This article is about how modern video techniques are used to showcase architecture. Motion adds dimension to the architects portfolio and shares their vision in more engaging ways.
Many architects prefer traditional still photography. Technical perfection, straight lines, and beautiful light blending in symbiotic photographic glory to share the architects accomplished vision. As a architectural photographer, I’m passionate about the visual media production process. Highlighting the design, special features, and problems an architect solves is what I do. The still architecture photo has done this job well.
Beautiful architectural designs are alive and influence our built environment. To me this means architectural structures have many dimensions to be seen. Scrolling or flipping through a set of pictures gives the viewer some context, but not all.
The best way to show a design context is with movement. Moving light over time. People or cars moving within the design to show it’s utility. These elements of motion can’t be seen in a static photograph.
Modern video production techniques add new dimensions to an architects portfolio.
The modern video production techniques I’m referring to are:
Motion control video
Timelapse video
Hyperlapse Video
Aerial Video
Visually link one space to the next with precise motor driven camera moves. Three axis control over programed timelines means every frame counts and tells a story. Use motion control video for architecture instead of long boring pans and tilts from a static tripod.
Emphasize how light interacts with the architectural structure. Shadows move, day time comes and goes. Materials change color and texture. Super high definition imagery showcases expert craftsmanship and material selections.
Show a building in context with it’s environment. Use hyperlapse to illustrate a structures multiple dimensions as the perspective changes over time and distance.
Aerial video gives the viewer a special perspective that they normally can not see. Special or unusual perspectives are more engaging. Use aerial architecture video to establish the project and link property features.
The majority of people will only see architectural projects in print or online. Dynamic videos give them a multi dimensional view of your designs and finished projects. These video production techniques work well together or sprinkled in with people on camera talking about the project. Don’t use just one technique. Use them all for your next presentation or capabilities video.