Architecture Photography Archives -

Keeping You In The Loop: Tale of Two Nominations As Architecture Photographers

Every year, the esteemed awards ceremony is hosted and since we are Architecture photographers, this year we decided to throw our hat into the ring. To our absolute delight, the news came in, and we got nominated! This turn of events was nothing short of astonishing and far exceeded our wildest expectations.

Every year, the esteemed awards ceremony is hosted and since we are Architecture photographers, this year we decided to throw our hat into the ring.

To our absolute delight, the news came in, and we got nominated! This turn of events was nothing short of astonishing and far exceeded our wildest expectations. What made it even more remarkable was the fact that we were the sole Indian firm to make it to the Photography | Interiors shortlist.

Elated Beyond Words: A Reward for Years of Dedication

We are absolutely thrilled and profoundly honored to announce this exciting news with all of you. It is with great joy that we share that not one, but two of our photography projects have received nominations in the Prestigious Loop Design Awards in People’s Choice category for the Architecture Photography | Interiors discipline.

The moment we received this thrilling news, it felt like all the years of relentless dedication and hard work had finally paid off. Describing the emotions coursing through us at that very moment is a near-impossible task; suffice it to say, we were on cloud nine.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Loop Design Awards.

It is a distinguished international organization dedicated to recognize excellence in the world of design and photography.

We’ve undergone a transformative journey, refining our photography style over the years. We studied meticulously and took inspiration from accomplished architecture photographers who excel in their craft.

Over the Moon! Yes, Now.

We want to take this moment to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Loop Design Awards for this remarkable opportunity and recognition. It’s a privilege to have our work considered among the best in the field globally. We extend our gratitude to the judges for their time and expertise, and to our clients, for their unwavering support throughout our creative journey.

We aim to take photos in the natural light for our Interior and Architectural Photography projects. The mystery and details it adds to the frames fascinate us.

Coming from the field of Architecture Photographers, we get to meet various talented artists from different fields who inspire us to think out of the box.

Celebrating Our Nominated Projects

Oasis of Serenity

Some projects are indeed unique to work on, one such is Oasis of Serenity. The project was shot in four days’ span, and we got plenty of liberty as interior photographers from the Designers end. The photos were timed per the movement of the Sun in the villa. It really allows us to work per our style and bring out the best captures of this place.

The project is designed by Ayush Kasliwal Design Studio. The bungalow is situated in the heart of the bustling pink city exuding calmness. As soon as you enter the dwelling, a calming atmosphere overpowers the chaos. The interiors are amalgamated with cozy furniture and rustic earthy walls that gives a gratifying experience.

Nordic Villa

Another project is named Nordic Villa, an artsy Scandinavian home in New Delhi. This space is designed by Architect Neelesh Chopda, of Neelesh Chopda Architecture. As Studio BluOra possesses experience of being an interior photographer in Delhi, Pune and other cities, we got the privilege of capturing this remarkable design.

The design reflects the contemplative spirit of a charmingly secluded life, away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. The photography for this abode was concluded in a day and the project was recognized and published by Elle Décor India as well.

About Loop Design Awards

The agency keeps the world updated with the ongoing studio and design trends through news. It has an international award program where participants belonging to any nationality can enter online along with the details of their submitted work. The entries are judged by a group of designers, architects and photographers present globally. The category open in the competition includes Architecture Photography, Art and Travel, Interior Design, Landscape Design, and others.

We got nominated for the People’s Choice Award 2023 after applying for one of the main disciplines: Architecture Photography. The nominations have boosted our motivation and inspired us to continue pursuing our passion for photography.

People’s Choice Voting Results

The voting for the People’s Choice Awards 2023 lasted from 19th of August to 15th of September. The results listing the category-wise honorable winners and overall winners is going to be announced by the end of September.

Please stay tuned for updates on the voting process and the results. Your support means the world to us.

Read: Amidst India’s Top 50 Dynamic Architectural Photographers

BTS: Shooting on a ‘Live-site’: Problems faced by photographers when the site is pre-occupied.

