Architectural photography has been my specialty for 29 years. In the last year, the nation's leading architectural firms have sent me across the country to provide outstanding photographs. Typical assignments have included: Universities, Healthcare, K-12 Schools, Government, Municipal and Commercial projects.
Shooting architecture is a challenge. Perhaps that is why we take notice and appreciate architectural photographs, when they are well executed. This challenge is the reason I know Photoshop and High Dynamic Range software really well. It is also why my camera, lenses and computers cost several times more than my truck. My opinion is that the fundamentals of photography, and the impact of marketing, can be diluted in our world of volume driven, click and be gratified media. I prefer to utilize an old school approach and knowledge, with today's technology. It can be a complicated process, but I have had a while to create the formula. It works nicely, so I wrote it down.
Where do I get my inspiration?
There is a lot to like about being a photographer, particularly the professionals you meet, places you go and the unique spaces you see. It is inspiring to shoot for so many firms and be introduced to fresh, varying designs created by experts across the country. Photo requests from designers are never the same, so I adapt. While there is a trend towards showing spaces being used, some still prefer the simplicity of strong, graphic angles and subtle lighting. The needs and requests for marketing are also varied. I ask questions and enjoy getting feedback. When combining this knowledge from firms, I apply the successes to all of my projects, for everyone to reap the benefits.
What do I shoot when I am not on the job?
After consecutive weeks of shooting buildings and predicting sun angles, waiting for dusk, shooting 5 or 10 exposures for HDR blending, finding a location, finding lunch, avoiding blurry people and downloading files; I take a hike. You might find me on top of a mountain or exploring trails of wildflowers, trying out a new photo technique. The shapes of nature, perspectives and the distances involved are a direct contrast to my architectural projects.
Inspiring photography has augmented marketing materials, assisted in securing substantial projects and helped to win design awards for my clients!
I am a member of: Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), Association of Independent Architectural Photographers (AIAP)and the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP).