The Relation Between Architecture and Photography

Introduction

There are quite some concepts which emerge as architectural perspectives and which apply to photography. The overlapping thoughts create the existing relationships between the two different fields, that is, architecture and photography. The interplay resulting from the intersection between the two disciplines has evolved considerably over time. This has been influenced by the invention and application of the desirable tips that a photographer would wish to implement. This paper presents the views on which an architect focused to create an experience to the owner, in which he also designed the space and framed the view by windows.

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Buildings, for instance, can be first represented on paper before the actual process of the building commences. Besides, a photograph of a complete building can be made on a surface for viewing, for a further study or reference. These again require that the knowledge of photography should be considered fundamental in that images would be needed. However, there are the underlying intricacy and complexity of any effort to transcribe a building onto a photographic surface. It, therefore, follows that photography has managed to control the manner of the existence and presentation architectural design. This aspect can be recognized to promote the continuity of the role played by photography on the same.

Key Words: Relation, architecture, Photography

Research Questions

• What is the importance of photography on architecture?
• What role does photography play in the current spread of architecture?

Literature Review

Architecture has been important in photography for a long period of time. During the early years of photography, objects that never moved such as landscape and architecture were preferred especially if long exposures were required (Neves, 2016). Photography provided people with a way of making many copies. The importance of photography in architecture goes back several years. The earliest photographic processes were those of Daguerre and Talbot. The two were crucial in ensuring widespread use of photography.

Architectural Representation and Photography

The spread of photography happened at a time when the field of architecture was in demand of more accurate drawings. As architecture evolved, there was more demand for photography. Photography was seen as having an advantage over the traditional methods because it could record details that the naked eye could never see, it was truthful, and finally, it recorded details a lot faster (Wei's, 1995). According to Giersch (2001), photography enables sharing of architectural works with those who cannot access them. Therefore, photography enables the ultimate representation of architecture. Architectural photography uses rules of thumb, lenses, and techniques that are aimed at ensuring that the process is as appropriate as possible. One of the most important processes in architectural photography is called "perspective correction" process. It is can produce lines that are steep and converge. The process has given rise to the notion that photography never reflects the truth.

Architectural photography has been use by architectural historians and architectures when designing new buildings. Architectural designers can find photographers very useful and resourceful. In particular, photographers normally manipulate light so that they can focus on specific parts of the architecture that would be most appealing to the viewers (Germen, 2008). Photographers have the ability to dictate what people see by hiding some images and showing others. photography is about interpretation and helps in reinterpreting the existence of physical objects.

Picturesque

Architectural designers were impressed by veracity and the ability of the camera to provide documentation. The picturesque images did sell well but that never stopped the architectural photographic association from criticism of the picturesque nature of the photographs. The growth of the concept of picturesque signified an important change in architecture. Through the concept, there were multiple ways to evaluate important aspects of architecture. Therefore, picturesque was seen as relating to asymmetry, roughness, gloom, and irregularity (Pelizzari & Scrivano, 2011). Making architectural photographs picturesque was seen as a way of trying to appeal to the emotions of the viewers and not to achieve perfection. Picturesque images were meant to achieve the right balance between beautiful and sublime. It is important to ensure that the interaction between the object and the observer preserved

Modern Architecture and Photography

Modern architects used photography as a way of promoting their buildings. They hoped that people could be able to see the excellence in their designs through beautiful photographs. Photographers were aware of this and took full advantage. Modern architects responded by trusting their works to architectural photographers that they believed in most with hopes that their works would be able to receive international recognition (Teodosio, 2016). Over the years, photographers have been able perceptions of people about architecture. Photography has enabled modernization of architecture in a way that can make it to be communicated to a wider audience and expand its reach. Today, photography is the most powerful marketing tool for architects. Most important developments in photography occurred in the 19th century. Early photographers were motivated to use architecture as their primary subject. Since then, the relationship between photography and architecture has only continued to grow.

Methodology

The research will be conducted Chicago because it is known for its architectural photographers. Sampling techniques will be used to determine those that will be participating in the study. Both random and stratified sampling techniques will be needed. Data will be collected through questionnaires, interviewing, and secondary sources. The study population is expected to be those that are aged 18 and above. The choosing of the participants will be indiscriminate with considerations for people of all races, genders, and ages. Questionnaires will be sent to those who will not be available for interviews. Interviewing will be only for the top management. The study population is expected to be a maximum of 200 and a minimum of 150. Secondary sources will be used to make references to some of the past studies and compare their findings. The collected data will be analyzed and the results represented in tables, graphs, and charts.

References

Germen, M. (2008). Redesigning architecture through photography.

Giersch, G. R. (2001). Architecture and photography: details in the shadow (Doctoral dissertation, Texas Tech University).

Neves, R. E. (2016). Arquitetura e Fotografia: relacoes, interpretacoes e aplicacoes (Doctoral dissertation).

Pelizzari, M. A., & Scrivano, P. (2011). Intersection of Photography and Architecture-Introduction. Visual Resources, 27(2), 107-112.

Teodosio, A. (2016, March). The eye of the architect. Le Corbusier and the photograph: demonstrate, learn, remember. In LE CORBUSIER. 50 ANOS DESPUES (pp. 2205-2215). Editorial Universitat Politecnica de Valencia.

Wei's, Z. (1995). Architecture Photography.