Architectural photography has a few very essential components that form a crucial part of the frame/shot planning & consideration:

Architectural component
Existing props: Both external & internal
Users of the space

Shooting at a live site might not be the same as shooting at a site that is not in use or is vacated for the shoot. While it has its own charm of being a bustling space, it can get difficult for the photographer & choreographer to carry out their frames.

Personal space & professional space: merging of the frame & the living space

The activity component along with the users might create a hassle to coordinate & frame the shots. Spaces of residential & office use specifically are difficult to manoeuvre around owing to the discomfort of infringing workspace or living space of the users.

Staging problems

Setting up the frame is easy when you are staging it yourself. At real locations, however, when the set is already present, although alterations happen, it can become a bit dis-coordinated.

Props are one of the main contributors to an architectural photography session, especially when it comes to interiors shoot. Prop-management is a difficult task in a space, especially when it is in use.

Communication gap & time delay

With active users, on-site, coordination & choreography of the shoot & frame can get difficult. In case of a communication gap, the architectural photographer might seem to infringe their privacy & space.

Planning & patience can gain great results in such situations. Some precautions can save you time & efforts.

Proper & timely coordination with the client is necessary. If possible, explain & discuss your session with the users to avoid confusion.
Visit the site a couple of times before the shoot. Get a hold of the available props on-site & studying the user patterns can give you a better hold of the space & frame.
Pre-planning of the staging & frame is essential to avoid last-minute issues.
Backup plan for shots & props, just in case the planned shot cannot happen.

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Photography Gear: Essentials in an architectural photographer’s backpack

Architectural photography is a niche industry and it goes without saying that it requires top-notch equipment. At Studio BluOra, we use state-of-the-art photography gear to get the best results each time we click a picture. Ever since we began our studio in 2017 and as our business grew, one of the most common queries we generate is about the kind of tools that we use as professional photographers in the architectural and design industry. We have listed down some of the architectural photography gear that we commonly use. Since we are ever-evolving as professionals, the list is not exhaustive and we’ll keep adding to it as and when our gear collection grows.

Camera

Canon 5D Mark IV

This camera is an outstanding option for still photography. Equipped with a new sensitivity and easy to balance, this multimedia maven is great for low-light photography and offers a finely detailed resolution. The camera offers a competitive edge over other DSLR’s and we use it for all our shoots – residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and allied fields.

Canon 750 D

This camera boasts 24 megapixels resolution and has various added features such as a fully-articulating touch-sensitive screen that makes it easy to use and compatible for architectural shots. We use it as a secondary camera for test shots during the recce of the site area.

Lenses

Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L

The Tilt-Shift Lens forms one of the most important elements in architectural gear for us. The wide-angle field of view, negligible lens distortion property makes it ideal for shooting large buildings and spaces where frame-fitting can be a problem. With its tilt-shift ability, it is easy to maneuver and aids in obtaining perspective shots while still maintaining the same vantage point in a picture – making it perfect for shooting large properties and spaced-out interiors.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

This lens is equipped with an extremely sharp ultra-wide zoom lens that enhances its delivery of A-grade image sharpness right. Its AF speed and accuracy add to its versatility, making it a great option for shooting both wide-angle frames and detailed shots.

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM

This lens is one of the tiniest lenses ever made for EOS. With its ability to offer sharpness across the entire frame, brilliant contrast, and an excellent colour rendition, it is most suited for full-frame cameras. We use it for clicking record little bits of detail.

Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS II USM

This lens directly falls in the category of an all-rounder lens and has premium quality image stabilization ability. This is an ideal lens for all purposes and we mainly use it to shoot exterior details such the façade of a building etc.

Tripod

Manfrotto MK 055 XPRO 03-BHQ2

Commonly available in aluminium and carbon fibre, this tripod is extremely well-built. The tripod has a solid, non-shaky quality which makes it one of the most versatile tripods and is, therefore, a viable option for outdoor shoots. Owing to its modified features such as a 90-degree centre column, quick power leg locks, and a ball system, it is quite manageable. The rubber legwarmers which prevent the conduction of heat and cold make it an ideal choice for shooting in extreme weather conditions. This tripod is a constant companion to all of our photo shoots.

