Hi there, I'm Dimitri Roleda and I'm new to DPP :)

I'm interested in starting a photography business centered on Architectural Photography but I don't know how to start..

Here's some of my concerns:
1.) How do I build my portfolio?
2.) Do I need different lenses? (I only have a standard zoom 18-55mm and a normal 50mm)
3.) How do I land clients? I don't think I can call every company in the yellow pages and ask "Do you need an architectural photographer?"..or can I? =P
4.) How do I know if I'm ready?

Thanks and I hope to hear from you guys soon!:Grin:

Hi Dmitri,

You will need ultrawide lenses most of the time. There are instances that a fisheye (with defishing programs) will help as well, especially with interior photography in tight spaces where even an ultrawide cannot cover and when doing panoramics. There may be instances that you will need telephoto lenses like when capturing a building's spire, signages and architectural details and fittings.

I can't really comment on the business side of things, though I am an Architecture graduate and do interior photography as part of my main job for a local interior design company. It's only part of my job description and I don't really have clients of my own.

I guess you know when you are ready when people start to notice your work?

:)

@RandallCipriano

Hmm..Is a Sigma 10-22 (for ultrawide) and a Nikkor 55-200 VR good enough?

Those are the lenses that are even possible for me to acquire..A total of 35-40K Php..Expensive:D

@dimitri: To answer your 2nd question, ideally you would need a rectilinear lens. This one renders straight lines straight. Prime lenses are a good example of this. They have a low percentage of barrel and pincushioning distortion. If you are likely to get serious at this, also consider a tilt and shift lens. These lenses provide correct perspective on objects, most noticeable on tall buildings. Instead of lines tapering at the farthest end, it renders them in parallel. HTH

@lestercallanta
Okay, thank you for your advice :D

What's the cheapest tilt-shift lens? These are the PC Nikkors right?

My biggest concern is getting the clients to trust me..I don't exactly have a portfolio for architectural photography hehe, much less the knowledge on how to start one =P

@RandallCipriano

Hmm..Is a Sigma 10-22 (for ultrawide) and a Nikkor 55-200 VR good enough?

Those are the lenses that are even possible for me to acquire..A total of 35-40K Php..Expensive:D

For starters they should be enough. Though I have to caution you about the Sigma 10-20, it has a weird barrel distortion @ 10mm that's very hard to correct. Very visible with images with alot of horizontal and vertical lines.

TS/PC lenses are very expensive and the focal length is very limited. Currently, there are no ultrawide TS/PC lenses so they are better matched with a full frame camera to take advantage of the FOV. When you turn pro, a D3 plus a Nikkor PC 24mm f/3.5D ED should be sweet! :Grin:

By the way, don't limit yourself to exterior architecture. There are alot more interior architecture projects than exterior ones. :)

For starters they should be enough. Though I have to caution you about the Sigma 10-20, it has a weird barrel distortion @ 10mm that's very hard to correct. Very visible with images with alot of horizontal and vertical lines.

TS/PC lenses are very expensive and the focal length is very limited. Currently, there are no ultrawide TS/PC lenses so they are better matched with a full frame camera to take advantage of the FOV. When you turn pro, a D3 plus a Nikkor PC 24mm f/3.5D ED should be sweet! :Grin:

By the way, don't limit yourself to exterior architecture. There are alot more interior architecture projects than exterior ones. :)

Thanks Randall!:D

Any ideas on how to build up my portfolio for architectural photography?

From what I remember, I can't take pictures (uncommissioned) of the interior of most business establishments, especially with retail ones..

Hi Dimitri,

I am just wondering - why have you decided to specialize in architectural photography? Any special reasons?

What do you have in your present portfolio? Do you feel it is enough to show to prospective clients?

Who are you targeting?

What do you feel you have as well as need to get started on a career in architectural photography?

tilt-shift lens is also required. I think this one is really targetted for Archi/Structure photographers.

You will also need to secure permits, lots and lots of it if youre gonna shoot outdoors. Sometimes, some buildings require seaprate permits.

You also need to learn to make QTVR files. If you can make these, tours of interiors will be appreciated by prospective clients - if they would require one. Again, i believe there is a special lens for this, and if you cant get one, a you'll need to master a highly technical skill in sequential shooting for 3d effect, and stitching all of these in photoshop for export to a QTVR.

Hi Dimitri,

I am just wondering - why have you decided to specialize in architectural photography? Any special reasons?

What do you have in your present portfolio? Do you feel it is enough to show to prospective clients?

Who are you targeting?

What do you feel you have as well as need to get started on a career in architectural photography?


1.) No special reason really..I just like taking photos of interiors/exteriors..Probably because I like the lines/patterns present in architectural photography..:)

2.) That's the problem, I have nothing in my present portfolio..Aside from some "under construction" shots I did for a friend's bed & breakfast business..But I'm not even sure that's good enough..

He's asked me to take photos of it though as soon as it opens..You could say he's my first client but I'm doing it for free for him :)

3.) Target market? I hear that too often here in my classes hahaha..

To be honest, I haven't thought of one yet as I've just started to think about entering into this..

