CLIENT: Nicolas Architects
Capturing the Essence of an Urban Nest: Exterior Photography tips for Stunning Architecture
Exterior Photography Tips for Stunning Architecture. When faced with the challenge of photographing a building nestled among a dozen others, it all begins with a thorough scout of the area. As an experienced Miami photographer specializing in architectural and exterior photography, I start by walking the site, launching a drone to scope out potential angles, and identifying possible vantage points from nearby buildings.
For this particular shoot, I employed my Canon R5, equipped with a full range of lenses and tripods. Although I anticipated that my DJI Mavic 3 drone would be essential, given the congested nature of the surroundings, its creative flexibility was somewhat limited due to the crowded urban landscape. The drone’s angles were too restricted by the surrounding buildings, which made it less effective than expected.
To achieve a comprehensive collection of video and still images, I scheduled four visits at different times of the day. Each visit was crucial for capturing the architectural details under varying lighting conditions. As the project progressed, I found myself challenged by the complexities of the environment. However, a breakthrough came when I looked straight up and discovered unique angles that truly resonated with the essence of the structure.
Navigating the intricacies of urban architectural photography requires adaptability and a keen eye for detail. The experience reinforced the importance of exploring unconventional perspectives, ensuring that each shoot delivers a fresh and impactful visual narrative.
10 Expert Exterior Photography Tips for Stunning Architecture
- Shoot at Golden & Blue Hour – Soft light enhances details.
- Use Leading Lines – Guide the viewer’s eye naturally.
- Bracket for HDR – Balance shadows and highlights.
- Control Reflections – Use polarizers or edit in post.
- Leverage Artificial Light – Blend strobes with ambient.
- Include Surroundings – Add context with landscaping.
- Shoot Into the Sun for Effect – Create dramatic flares and silhouettes.
- Use Drones for Aerial Shots – Capture unique perspectives.
- Edit for Realism – Enhance, but maintain authenticity.
- Stage the Scene – Clear distractions for a clean look.
