Tips for AEC Project Photography
A good A/E/C photographer will help you build your portfolio of marketing images so that your clients can see the diversity of your projects in the most favorable manner possible. Your masterpiece may look nice in person, but what if your potential clients are too busy to experience it first hand? Hiring the right A/E/C photographer to help your potential clients understand your design and construction expertise will be some of the best marketing dollars that your company will spend. There are several options for communicating your architectural wonders via images, including aerial photos, drone photos, exterior photos and interior photos.
Aerial Photos
Use aerial photography for projects that encompass several acres and/or need to be documented from higher than 500 feet above ground level. Birds-eye views of factories, interstates, airports, stadiums and/or other large-scale projects are often best showcased from altitudes that are either illegal or unattainable via drone.
Drone Photos
Drones are becoming more and more common to document A/E/C projects. Drones can photograph and video structures that are impossible to reach by any other means. Since these devices can fly just above ground level, they are perfect for use in a courtyard, near an entryway, and just above the roofline of a building. Moreover, since drones are a fairly new technology, many firms are not using them; thus you can make your portfolio of work stand out from that of your competitors. Before considering the use of drones, be sure that the pilot possesses a valid license and has passed the initial aeronautical knowledge exam at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center. Possessing a valid certification is not enough to safely (and legally) fly a drone. The remote pilot (drone operator) has to abide by several FAA regulations, including not flying over populated areas, not flying near airports or within certain airspace, always flying at or below 400 feet, never flying over stadiums, etc.
Exterior Architectural Photos
Photographing exteriors and interiors require two entirely different skills. Exterior lighting relies heavily on natural light. Usually the best times to photograph the exterior of any project is in the mornings and evenings. There are three reasons for photographing during these times:
- The sun is lower on the horizon and it provides surfaces with a pleasing warm amber or reddish glow.
- Shadows are longer and their transition is less abrupt than at mid-day.
- There will probably be fewer interruptions from people and cars during these times.
Interior Architectural Photos
Interiors can be quite challenging to photograph. The best photographers possess a thorough understanding of lighting (quality of light, light modifiers, color temperatures, gels, etc.), composition and staging. Moreover, they need to be able to articulate the company’s vision and tell a complete story in just a few images.
Forrest Briggs owns Forrest Briggs Photography, a full-service photography and videography firm based in Greenville S.C. and Charlotte N.C. Services include product photography, drone videos, aerial images, professional headshots, and architectural images. He can be reached at 864.336.3554, or forrest@forrestbriggs.com .
