CLIENT: Nicolas Architects
Capturing the Essence of an Urban Nest: Techniques for Shooting Buildings Amidst a Cluster of Structures
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.