Tab

Samsung Tab S5e

This tab is a key element in our photography gear. Its wireless tethering feature gives the freedom to remotely access the camera which makes staging and adjusting composition a smooth operation on site. The tab also facilitates in showcasing live-view frames to the client and aids in easy error rectification.

Computer

iMAC 27-inch

The iMAC 27-inches makes for an extremely accurate true colour monitor due to its 5k retina display. Equipped with stunning features, the iMAC 27-inch enables smooth software functioning and other design work. Since it fits our high demand for image/video editing, it is our ideal system for all architectural photography purposes.

Modern Indian home stumbling between opulent tradition and simplicity of the Western world through Architectural Photography

From my experience of mixing and mingling with the wealthy royals in Jaipur and uber-rich IT professionals in Bengaluru, I have watched that these are socially extraordinary groups experiencing an identity disaster. The people of Jaipur wish to be like a Bangalorean and the Bangaloreans constantly desire to ape the New Yorkers. One is from his customary foundation of diverse riches and royal heritage has framed a tasteful declaration of “more is never too plenty “ and the latter mentioned, who is the devoted explorer who copies a poor variant of “toning it down would be best”. While the royal battles to be noticed, the Bangalorean assumes he has arrived. Amidst this is the great photographer I came across, who each day dwindles between the two crazy philosophies of keeping it rich and regal while being totally minimal through his art of capturing the moment. Is that even an option you could work on?

I was quite intrigued to talk to the photographer as to where he is headed with all these mixed thoughts about luxury, simplicity, glamour yet low-key photography.

It’s true how the photographer shared that craftsmanship must inspire feelings and the interiors of a home aren’t any different. He then spoke about how through photographs one could imbue vitality or quieten a bothered soul. It has the ability to revive a happy spirit within and impact day to day behavior. Enlightened by his thoughts, I dug deeper and wanted to know how he felt about luxury and simplicity both balanced on one arm, to which he smiled and answered, “Well my dear, architectural masterpieces, and stunning interiors are less manhandled and basically, managed”. In a city like Jaipur, where each little component is delightfully made with devotion, from entryway handles to staircase rails, big palaces to lakes around it, from modern structures to lush green enclosures, such work of art is love and definitely inspirational that needs to be preserved.

The technicalities of architecture are apparent in the ways that not all understand. It is an amalgamation of furniture complementing the space its set in. While huge rooms may seem emptier when a handful of littler furniture is placed, for instance, the use of correct lighting can add the touch of warmth and bring out the real beauty. Photographed with gentler hues can loan a space its comfort, independent of its size.

There is a constant struggle between people’s thoughts of aping western minimalism since it’s become a fashion in the Indian homes as well. Metropolitan cities are crushed with small spaces so modular and simplistic furniture does the trick. But, for homes that hold tradition or items passed down to them by ancestors, the idea is to blend the two philosophies and come out with a concoction that is modern yet keeps the roots intact. In my opinion, it is essential that each home speaks of the person in it and not just a current trend that has been set. Giving a photographer the liberty to capture trends, tradition and add a pinch of creativity, architectural photography is bound to get revamped with a one of a kind look that has elements of the western world and the richness of the traditional life.

Irrespective of the city, the photographer friend mentioned to me that it’s crucial he sits and generates good vibes, invests time in understanding what defines the individuality of the interior to bring out the closest artistic expression that the brick and mortar structure truly deserves regardless of Indian background. There is definitely a risk of not getting it right since photography is essentially about hues, the right light and the magic you create. The risks are there no doubt but taking the leap of faith and trusting your vision too is something that cannot be overlooked. Photography, be it for architectural marvels or simplistic homes, all depends upon the creative bend and talent of the capturer. Photography goes beyond walls and paint, arches and stairways… it is the sparkle and attraction that can be time capsuled for ages even when the physical structure may be down to the sand.

The homes and architecture of Jaipur communicate stories that have memories wrapped around walls and drapes, chairs and closets, or may simply be a reminder of the ancestor’s journey tweaked with the present day modern thinking that one day can be handed down to the generations to come. Blending photography’s simplicity with tradition is what would keep one closer to roots and happier in thoughts.

