate about their career, you can buy a good DSLR with an additional ultra-wide-angle zoom lens.
I have already given you a choice of DSLRs. Choose any according to your budget. About lenses, you can go for Nikon AF-P DX 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR and Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S.
Intermediates.
If you are already a great photographer and wish to progress in architecture photography, you can go for an adequate budget and buy an expensive camera with equipment. Buy a full-frame DSLR and a set of high-end zoom or tilt/shift lenses as the complete kit. I have already recommended you so you can make combinations! Consider it as your task.
The Advanced Professionals.
I don't believe that if you fall into this category, I have to suggest anything to you. Because for pros, even the best is just better. You might choose a full-frame camera with high-end and wide-angle lenses or sometimes tilt/shift lenses. Do not think about the cost as it will go in five figures, but C'mon, you can afford it now.
Photography Accessories You Can't Miss On.
Even if you buy the best camera and lenses, you will still need a kit of accessories. I am providing you with the complete list, so you do not miss anything.
1. Tripod.
Everyone knows it is a fundamental part of every photography, as it is responsible for shake-free images. You have to use a stable tripod and always make sure that you know about its load capacity or the weight it can withstand. A few good ones, I can recommend are made by Manfrotto if you have a smaller budget and Berlebach or Gitzo if you can afford it expensively.
2. Tripod Head.
Tripod heads are part of tripods available separately so that you can use them for various purposes. Remember that you certainly can not miss these, as a cheap or inferior quality tripod head can disturb your shooting and give you the worst results. Markins, Linhof, and Arca Swiss make the best of them. I will add a few recommendations so that you don't get confused.
3. L-Bracket And Panorama Head.
If you are among the photographers who shoot a lot of portrait format images, then you can not miss L-Bracket. With them, you can easily switch from landscape to portrait format without losing the camera's center of gravity. They are available as per your camera choice in generic and custom-made models.
4. Lens Hood.
Whenever you pack your lenses, you have to ensure that no stray light enters them, as it causes additional vignetting effects and distorts your image quality. The Lens Hood, while costly, protects your lenses from damaging and spoiling shots.
5. Filters.
I am certainly not referring to the Instagram filters here. They are way too much nonsense. By filters, I meant Polarizers, Graduated filters and neutral density filters.
Coming to Polarizers, help to suppress the unwanted reflections from water or shiny material and intensify the blue range of the sky concerning the sun. Circular ones are a good choice among them.
Graduated filters mounts on a distinct holder attached to the front of the lens and provide an effect for balancing exposure in contrasting scenes.
Natural density filters reduce the entrance of lights entering through the lenses. The better the quality of these filters, the lower the risk of diminishing the image quality. Best ones to buy by B+W, Hoya, Heliopan, LEE Filters, and Haida.
6. Lens Adapters.
With the transformation of the lens over time and the introduction of new ones into the market, DSLR owners consider that they could only use a lens made by their camera manufacturer or compatible third-party lenses by accepted brands like Sigma, Tamron, or Tokina. However, lens adapters help to attach older manual lenses with M42, Olympus OM, Pentax K, Contax/Yashica, Leica R, or medium format mounts to various DSLR bodies. Combining a contemporary DSLR with Zeiss or Leica lenses often produces the best results.
But before leaning completely towards them, one needs to know that not all lenses can be adapted to work with every camera body. The reason is the flange focal distance.