4.) I need specific lenses, I imagine, if I'm to enter into this field..I only have the kit lens (18-55) and a prime normal lens (50/1.8) :P


To be honest, I know little about this..I've only started about 3 months ago but I'm willing to learn new things :Grin:

By the way, what minimum equipment do you think I'd need?

tilt-shift lens is also required. I think this one is really targetted for Archi/Structure photographers.

You will also need to secure permits, lots and lots of it if youre gonna shoot outdoors. Sometimes, some buildings require seaprate permits.

You also need to learn to make QTVR files. If you can make these, tours of interiors will be appreciated by prospective clients - if they would require one. Again, i believe there is a special lens for this, and if you cant get one, a you'll need to master a highly technical skill in sequential shooting for 3d effect, and stitching all of these in photoshop for export to a QTVR.

Do you mean I can't just go around shooting exteriors of buildings without a permit? Haha I didn't know that :P

I'll be shooting interiors mostly I think, what lens do you think would do a great job here?

Yeah I thought about making QTVR files a while ago..Got no idea where to start though :(

1. Grab a few books on architectural photography (check out
Fully Booked or Powerbooks) or google architectural photography - that should give you an idea of what kind of images you should aspire to have in your portfolio. Study those photos - look closely at details (how bedcovers or curtains hang, use of flowers, etc.) Study the lighting.
2. Attend some photography classes. I think Filipinas Heritage Library offers a class on Architectural Photography.
3. Shoot whatever you can shoot without trespassing. :) If they're just in your portfolio but not for publication, you don't need permits. For interior shots, ask friends for permission to shoot their homes or offices. Whenever you are on holiday and staying in a hotel or resort, take pictures of your bedroom, bathroom and hotel/resort facilities. As for exteriors, they're there for you to shoot. In Makati, you may be approached by security guards - just explain that you are a hobbyist. If you're young enough to look like a student - say you are. If you're not shooting with a 4x5 camera, I don't think they will prevent you from shooting.
4. Identify an architect whom you admire and volunteer to photograph his projects.
5. If you don't have shift lenses, learn Photoshop instead.

1. Grab a few books on architectural photography (check out
Fully Booked or Powerbooks) or google architectural photography - that should give you an idea of what kind of images you should aspire to have in your portfolio. Study those photos - look closely at details (how bedcovers or curtains hang, use of flowers, etc.) Study the lighting.
2. Attend some photography classes. I think Filipinas Heritage Library offers a class on Architectural Photography.
3. Shoot whatever you can shoot without trespassing. :) If they're just in your portfolio but not for publication, you don't need permits. For interior shots, ask friends for permission to shoot their homes or offices. Whenever you are on holiday and staying in a hotel or resort, take pictures of your bedroom, bathroom and hotel/resort facilities. As for exteriors, they're there for you to shoot. In Makati, you may be approached by security guards - just explain that you are a hobbyist. If you're young enough to look like a student - say you are. If you're not shooting with a 4x5 camera, I don't think they will prevent you from shooting.
4. Identify an architect whom you admire and volunteer to photograph his projects.
5. If you don't have shift lenses, learn Photoshop instead.

Great advice! Thanks for the info :Grin:

Yeah I thought about making QTVR files a while ago..Got no idea where to start though :(

Check this thread.

http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=1232

All my QTVRs posted here were shot with a point-n-shoot digicam :D.

Check this thread.

http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=1232

All my QTVRs posted here were shot with a point-n-shoot digicam :D.

Oh wow that is just amazing..Congrats!:D

How do you do this?

As what Ma'am Harvey said. The high megapixel count of today's cameras makes for alot of leeway with digital perspective and distortion correction.

I only use a Nikon D40 (6mpx)..Think that'll be a problem?

I've also looked at our Singapore office's portfolio, alot of the shots' exif reported a Canon 1Ds MkII with a focal length of 15mm. What's interesting is 1 shot had an f/2.8 opening. As far as know, the only EF lens that has a 15mm opening that can do f/2.8 is the EF15mm f/2.8 fisheye.

Would you suggest that I get myself a fisheye rather than a Sigma 10-20 HSM?

I only use a Nikon D40 (6mpx)..Think that'll be a problem?

6mp is enough for the standard A4+ portfolio/magazine size prints. But defishing a 6mp image might not be a good idea. I'm having problems defishing 10mm images on @ 10mp as there is alot of interpolation. It's easier and less noticeable thus the image is more useable at 15-17mm.

Would you suggest that I get myself a fisheye rather than a Sigma 10-20 HSM?

Nope, get a rectilinear ultrawide. There are only a few instances where you will use a fisheye to capture a tight space and defishing everytime is out of the question aside from time consuming. Though fisheyes are apparently better for stitched panoramics and QTVR.

But defishing a 6mp image might not be a good idea. I'm having problems defishing 10mm images on @ 10mp as there is alot of interpolation. It's easier and less noticeable thus the image is more useable at 15-17mm.

That sucks..Guess I'll have to save up to buy a better DSLR before I get a fisheye haha :Grin:



Nope, get a rectilinear ultrawide. There are only a few instances where you will use a fisheye to capture a tight space and defishing everytime is out of the question aside from time consuming. Though fisheyes are apparently better for stitched panoramics and QTVR.

Ok thanks! I was wondering how you do QTVR..It looks cool :Grin: