Architecture is a vital part of our society as is the photography of such. Buildings inspire feeling in the general public and those who photograph them have turned it into an art form. This presentation will help you find out how it all began.

1. THE BIRTH OF ARCHITECTURAL
PHOTOGRAPHY
By
Woore Watkins Derby Architects (woore-watkins.co.uk)
Woore Watkins Ltd, 61 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DJ | 01332 347 719

2. BIRTH
rchitecture is one of the oldest forms of art and since the birth of
photography history has sort to document these prodigious fetes. As
we witness periods of time through the dexterity of photography we
witness the culmination of society’s devotion and appreciation for
architecture which at its core celebrates our diverse cultural heritage.

3. NICÉPHORE NIÉPCE
In 1826 French Inventor Nicéphore
Niépce took one of the first permanent
photographs from a window at Le Gras
capturing the roof and surrounding
countryside of his estate. Unknowingly
Niépce had captured the first
architectural photograph as it contained
images of exterior scenes combined with
the current buildings of the time.

4. VIEW FROM THE
WINDOW AT LE GRAS
Nicéphore Niépce had begun
experimenting with photography many
years previous but many of his earlier
efforts were destroyed due to their age or
his attempts to duplicate them. The
picture of Le Gras is one of the earliest
of his collection to have survived and
ultimately paved the way for other similar
pioneering photographers of the 19th
Century.

5. WHAT IS ARCHITECTURAL
PHOTOGRAPHY?
rt enthusiasts believe architectural photography to be a specialised
field that specifically focuses on capturing pictures associated with
buildings, angles and landscapes. It is therefore an art form in its own
entirety and is vastly different from other forms of photography. It
uses specialist lenses and techniques allowing the subject to remain
true to its form without being subjected to photographic distortion.

6. THE SCIENCE OF
ARCHITECTURAL
PHOTOGRAPHY
When you view a building you are often confronted
by a range of different lines, these can run in both
horizontal and vertical directions. Upon taking a
photograph the image may show these lines to be
distorted, this usually occurs when the picture has
been taken from the wrong view point or the correct
equipment has not been used. Does this make
architectural photography a science in itself ? It would
suggest that architectural photography has advanced
from being a primitive form of art to something that
requires certain experience and enthusiasm for the
medium.

7. LIGHTING
As with most types of photography lighting
is an essential element that can truly
distinguish a picture from meagre to epic in
a blink of an eye. Light has a tremendous
effect upon atmosphere in relation to
architectural photography by changing the
mood of a building and how it is perceived.
To create the most sensual photographs
buildings are often said to be captured best
from dusk till dawn.

8. FUTURE
Architectural photography continues
to be a popular medium of art, which
with the aid of modern technology is
increasing in demand.

9. THANKS TO:
oogle Images
ontent written by Woore Watkins Derby Architects
oore Watkins Ltd, 61 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DJ | 01332 347 719

10. THANKS TO:
oogle Images
ontent written by Woore Watkins Derby Architects
oore Watkins Ltd, 61 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DJ | 01332 347 719