If you’re in the biggest city in Alberta and in search of the perfect Calgary architecture photographer, I’m here to help. Calgary is a dynamic and exciting city – with a blend of incredible modern buildings like the Telus SKY and historic structures like the Fairmont Palliser Hotel, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and the area where plains meet the foothills. All of this together offers a captivating canvas for urban architectural photography.
I’m always thrilled to show this beautiful city through the lens of my camera. From the iconic Calgary Tower and the enticing lines of the Peace Bridge to the inspiring views from Scotsman’s Hill across the Elbow River, photographers have no shortage of visuals to draw on. If you’re a designer or an architect contributing something new to the city, you’ll be a part of a rich architectural tradition – and I’d be honoured to make images that will share your vision with the world.
Hiring a Calgary Building Photographer
Every corner of this city, and all the buildings within them, tell a story. As a Calgary architectural photographer, my mission is to capture those stories, unveiling the subtleties that make each building special and highlighting the interplay between these built structures, the city’s expressive culture and people, and its natural environment.
For architects, designers, and property developers in Calgary, your creations deserve to be seen in their best possible light. While renderings are a key component during pre-construction, they lose credibility once there is a physical space to capture. They just can’t compete with the visual impact of professional architectural images.
This is because photographs are not just moments frozen in time; they’re visual narratives that convey the essence of your project, elevate your brand’s vision and reputation, and engage viewers on a whole new level. They’re more than just a collection of images; they are the relatable, emotionally compelling, stories that speak to your future clients.
As a dedicated architectural photographer, I understand that great photos are a result of the perfect synergy between camera, lighting, and composition. They reveal the intricate details, unique character, and the relationship each structure shares with the vibrant Calgary backdrop; they can stand alone as a feature or become part of a larger story in sequence.
If you plan to enter the images for an award, discuss this in advance so that everyone understands the timeline and specific requirements. My clients have won many awards with my images, both in Canada and Internationally, and this is the result of close collaboration and dedication towards a mutual goal.
Benefits of a Commercial Exterior Photographer in Calgary
In today’s image-rich world of social media, visuals are vital. It’s a struggle to engage viewers with copy, so we are relying more on visual assets that tell a story without words. Whether you’re launching the latest Calgary skyscraper, redesigning a commercial space, building a new public health facility, or refitting MacKimmie Library at an established educational institution, striking photographs are the key to attracting attention and potential clients. Poorly lit, generic, or uninspiring photos simply won’t stand out (at least, not in a good way).
That’s where a professional commercial exterior photographer in Calgary can help. I bring years of expertise to the table, enhancing your space and its surroundings to create captivating images that invite people to explore and appreciate your work.
A scroll through my portfolio will illustrate how a set of elegant exterior photos can contribute to your project’s visual tone, character, and appeal; the impact of striking exterior photography is profound. It’s the difference in reaction between telling someone that Brookfield Place is “a tall glass tower” and then showing them the perfect perspective of the whole tower, emblazoned in the drastic colours of the golden prairie sunset and seemingly jumping out of the screen. In short, good architectural photos don’t just show a structure; they encourage imagination and more profound thinking about what you are seeing.
The Art of Interior and Exterior Photography in Calgary
Many people wonder about the distinction between the skill sets needed for interior and exterior photography in Calgary, and whether any photographer can swap back and forth between the two styles. It’s important to note that commercial exterior photographer can take years of practice to even approach mastery; for this reason, you will likely find there are many interior photographers but few photographers who have a truly impressive portfolio of architectural work.
This is due to the natural environment, which plays a significant role for exterior shots in Calgary and other cities. The urban landscapes and changing light through the day can be truly beautiful, but it requires a trained eye and patient commitment to find these opportunities. Even when capturing iconic settings like the Bow Building or the bustling vibe of the East Village, exterior photography typically means traveling light – usually a tripod and a set of lenses are all you need to succeed. However, the real key to that success is intangible: it’s the experience, knowledge, and highly trained eye only sharpened through years of practice that enables the perfect composition in the ever-evolving light. Once the images are on the card, it’s equally important to have the skills and time required to retouch the images before they can achieve their potential.
Interior photography, on the other hand, requires meticulous setup and consideration. Thanks to our northern latitude, Calgary’s lighting conditions can vary wildly throughout the year and the day on set, making window angles, shadows, and backlighting true top-of-mind decisions. Then, because of the more limited space, interior design photographers must also think about the proximity of objects and their layout within an area for optimal effect. Beyond these, we must be proficient with an extensive kit of strobes and post-processing techniques in order to shape light while keeping colours accurate. If you see me hauling equipment like lights, reflectors, shades, and diffusers, you can bet it’s to make the most of an indoor shoot.
Choosing the Right Calgary Architecture Photographer
On the hunt for a Calgary architectural photographer? Consider these essentials to maximize your chances of getting a good combination of quality, quantity, and service.
Review their portfolio and specialties
The first step in finding the right photographer is to review their portfolio. Look for evidence of experience and expertise that aligns with your project’s vision. Just as Calgary is known for its unique fusion of urban and natural beauty, architectural photography demands a specialized skill set that not all photographers possess. A consistent record of performance in capturing structures of various scale is essential, as each project summarizes years of planning and construction into a few select images.
While a photographer’s style doesn’t have to match your project exactly, it should resonate with you and the image you want to show the world. Remember, you can give the same camera to two world-famous photographers, assign the exact same task, and end up with two very different sets of images. Ensuring that you share a creative wavelength from the beginning will lead to a smoother and more successful partnership.
Understand how you want to collaborate
Effective communication and collaboration are crucial in any creative project. While a photographer may bring their artistic perspective to the table, they should also be receptive to your specific requirements. If you clearly outline your needs and vision and the photographer continues to insist on a different direction, that likely signifies a clash of creative visions. Some creative input is healthy, and a personal touch can go a long way in making a unique photo set, but no photographer should impose their vision to the clear detriment of your project.
Outline and define expectations
There’s no room to be coy or indirect here – clear communication and fundamental agreements are vital in any business relationship, including photography. Address the question of cost early on by discussing rates and expectations. This will largely be defined by the scope of work, including the number of images needed, the time of day for photography, usage rights, difficulty in accessing necessary areas, and any other special production requirements. Always review the license agreement in advance and note all details and usage inclusions.
A professional architectural photographer in Calgary should be willing to provide a written estimate or pricing model, with a transparent explanation of how that price breaks down. This upfront approach ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps prevent any misunderstandings. Be sure to ask about the fee for additional licenses, as you can often save cost when there are multiple entities licensing the same images.
Contact a Calgary Architectural Photographer
Is your Calgary office, corporate space, restaurant, or hotel ready for the spotlight? I would be ecstatic to help you capture the beauty of your project and tell your story to the world. Reach out today and let’s work together to add award winning images to your architectural or design masterpiece!