Portrayal of utter abstract

Scroll UP is an avant-garde restaurant which has an upmarket and clean ambience, founded by Gaurav Bulani.

It has been designed by Studio Infinite led by Ar.Shivang Agarwal, with a warm and contemporary feel, carefully designed to enable space yet intimacy. Unified by its abstract and clean interiors Scroll UP presents modernity in style.

The art of eating in a restaurant does not only involve high quality food, it is most of all a celebration of human contact.

To echo the theme of the restaurant, everything has been custom designed in abstract fashion from the wall pattern, screening designed for isolation to the chair upholstery.

A café where you can encounter both indoor as well as outdoor sitting experience while enjoying a pristine view of the urban fabric and clear sky.

The ceiling design in combination with the artificial diffused light played a crucial role to create a dramatic effect, it serves as a focal point, drawing the eyes up while balancing the space. Whereas the hanging lights imparts a regal touch, in both indoor and outdoor sitting.

In segregating the indoor and outdoor sitting, the use of glass creates a simple and refined facade. It softens the space and encourages an extended field of vision. Variations in seating structure are also utilized to maintain these different zones.

Feeling of Comfort and charm of space is achieved through the functional logic design and use of custom designed furniture.In contrast with the vibrant furniture, the monochrome flooring gives the space a next dimension.

How to find your Architecture & Interiors Photographer?

One needs to understand here, that the perspective of a portrait pictographer isn’t the same as that of an interiors/architectural photographer. These are niche inside niche experts who focus purely on design-based photography.

Architecture & designing is as much as an art on the planning table as it is to the naked eye of the viewer. Capturing this beauty to market it, could be a tough job to execute.

What shows on your picture-portfolio is what speaks on your behalf to the audience. Like it takes a professional to design it for you [or you yourself], it takes a professional eye to curate it into a photograph for you, too!

Hence, choosing a photographer for your project is an important & crucial step.

Most of the times, we attempt to execute the job by ourselves or just any guy with a good camera.

One needs to understand here, that the perspective of a portrait pictographer isn’t same as that of an interiors/architectural photographer. These are niche inside niche experts who focus purely on design based photography.

Finding one though, might sound like some real trouble; doesn’t it? But actually, it isn’t. Few easy steps & you could find the right fit to get a fabulous product.

A few dos & don’ts for finding the right partner:

- Ditch the digital
You can’t find all on google & google can’t recommend the brightest to you. So it’s best to first go to people for recommendations & suggestions. If you yourself are an architectural/interior professional looking to get your work photographed, talk within the circle to find out the best of options.

[You never know, you might even find architectural professionals themselves doing architectural & interiors photography, just like us!]

If you are a client looking to get some good stuff on brochures for marketing, contact your designer to find out about such professional photographers specialising in design photography.
- Online search & research
Such professionals mostly have their own websites or an online portfolio on social media. You can get tabs on them easily though ‘hashtag searching’ their field of expertise.

Sometimes, you may find your photographer just by chance online itself.

These online work profiles & portfolios provide you with a good chance to gauge their work & talent & judge if they suit your needs.

Also, you can pick or make new ideas about how you want your place imagined & portrayed in the pictures.
- Develop an idea board
Before meeting your photographer, try to gather some ideas & imagery, which you want to match to. This could in terms of lighting, furnishing, set-designing for the pictures etc.

This is an important step in the way of creating a fabulous portfolio of the place. The photographer is always available to help you out, but your idea of the place is conveyed exactly through what you convey to the photographer.

Try using media platforms like Pinterest, Houzz & other interior websites to fish ideas & create your idea boards.
- Work together
The design & space might be yours but the project is the photographer’s baby; so work together & discuss out things in detail which can bring out the best out of the place instead of one of the party’s ideas. Put across your opinions & take suggestions & ideas with an open mind.

Together you & photographer can create true magic on film.

Choose wise & enquire more wisely to find a professional who is invested in architectural/interiors photography truly & wholly.