A Description of
The Working Environment and Requirements For An Interior and Architectural Photography Assignment
In order to help our client adjust and prepare for an interiors photography session, we will try to outline our working requirements and explain some of the techniques and processes we use in executing the photographs. Through this explanation, we hope to answer, in advance, questions which might come up during a shooting session. Client's understanding of our problems and our choice of solution will help the photography session go smoothly and produce superior results.
Pre-Planning
In advance of a scheduled shooting session it is our custom, if possible, to walk through the job with the client. At this time we can evaluate the desires of the client as well as note any requirements we might have to better prepare the areas for photography. Specifically, such items as decorative foliage, more desirable art, table settings, floral accents, repairs, etc., will be reviewed giving the necessary lead time for the client to provide them for the shooting day. This preliminary visit also allows us to consider the lighting problems we might encounter on the shoot and predict at what hour each shot should take place. If an advance visit is impossible, the client and we should discuss the job in detail. We will ask many questions about the job covering areas such as style, light quality and type, window direction and size and the general mood of each area to be photographed. Whether or not an area will be photographed during the day or night is of prime concern to us. If we cannot do a preliminary walk through, our client must evaluate each space with these questions in mind.
Whether the job to be photographed is a private dwelling or a public space, the photography day is basically an "invasion of privacy" for the owner. Our experience has trained us to be extremely careful on the job. More important, however, is the forewarning that this kind of photography is very time consuming. It takes between 1-2 hours to set up and expose each shot. In planning the logistics of the session, the owner should be consulted so that his/her activities at the location will be coordinated with ours and we won't be in each other's way. In the case of public spaces, either we must adjust to times of heavy use or the owner may adjust his/her schedule to ours. Naturally, it is easiest to work unhindered with no traffic in the area. Often, this requires shooting schedules that take place during hours establishments are closed.
In public spaces such as restaurants, stores, offices and the like, there should be liaison between us and the owner to facilitate control of lighting, movement of furniture and traffic control. Someone with the authority and knowledge to handle these elements should be present at the session. Often the designer or someone from his/her staff can cover this function. Occasionally, when no one from the design staff can be present at the shoot, we request a representative of the owner to help us with these arrangements.
The Following List Represents Some Of Our Concerns During A Photo Shoot
1. Security clearance should be arranged for during and after business hours.
2. Air conditioning and/or ventilation systems should be in operation during the photo session. Such systems should be able to be turned off during the exposures to decrease the chance of camera and/or subjects vibration.
3. All areas to be photographed should be cleaned and dusted prior to photography.
4. All lighting fixtures should be properly functioning. Fluorescent light units should contain the same tube type.
5. Ceiling tiles should be in place with no broken or damaged tiles.
6. A ladder should be available.
7. Someone with knowledge of the electrical control system should be present during the shoot.
8. Bathrooms should be accessible.
……..we don’t just take pictures; we produce the image you need
The Shooting Session
A session normally begins with a brief walk-through during which the designer/art director and we check each area we plan to photograph. Often this is the time final decisions are made about floral arrangements, plant placement, and any last minute changes in accessories. which won't be photographed. Once we have started to work on a shot, any diversion can only be detrimental and delay the completion of the photography. There is a period of time during which we must concentrate on many complex technical issues. The camera is quite unforgiving and will not deliver the expected results unless position, lighting, focus, shadow and duration of exposure are all carefully controlled. We expect the understanding and patience of our client at this crucial point until we are able to show the first image test.
The availability of digital capture have brought this kind of photography to new heights of excellence. Both the client and we can review the tests and make the fine adjustments which slowly perfect the shot.
As we progress toward finalization of a shot, we go through a number of tests and arrive at a lighting balance and position ready to make the actual exposure. We "bracket" the exposures to ensure a choice of density which will yield the best publishable image.
On certain floors, the slightest tremor will ruin the result. With public spaces in use during the photography session, owner cooperation must be sought. Areas through which traffic normally flows must be blocked and controlled to allow time for each exposure. We can break from time to time, allow people to pass but must be afforded reasonable periods to shoot.
Interior photography on location is always a demanding assignment. We have attempted in this outline to specify our needs in terms broad enough to cover most situations. At the same time, I have tried to be as specific as possible so that our clients will be aware of the requirements and demands that may be made of them.