Standard Equipment:Vision:
- Tripod, level, ladder, lights (strobes and hot lights), extension cords, caution tape, duct tape, garbage bags, assistant with strong arms and legs
Lens Choice:
- Deciding where to stand and how to shoot
- Walk around the building and get the feeling of the place
- Be clear about clients requirements & usage; get property & model releases
- Identify obstacles and impediments
- Identify unique design attributes: photograph detail
Lighting:
- Normal to wide angle
- Perspective - parallel
- How high, how low – inside and outside
Professional affiliations – ASMP:
- Make the best possible image in the camera
- Formula for synching outside and inside: use your shutter speed to keep the outdoors properly exposed. Use the aperture setting to measure the indoor lighting requirements. A light meter is necessary to make this work. It takes some practice but will save your life once you get it down.
Search Amazon.com for books on architectural photography – I love Norman McGrath’s book. It isn’t brand new but it is a classic and his photography is world class.
- Learning curve : you will gain a lot of experience and insight if you work as an assistant to an architectural photographer. Contact the local chapter of the ASMP for more information.
Here are the links to three sun chart sources:
- Complete Sun and Moon Data for One Day
- Wheeler Sunpredictor is made for photographers but has to be purchased.
- Sun path chart program is free!
Compass Reading 101:
A compass is useful for determining how the sun will light your subject. Align the arrow to North. At Noon the sun will be approximately at the "South" position. You can predict where the sun will be at 10:00am and 4:00pm. With this simple procedure you can determine whether your subject will be in the shade or direct sunlight. You can then return at the appropriate time to get your shot.