Much as building designs changed and morphed with traditional forms, architectural photography also evolved with time. During the early-to-mid-20th century, architectural photography became more creative as photographers used diagonal lines and bold shadows in their compositions, and experimented with other innovative techniques.

By the early 1950s, architects were hiring more photographers for commissioned work, resulting in architectural photography being viewed as more of an art form than what it had been considered before.

• Perspective Control - Using tilt/shift lenses or post-processing to maintain parallel vertical lines.

• Deep Depth of Field - Ensuring sharp focus from foreground to background.

• Wide-Angle Lenses - Capturing expansive views, ideal for interiors and exteriors.

• Post-Processing - Adjusting perspective and correcting distortions digitally.

• Optimal Lighting - Utilising natural and artificial light to highlight features.

• Composition - Emphasising symmetry, leading lines, and geometric shapes.

• Detail Shots - Focusing on textures, materials, and design elements.

• Reflections and Symmetry - Using reflections for symmetrical compositions.

• Tripod Use - Ensuring stability and precision, especially in low light.

Audience
Wolfgang Sievers’ photography initially catered to large industrial and mining corporations, promoting their products and processes while situating them as key producers of wealth in Australia. Architectural firms also utilized his work to showcase their projects. These corporate images were displayed in boardrooms, company offices, brochures, and advertisements. Over time, Sievers’ audience expanded to include local artists and, eventually, a broader public who appreciated his work in fine art galleries and as collectible photographic art. His images, such as "Gears for Mining Industry," have even been featured in mainstream contexts like Australia Post stamps.

Intention

Sievers aimed to capture and celebrate the power, beauty, and dignity of industrial and architectural subjects. He was influenced by modernist principles and sought to convey his admiration for the industrial age, presenting it as a force for progress and material advancement. Through his photographs, Sievers intended to highlight the achievements of industry and architecture, fostering a positive view of the modern machine and manufacturing world.

Make

Sievers meticulously planned each shot, using his technical skills and modernist training to capture compelling images. He employed unusual angles, dynamic poses, and dramatic artificial lighting to transform mundane industrial scenes into powerful visual statements. His images often featured clean shapes and strong contrasts, reflecting his Bauhaus-inspired approach to photography.

Method

Sievers' method involved careful composition and lighting to emphasize the scale and impact of industrial and architectural subjects. He often used large-format cameras to achieve high resolution and detail. His training at the Bauhaus school and his background in archaeology and historical documentation informed his systematic and organized approach to photography.

Audience
Rob Dobi's photography reaches a diverse audience, including fans of contemporary graphic design, urban explorers, and enthusiasts of emo and neo-punk rock. His online business, FullBleed.org, caters to the youth market, while his photographic work documenting urban decay attracts those interested in the forgotten and abandoned spaces of the northeastern United States. Additionally, art enthusiasts and historians may find his work compelling due to its focus on the historical and cultural significance of these decaying structures.

Intention

Dobi intends to capture and preserve the essence of derelict buildings before they are lost to time or development. His photographs aim to evoke an emotional response, prompting viewers to reflect on the histories and memories embedded in these decaying structures. He seeks to highlight the beauty in decay and to bring attention to the often overlooked and neglected parts of urban environments. Dobi's work also serves as a commentary on the transient nature of human creations and the inevitability of change and decay. By documenting these spaces, he hopes to provoke a sense of nostalgia and to inspire a deeper appreciation for the architectural and historical value of abandoned buildings.

Make

Dobi’s process involves exploring abandoned buildings and capturing their essence through photography. His designer’s eye for composition and lighting helps to create images that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant.

Method

Dobi uses a systematic approach to his photography, planning each shot meticulously to highlight the mood of melancholy and regret associated with urban decay. His choice of compositions, angles, and lighting is intended to evoke a sense of nostalgia and loss. Dobi often uses perspective control to ensure that the lines of the buildings remain straight and parallel, enhancing the architectural integrity of his images. He uses a deep depth of field to keep both the foreground and background in sharp focus, providing a comprehensive view of the scene. A tripod is used to ensure stability and precision, especially in low-light conditions common in abandoned buildings. 

Edit

Dobi’s editing process enhances the emotional impact of his photographs. He may adjust lighting and composition to emphasise the atmosphere of decay and abandonment, ensuring that each image communicates his intended mood and message.

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Audience
Julius Shulman primarily reached architects, designers, and enthusiasts of modern architecture through his iconic photographs. His images were widely published in architecture magazines, books, and exhibitions, helping to define and popularize mid-century modern architecture. His work appealed to both professionals in the field and the general public, who were captivated by the elegance and clarity of his architectural photography.

Intention
Shulman's intention was to document and elevate the work of modern architects by capturing their buildings in the best possible light. He aimed to highlight the beauty, functionality, and innovative designs of mid-century modern architecture. Through his photography, Shulman wanted to communicate the architects' visions and the significance of their work to a broader audience.

Make
Shulman meticulously staged his photographs to emphasize the harmony between the architecture and its environment. He often used natural lighting and carefully selected angles to enhance the structure's lines and features. His compositions were precise, often featuring dramatic perspectives and thoughtful inclusion of human elements to convey scale and context.

Method
Shulman's method involved extensive collaboration with architects to understand their vision and intentions for each building. He used large-format cameras to capture high-resolution images, ensuring every detail was sharp and clear. Shulman was known for his ability to capture the essence of a building, using lighting and composition to create striking, memorable images that showcased the architectural design.

Edit
Shulman's editing process was minimal, as he aimed to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the architectural designs. He focused on achieving the desired effects during the shoot through careful planning and execution. Any necessary adjustments were made in the darkroom, with a focus on enhancing the natural beauty and clarity of the images.

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