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It has become absolutely imperative for commercial photographers to highlight and showcase the natural or ambient lighting inherent to a scene. Commercial photography MUST respect the design and concepts behind any project. Architects and interior designers go to great lengths to create a captivating look and feel and it is the job of the commercial photographer to capture it. Through direct communication with the client and from close observation of the space or building, the photographer must highlight the features of the construction while maintaining the intended effect of light within the parameters of the project. I pride myself on my ability to work and communicate directly with the creative team to give them what was envisioned on each job I shoot.
With a background in lighting design, I have a passion for how light plays in a space. The days of intrusive lighting from the photographer are becoming a thing of the past. Modern architectural photography has a more natural feel. Experienced photographers know how to use existing light, creative composition, and post-production Photoshop along with the sensitivity of digital camera sensors to create unique and compelling imagery. Instead of over-lighting to eliminate shadows, I use the shadows and highlights to illustrate the ambiance of the space.
I always take the time to observe the area at different periods throughout the day to see how the light affects or plays in a space. Highlighting sunlight and contrasting shadows can create a mood and add drama to an image. The coastal condo pictured above offered plenty of light that created dramatic differences depending on when it was shot. Low, raking light streaming across a room can create texture and contrast and make any image more compelling and noticeable in the client’s marketing pieces.
Daytime exterior shots obviously provide generous ambient lighting. The trick is to find a unique angle, coupled with the time of day, to create an interesting composition. This image uses the interplay between highlights and shadows to create such an effect. A centered camera angle within this public space at Tongva Park in Santa Monica, California (metal structure) shows how the designer envisioned the use of concentric steel arching and shadow play. Understanding this, I chose the ideal time-of-day to showcase this concept. Note that the shadows actually create a compositional frame drawing the eye to the ocean view. This kind of insight is invaluable to clients wishing to convey what they can offer to potential customers. Rarely will an architect or designer be able to personally present or show any work at the best time and under optimal conditions. Your image is all they may have to illustrate who they are and what they can do.
Dusk shots are incredibly difficult, but of all the imagery a commercial photographer can present, dusk and dawn photography is by far the most compelling, colorful and dramatic. The image above of Waterfront Park in San Diego illustrates this perfectly. Choosing the exact moment to combine lighting from the cityscape and the fountains, with the illusion of motion from the spraying water, not only documents the design but creates a compelling photo that will get the client noticed.
I have found that some of my most well-received images are those that use harsh cross-lighting from late or early morning sun. Whether it’s a hotel, a home or an office, marketing professionals want the space to feel welcoming. Finding creative ways to use existing lighting often provides the most distinctive set of deliverable images to the client.
Brad Anderson is the founder and owner of Architectural Photography, Inc., based in San Diego. He has been a photographer for more than 20 years and travels nationally and internationally to work with architects, developers, designers, hotels and casinos along with supporting industries. Specializing in lighting design and concepts, Brad uses customized lighting and project specific composition to create distinctive and compelling portfolios for clients. For more information, please visit: ArchitecturalPhotographyInc.com.
