Architectural Photography Courses I've Taken (& What I Recommend)
When I look back at the beginning of my photography journey, the biggest thing I’m grateful for is the foresight to invest in myself. Although I spent a ton of time honing in my craft utilizing free services online, it came to a point where I had to dive in deeper. Architecture photography felt like one of my weakest spots that required development, so I utilized online courses to strengthen this skill - I fell in love with them! It truly transformed my skill set in the best way possible.
Today on the blog, I’ll be chatting all about the architectural photography courses I’ve taken, but more specifically what I recommend to any photographers out there. Regardless of your skill level, these courses are incredible at honing in the specifics architectural photography requires.
Why Architectural Photography Courses Matter
Photography is more than just a click - it's an art form. Architectural photography, with its unique challenges and opportunities, demands a specialized skill set. Here's why diving into specialized courses can take this genre of photography to new heights:
Unlock Professional Secrets: Dive into the secrets of seasoned architectural photographers who have perfected their craft over the years. Courses act as treasure troves, revealing tricks that transform a good photo into a masterpiece
Virtual Hands-On Experience: Imagine a front-row seat to live shoots, all from the comfort of your old home. It’s like having a personal mentor guide you through the intricacies of real-world shooting
Simplify Technical Complexity: Tackle the overwhelming jargon of camera gear and technical terms. Courses simplify these complexities, making understanding your equipment and choosing the right lens straightforward.
Master the Art of Composition: Architectural photography's composition becomes less mysterious through courses. It’s a unique challenge unlike any other subject.
Architecture Photography 101: Learning The Basics
When I first wanted to start diving into architectural photography, I wanted to find every bit of knowledge I could find. One of the first courses I grabbed was by Mike Kelley, a wizard at capturing buildings. His "Where Art Meets Architecture" series is like a backstage pass to his world.
Live Action Lessons
Mike Kelley's courses are like being on a field trip with a pro photographer. He shows you how to take stunning shots right there on the spot. It's like getting a front-row seat to see how the magic happens, from setting up the camera to dealing with tricky lighting.
Fixing Up Photos
After the shoot, Mike Kelly breaks down how to make your photos pop using editing tools. While photo editing software was daunting for me at first, Mike Kelly breaks it down in simple steps. You get to see the before-and-after, and it's mind-blowing.
Watch for Deals
I’ll be frank, these courses are expensive. While they’re well worth the money in the long run, the initial payment can feel hefty. What’s great is Mike Kelly is always offering deals on his courses, so keep on the lookout for them. I started with them when there were only 2, but now there are a ton to browse through.
Expanding On Your Architecture Photography Knowledge
The next courses I used were Pro EDU. I hopped on their courses for commercial architecture and real estate. These are both avenues I really wanted to refine my skills into the market in the future. These guys simplify things and make you feel like a photography pro.
What's in Your Bag?
The commercial architecture course is like a guide to camera gear. They explain it all – cameras, lenses, lights – in plain English. No jargon. It's like choosing the right tools for the job without scratching your head. From here, I started to really finetune my photography bag. To see everything I carry with me on a shoot, click here.
Frame It Right
Architecture photos need that special touch, and the Pro EDU courses detail exactly how to frame your shots. It's like learning the secret for making your photos look professional, whether it's a giant skyscraper or a cozy house.
Shine a Light
Lighting can be tricky, especially when you’re working on architecture. The real estate photography course shows you how to make the best use of light, whether it's the sun or some faux lighting you bring with you.
So, if you're just starting out or want to level up your game, investing in these courses is investing in your future as an architecture photographer. The price tag might make you pause, but trust me, the skills you gain are worth every penny. If you’re unsure courses are the right thing for your future, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We can work together to find the best information available for you to expand your photography knowledge.
