Pacifica Christian High School featuring Parasoleil | San Diego Education Photography
Over the years of being a commercial photographer, I always jump at the opportunity to shoot something new. When approached with the project for Parasoleil’s new exterior developments at Pacifica Christian High School, I was thrilled to get started!
Parasoleil wanted to showcase the 2,500+ft of aluminum panels that were all made with a custom pattern and powder coat finish. With so much surface to cover in terms of photography, it required me to get creative.
How I Planned This Education Photography Shoot
While the majority of the time commercial photoshoots utilize one standard camera, this education photography session allowed me to play around with a lot more tools! My handheld Fuji camera and drone were essential to getting the perfect shot, plus I worked a lot in post photoshoot editing to create the ideal background.
For a quality education photography shoot, it requires a mix of experience and flexibility to capture the subject perfectly. This project with Pacifica Christian High School is the very reason I love being a commercial photographer!
Capturing The Architecture With Unique Angles
Before the shoot started, I knew utilizing specific angles would truly emphasize the aluminum panels the best. I wanted unique shots that would highlight the cool paneling along the side of the buildings, as well as the awesome shade structure and roof that went along the backside of the school.
For the best effect, using my handheld Fuji camera proved to be the best decision. It captures more close-up detail shots, so the custom panels and roof truly shine.
No matter the commercial photoshoot, I love whenever color is able to be incorporated. As soon as I saw the stunning blue chairs, I knew it would compliment the metal perfectly.
Incorporating Drone Photography
While it was relatively straightforward to shoot on different floors with strategic angles, trying to capture all the paneling required more creativity. The sheer size of the panels and school fencing meant I could bring out some tools!
I switched over to my drone for the aerial shots I knew would make the new paneling shine. Although the day proved to be a bit overcast, nature was on my side and no wind was present. The images turned out stunning- I just love what high-up angles can do for a subject!
Hayley’s Pro Tip: While setting down the typical camera for something new may feel intimidating, I encourage every photographer to try it! The most stunning shots can come from unexpected mediums or tools.
Post Photoshoot Editing
While the weather was on my side wind wise, the day of the education photography session it proved to be overcast. The images themselves were crisp and well lit, but I wanted more blue in the sky to compliment the metal paneling.
Adding sky replacement during photoshoot editing is a challenge for any photographer, but patience and practice create the desired natural look. I enjoy each and every post-processing task, as it allows me to reflect on all the fun I had capturing the shot.
While I knew the blue and metal would look stunning together, what I loved even more was the side white panels! They proved to be a show-stopper in relation to the massive glass windows nearby. The angle took me quite a bit of time to perfect at the school itself, so during the editing session I crisped up the colors to make it pop.
This education photography session is one of the many reasons I love my job! No matter the task at hand, I am always honored to have the trust from my clients to achieve a result we both are satisfied with.
TO CAPTURE YOUR NEXT COMMERCIAL PROJECT, CLICK BELOW:
Custom Panels & Structure: Parasoleil
Architect: Gensler Newport Beach
General Contractor: Casco Contractors
Construction Manager: Newport Real Estate Services
Engineers: GLUMAC, KPFF, Adam Streeter Civil Engineers,
Landscape: RLA
