World Tower Miami

Checklist: Shooting Your Own Exterior Architecture

1. Plan for More Than One Day

   • Exteriors evolve with light — don’t expect to capture it all in one session. Treat day one as scouting, then return when conditions are right.

2. Watch the Light Closely

   • Track how shadows move across the building. Sometimes the best shot only happens when the sun is at its farthest north or south — which might mean waiting weeks or months.

3. Use Drones Beyond Shooting

   • Fly the drone to scout new perspectives, revisit missed angles, or preview how light might play on façades at different times.

4. Walk the Entire Block

   • Explore every possible vantage. The obvious angles are easy — the best ones are often tucked away down an alley or across a busy street.

5. Run Two Cameras if Needed

   • Don’t be afraid to set up multiple cameras to capture different sides or time-sensitive light.

6. Check All Rules & Permissions

   • FAA drone regulations, local no-fly zones, and permissions from architects or neighboring buildings are non-negotiable. (In Miami, I even had to avoid a “super-secret” building across the street.)

7. Be Ready to Reshoot

   • Some images only reveal their potential later. Don’t hesitate to go back — dusk vs. daylight, different car traffic, or subtle weather shifts can elevate an image.