Architectural photography and real estate shoots aren’t the same

So what makes them different?

Architectural Photography

Goal: To artistically tell the story of a space for high-end assets or press

Intended for long-term marketing or publishing

Focused on an artistic approach to showcase an asset’s design features

Takes more time to stylize, declutter, etc. and ultimately produces fewer images

High-end editing, retouching and styling that goes beyond basic edits to perfect individual images

More likely to benefit from cost-sharing (more details below)

photo of glass building with large parking lot in front. photo taken as sunrise

Real Estate Photography

Goal: To sell, lease or market a building or property

Shorter life-cycle driven by immediate listing or campaign needs

Focused on depicting the space or property itself

Provides many images and angles of an asset to reveal multiple property spaces and amenities

Often uses wider angle lenses to show as much of each space as possible

Basic editing and retouching

Usually faster delivery of final images

photo of office refreshment bar. woman sitting at bar talking to man on opposite side of the bar. blur person walking the the background

How do I know which style is best for my project?

  • Consider Your Asset

    Is this a trophy asset or renovation? Is there a stand-out amenity feature that could benefit from higher-touch photography? Are you hoping to sell the feeling of what it’s like to work in a building rather than just the building or space itself? 

  • Consider Your Audience

    Who are you trying to attract? Does this target audience expect a certain level of quality?

  • Consider Your Budget

    Do you need cost-effective photography quickly to support an upcoming marketing campaign roll-out? Or do you have time to invest in high-impact, editorial style photography for a high-end, coffee table look-book approach to property showcase? 

  • Consider Cost-Sharing

    Are you interested in architecture photography? Perhaps your project partners are too. Clients frequently split the overall cost of architectural shoots so that architects, developers, interior designers, lighting companies, etc. simultaneously obtain image licenses and dramatically decrease costs per party.