How Professional Photography Elevates Architectural Design
You know that feeling when you step into a space, and everything just clicks? Maybe it’s the way light filters through a window, how the materials feel both comfortable and refined, or the subtle details that guide your eye without you even realizing it. Architecture speaks to us in ways we often can’t put into words.
That’s the challenge—and beauty—of architectural photography. It’s not just about capturing what a building looks like; it’s about conveying how it feels.
More Than a Snapshot—An Interpretation
Photographing architecture isn’t about standing back and fitting the whole building into the frame. That’s just one part of the story. To truly capture a space, I ask: How did the architect shape an experience through design?
Recently, while photographing Trine University’s Best Hall with MSKTD, I was drawn to subtle details in a glass wall—elements that honored the building’s past while embracing the new. Once I saw it, I knew exactly how to photograph it. That’s the difference between documenting and interpreting.
Light Changes Everything
Light is the unsung hero of every space—natural or artificial, direct or diffused, shaping how we experience a room throughout the day.
At Westfield Library – a new project by krM, I captured how light interacted with materials over time. The morning sun warmed the wood accents, while the children’s section remained shaded—perfect for a cool, calming space before naptime.
Details Tell the Bigger Story
While the grandeur of a building makes an impact, it’s the smallest details that often hold the most meaning—the curve of a handrail, the texture of concrete against glass, the precise alignment of architectural lines.
At Glendale Library – a project also by krM, I spent as much time on these details as on the wide shots. Not because they were more important, but because they completed the story, showcasing the craftsmanship and intention behind the design.
Photography as Collaboration
One of my favorite aspects of this work is collaboration. I’m not just showing up with a camera—I’m stepping into your world. Walking the site with you, hearing what inspired key design choices, and noticing things I might have missed on my own.
At Brooks College of Health Professions, Design Collaborative casually mentioned their pride in the custom staircase features. We took a few extra shots, and no surprise—that became one of the standout images. Sometimes, it’s the offhand comments that lead to the best work.
More Than the Final Image
Architectural photography isn’t just about the final image—it’s about what that image communicates. The heart of the design. The craftsmanship. The story behind the space.
That’s the story worth telling. And that’s the story I love to capture.
