World Photography Day 2021: Spotlight on Architecture Photography
To mark World Photography Day, which is on the 19th August, we sat down with Ross Hamilton – our in-house photographer and co-founder of Formation 3D – to get some insights into architectural photography, not just from the ground but from the sky! Here is what we found out.
How long have you worked for DB3?
I first joined DB3 back in 2014 as a Marketing Assistant and after a couple of years I went on to train in photography and videography at another role. Armed with these specialist skills I re-joined DB3 in 2020 and have brought photography in-house.
How did you get into Photography?
I have always loved photography and really enjoy the whole process: being outside, capturing cool places on camera and being back at the studio processing the images in Lightroom. I particularly like the challenge of adapting certain styles to match the brief.
How did you get into Photography?
How did you get into Photography?
I have always loved photography and really enjoy the whole process: being outside, capturing cool places on camera and being back at the studio processing the images in Lightroom. I particularly like the challenge of adapting certain styles to match the brief.
How would you describe your style?
How would you describe your style?
For architectural images I like neutral colours, straight lines and capturing the different textures of the buildings. I also enjoy taking pictures from a different angle and perspective and like to challenge myself by thinking outside the box. I pay particular attention to geometric straight style and my preferred editing style is bright and clear.
What are your tips for photographing architecture?
What are your tips for photographing architecture?
Camera composition is key – make sure the camera is at the correct height and distance as it otherwise can warp or distort the building you are trying to capture. For professional images depicting building for architectural purposes realism is very important. Detail shots can be more creative in showing the building in its best light.
What are your favourite DB3 buildings?
What are your favourite DB3 buildings?
Crosbie Tower residential has always been one of my favourites and I am looking forward to visiting the site in Scotland soon for a case study photography and film shoot. I’m also in awe of Llys Cadwyn and have enjoyed capturing this bold project on camera and film. Ysgol Craig Y Deryn is another project I am a big fan of – I love how the grass rooftop blends into the stunning surroundings that the school is situated in, in Wales. There are so many other DB3 projects I’d like to mention too – a favourite is too hard to pick.
What have you got coming up?
What have you got coming up?
I have had a passion for aviation for my whole life and at the age of 16 I took to the skies for the first time at the controls of a Cessna 172 single engine aircraft. This experience has drawn me to drone technology and prompted me to complete a specialist drone course, upon which I could draw all my previous knowledge of aviation law, meteorology, operational procedures and so on. What interests me the most are all the possibilities drone technology can bring, in particular in the film and photography realm.
At DB3 we have an innovation team, to whom I presented my idea of starting a new business that brings those benefits to clients. We have now launched Formation 3D – a new one stop shop for all drone, ground based technology and 3D services for clients UK wide. Having already photographed and filmed a number of DB3 projects, I am excited to also work on other projects with new clients.
How does photography with drones differ?
How does photography with drones differ?
Drone images put buildings into scale and perspective and show the environment in which they are positioned in. Drones also enable me to capture larger scale buildings, the full site and surroundings – the big picture!
What excites me about drone photography is that it can go beyond aesthetics and also become incredibly useful. For example you can capture high quality images and videos of places normally difficult, labour intensive or potentially unsafe to reach in person. Such images are thus invaluable for aerial inspection purposes. The functionality delivers sustainable solutions and pushes boundaries in what is achievable thanks to the drone carrying the camera.
I also love the unique view of buildings from above. This is an entirely new and exciting way of seeing a building and the biggest pleasure is being able to share and surprise people with this new perspective.
Who is your favourite photographer?
I find the photographer Peter McKinnon very inspiring. He shoots great Canadian winter themed landscapes as well as products and I like his rustic style for close-ups and his underwater work. He also does great tutorials on Youtube which I have found useful.
What role does Photography play in Architecture?
What role does Photography play in Architecture?
Perhaps I am biased, but I think Photography plays a really important role. Once the building is complete 90% of people will only see it as an image online or in print as opposed to in person. A building can look very different if not photographed properly which is why it is so important to have these professionally taken. A good image will capture the aesthetics of the building and engage the viewer. As a photographer for DB3 I also see the images I take as a celebration of a complete project and all the hard work and passion that everyone involved in the project has puts into it.
What also fascinates me about photography is that it captures a moment in the building’s life be it when it is completely new or once it is in full use. It is a real privilege as a photographer to preserve these moments and depict them in their best possible light for ever on film for people to enjoy.
We’ll be in touch shortly.
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