Capturing the soul of buildings

This branch of photography focuses on capturing the beauty, character, and essence of buildings and structures. It requires a unique combination of technical skills, artistic insight, and a deep understanding of architectural complexity. Our experienced architecture photographer Merijn Koelink explains, “One of the greatest challenges in architectural photography is translating a three-dimensional building into a two-dimensional image. You need to consider various elements, such as composition, perspective, light, and shadow, to capture the building’s true essence. Finding the right angle, highlighting key details, and playing with light and shadow are crucial to conveying the architectural intention.”

Another aspect of architectural photography is understanding the context in which the building is situated. Buildings are often designed with their surroundings in mind, and it is the photographer’s task to capture this relationship. Whether it’s a modern skyscraper in an urban setting or a countryside manor surrounded by lush greenery, capturing the interaction between the building and its environment adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to the photo.

“It’s also important for an architectural photographer to build a good relationship with the building’s architect or designer,” Koelink adds. Understanding the vision behind the design and being able to communicate with the architect helps the photographer capture the building’s essence and tell the story behind it. This collaboration allows the photographer to act as a translator, turning the architect’s vision into a visual language.

Technical skills also play a major role in architectural photography. Mastery of lighting techniques, the use of specialized lenses to minimize distortion, and careful editing in post-production are essential to capture the true beauty of the building. It requires patience, attention to detail, and a pursuit of perfection to skillfully capture the complexity of architecture.

Finally, to be a successful architectural photographer, a sustained passion for architecture and design is essential. It involves continual exploration, discovering new buildings, and studying different architectural styles. “Only by continuously evolving, gaining experience, and growing can an architectural photographer master the complexities of this genre,” Koelink says.