Part A. Types of Architectural Photography

INTRODUCTION

With today's modern, small format, high-tech cameras that take all the worry

out of the mechanical aspects of photography, many photographers, even

professional photographers, are inclined to use their standard or "regular"

camera for every assignment. Most of these cameras do not have adjustments

that allow correction of vertical or horizontal distortions caused when you

tilt or swing from a 90-degree angle of the subject.

This inflexibility

presents the subject with unnatural appearance because of excessive vertical

or horizontal convergence.

The view camera is the only camera that will

give you the maximum control needed to produce images of a three-dimensional

subject without this distortion on a single plane (the photograph).

The understanding of the different types of architectural photography and

the use of the view camera will enable you to produce distortion-free

photographs of large and small structures that will be pleasing to view.

PART A - TYPES OF ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

1.

Exterior Photography.

a. Uses of Architectural Photography. Architectural photography is the

making of pictures of man-made structures, usually buildings. Your pictures

will be used for many purposes.

The four major uses are: planning,

construction progress, illustrative purposes, and inspection or survey.

(1) Planning.

This may involve a photograph of a new construction

site, a photo of an existing building for which modifications are to be

made, or to provide the architect a general concept of how a new building

should look.

Some photographs may require you to show other buildings

already in place which may be included in the proposal for construction.

(2) Construction progress.

These pictures become a record or proof

of construction progress as the job proceeds.

(a) They can show whether the contractor did or did not follow

specifications and meet deadlines set out in the contract.

(b) They will serve as a record of the use of material.

(c) Some of your photos may be of historical value.

They could

become important elements of periodic reports to higher echelons, including

Congressional Armed Services Committees.

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