Planning a Architectural Photo Shoot? Follow These 10 Tips

Preparing ahead of time for an architectural photography shoot results in better photographs, an easier shoot and it prevents costly delays. Paying attention to detail, having a schedule and collaborating with your photographer keeps everyone happy makes the shoot fun!

Here are 10 ways to prepare for an architectural photo shoot. To simplify your planning I’ve broken it into two categories – interior photography and exterior photography.

Interior Photography

1. Site Access

It’s critical that the photography crew have access to the premises to be photographed. Details to consider ahead of time are:

• the specific areas that the photographer and his team will be allowed to access
• ensuring the photography crew has sufficient security clearance and badges
• is there a safe place to store the camera equipment
• who do they contact in the event of an emergency
• will the photographers need a safety officer or chaperon to escort them during the shoot

3. Lighting

• Your photography team may need to adjust the lighting.
• Consider whether special permissions or service personnel are needed to turn lights on and off, operate computer controlled lights and access the circuit breaker.
• Prior to the shoot, inform the photographer about the different types of lighting in each area to be photographed. Typical lighting includes sodium, tungsten, fluorescent, halogen, LED and sunlight.
• You may need to have an electrician or building engineer should be on standby to operate or replace lights.

4. Furniture, Fixtures and Props

• It may be necessary for the photographer or his assistants to move furniture, remove items from the room or rearrange furniture and decorations to create the most pleasing composition.
• In vacant or new buildings photographers can source furniture to fill in the shots.
• The photographer can work with your interior designer, consult with one of their own or work directly with a furniture supplier.

5. Models

• Consult the photographer about whether you want actors or models in the shots to add a human element.
• Involve the photographer early on in the talent selection process.
• Photographers often have access to pools of talent at discounted rates and should know the best places to source models.

6. Parking

Don’t forget to consider parking arrangements. The photographers will require parking and access to loading docks and/or ramps so they can unload/load their equipment onto the premises. Send directions on where they should park. Have parking passes ready for each vehicle in the photography crew.

7. Cleaning

• A cleaning crew should complete a cleaning just before an area is photographed.
• They should especially clean shiny surfaces like windows, tables, furniture and floors.
• If you don’t have a cleaning crew consider hiring one for the shoot, they cost much less than paying a photographer to clean the premises and it’s much more efficient.
• Just in case tell your photographer where cleaning supplies, vacuum cleaners, ladders, and light bulbs, etc are located.

Exterior Photography

Most of the guidelines for interior photography also apply to exterior photography. In addition plan for the structure, property and traffic safety .

8. Structure

• The photography team needs to be aware of any construction, window washer or landscaping activity taking place during the shoot.
• Lighting is really important so make sure someone from the studio has access to the interior of the building to adjust interior and exterior light levels, move furniture or adjust window blinds.

9. Property

• The photographers may need to rearrange or remove decorations or signage. A Landscaper or Maintenance crew should be available to help with this.
• How does the landscaping look – does it have a neat and manicured appearance? If not have landscapers tend the property about a week before the shoot and do a clean up the morning or or day before the shoot
• If a member of the staff is not on standby during the shoot, the team will need to know about fountain controls or sprinkler timing controls should they need to be turned off.

10. Traffic Safety

• If necessary, notify the local police department and/or Traffic Department if the photographers will need to control customer or tenant parking.
• You may need to hire the police or a road safety crew to control traffic for the photo shoot.

Being prepared ahead of time with the answers to these questions can ensure a successful shoot.