Real Estate photography vs. Architectural photography? Visual Matters discusses the differences.

Often, the term real estate photography vs. architectural photography are used interchangeably by several of our Seattle real estate clients to request the same type of service.  Simply put, that is photography of their property or space to be used to promote their business.  However, as professional real estate photographers, there are some significant differences between the two.  And in many cases, they both can be used together to provide a broader picture of a property. 

We will discuss and illustrate what makes real estate photography vs. architectural photography unique and Visual Matter’s approach to both and when you would use one or the other, or perhaps possibly both.

REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY

Real Estate photography focuses on capturing the space of a property (home, condo, apartment, etc.) showing its functionality and the true representation of the living environment. We help Seattle real estate agents and brokers, through our real estate photography, sell a property to their clients.

Although a real estate agent is the one hiring us for a real estate photography shoot, the actual people who we are thinking about is the buyer.  Our images are usually the first visual experience they have with the home buying process and use it to decide if they want to visit the home in person or if it meets their space and personal home purchasing requirements. 

As we photograph the property for real estate agents, we consider the space and its orientation.  It is also important to consider how to maximize natural light to show how a room is lit.  Afterall, new home buyers love a room with lots of natural light.  The angle in which a room is photographed and how “wide” we shoot it shows the room in its full scale. The height of the room, the features of a space, door placement, windows, fixtures, and all the little things that make a space attractive are included in a shot.  This gives a real representation of the space to the prospective buyer.  Photographing all these individual rooms and spaces helps the buyer visualize the property layout.  

But it’s not all just wide shots of rooms.  There are details of a property that need capturing to illustrate unique sellable features that a real estate agent lists on MLS.

When representing the exterior of the property, we create inspiring images that show the beauty of the building exterior and its surroundings.  Showing the entire home in a shot is important to show the size, the lot, the landscaping, and the proximity of the home to the neighborhood. 

Whether we are photographing a property’s interior or exterior, we must make the home as attractive as possible.  Photographing strange angles or creating lighting scenarios that may not seem natural are not appropriate for real estate photography.  Our objective is to represent the property as true as possible and make it easy for the buyer to understand and visualize what they are buying.  Think of it like product photography, except that the product is a home, condo, or a commercial property.

ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Architectural photography visually showcases the uniqueness of a structure and property, while creating an emotional connection to that visual representation.  The result coming from the creative synergy between the designer, architect, and/or builder with the building or structure.  The main purpose of architectural photography is to sell the creative talents of these building professionals and designers. 

In addition to the vision of the architect or builder, there is the vision of the photographer to consider.  When we put our architectural photography hat on, we explore unique perspectives and the relationship of light with the structure. 

We get inspired by visual moments and represent that uniquely in a single capture.  Put 10 photographers in front of the Seattle Space Needle, and you will get 10 uniquely different images that tell 10 different stories of one beautiful structure.  As with art, it’s about what connects with you.  And for designers, architects and builders, the decision they make when hiring a photographer to represent their work is how the photographer’s visual narrative connects with their design vision.

Working with the architect, builders, and designers to understand their inspirational process for the design of their building enables Visual Matters architectural photographers to be in the mindset to see how architects and builders think, allowing us to capture and showcase their vision. 

Regarding light, we use shadows, light shape, and direction to provide depth and a more intriguing look at the buildings design and relationship with light.  Sometimes the light will be simple because the emphasis is on a physical element. For example, a straight photo of a beautiful staircase is just that, a simple photo.  But consider that same staircase shot from above with precise symmetry because the architect wanted it to look like a circle from above.  There is a story there.  We must capture that story for them. 

There is beauty in architecture and design.  When looking at an architectural image, the viewer should get a “feeling” of connection.  The architectural elements must evoke inspiration through our photography.  But most importantly, we want the viewer to understand the architect or builders’ creative vision, should they want to hire them to create the same for them.

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A CASE FOR BOTH APPROACHES

There will also be several cases where both real estate photography and architectural photography work together to tell a bigger story in photography.  There may be an opportunity where a real estate agent represents a home that attracts a specific type of buyer or wants to showcase architectural elements in a more intriguing way to bring an emotional connection between the prospective buyer and the property.  Shouldn’t all images create that connection?  Certainly, and they do, regardless of what label is put on it.  Photographing a space using different visual approaches affords the agent the option to create a multi perspective connection with the buyer.  Our goal is for this approach to increase the attraction and interest in the property.

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Hiring a photographer that understands the difference between real estate photography vs. architectural photography will help you in communicating the exact message you want to send visually.  At the end, your images must be effective for your intended purpose and end goals.  That may be to help sell your real estate listing or sell your architectural design or building firm vision.  Working with Seattle’s top real estate photographer, Visual Matters, will ensure creating the best kind of images that are just right for you.

Want to hire Visual Matters for your next Seattle Real Estate Photography or Architectural Photography session?