Interior Architectural Photography Resource

[Shawn Dougherty]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good Interior Architectural Photography Resource? A good book, website, pdf?

I having been using a view camera since 2004. I know the basics, I have Steve Simmons book... I'm fairly new to photographing interiors with a view camera (I have a Toyo 45AII) and am looking for some tips, advice etc. At this point it's answers to questions I don't have yet. =) As I come up with more specific needs I will check in here. In the meantime I would like something more generalized to read over.

I am working inside buildings more and more lately. As such I have readjusted my lens kit with faster glass to make the ground glass more easily viewable. Combined with my factory Toyo fresnel I can see pretty well now. I am not doing commercial work and don't plan to. It's all personal work along the lines of the images linked below:

http://www.shawndougherty.com/p49885...8eb6#h27538eb6

http://www.shawndougherty.com/p49885...84c0#h2eb984c0

http://www.shawndougherty.com/p49885...6f4d#h2dc56f4d

http://www.shawndougherty.com/p49885...ad54#h28a8ad54

http://www.shawndougherty.com/p49885...76a0#h261276a0

http://www.shawndougherty.com/p49885...cadb#h3371cadb

The following image gave me the most trouble. Nothing in this old farmhouse room was "square", so I wasn't sure what lines I should try and make "straight". After photographing it 6 different times I came up with this:

http://www.shawndougherty.com/p49885...7d5ad#h7b7d5ad

Anyway, thanks in advance for any reading suggestions!
Shawn

[Kirk Gittings]

IMHO there are no "great" books out there on shooting interiors, but Norman McGrath's book PHOTOGRAPHING BUILDINGS INSIDE AND OUT comes to mind (that title may not be exactly right). To learn some basic flash lighting skills on residential interiors (digital but the basic ideas translate to film and large strobe) many people like the PDF from Scott Hargis.

[Shawn Dougherty]

Thanks, Kirk. I'll be sure to check them out!

In the meantime, why don't YOU put together a nice how to book focusing on us LF film photographers? =P

Thanks again.
Shawn

[Kirk Gittings]

Considering I have taught it for 24 years bewteen 2 universities, believe me I have thought about it for sure. There just never seems to be enough "free" time for such a project.

[Shawn Dougherty]

Well you can consider one sold to this photographer!

Shawn

[Leigh]

I'll buy one.

- Leigh

[Merg Ross]

Hi Shawn - I would say that you are off to a good start, without a book! The McGrath book that Kirk mentioned has helpful information. My favorite when I was starting out in architectural photography was a book by Julius Shulman, "Photographing Architecture and Interiors". He was one of the greats, and did a lot of work for Frank Lloyd Wright. Look for his book in a library, I think you will find it helpful.

Best,
Merg

[tgtaylor]

Hi Shawn - I would say that you are off to a good start, without a book!

+1

But get the book anyway.

Thomas

[David R Munson]

The most expedient way to get a better handle on how to approach interiors would probably be to assist a commercial shooter who's doing interiors. Two caveats, though:
1. Getting assisting work isn't the easiest thing right now in the economic climate at hand.
2. If you're not going to do it for income, please try not to undercut guys like me who do it for a living.

[Shawn Dougherty]

Hi Shawn - I would say that you are off to a good start, without a book! The McGrath book that Kirk mentioned has helpful information. My favorite when I was starting out in architectural photography was a book by Julius Shulman, "Photographing Architecture and Interiors". He was one of the greats, and did a lot of work for Frank Lloyd Wright. Look for his book in a library, I think you will find it helpful.

Best,
Merg

Merg,
Thank you! I appreciate that very much. I will check my library, I also found it fairly reasonable on Amazon. (I was specifically hoping that you and Kirk would check in. =) Thanks again, Merg!

+1

But get the book anyway.

Thomas

=) Thanks, Thomas!

The most expedient way to get a better handle on how to approach interiors would probably be to assist a commercial shooter who's doing interiors. Two caveats, though:
1. Getting assisting work isn't the easiest thing right now in the economic climate at hand.
2. If you're not going to do it for income, please try not to undercut guys like me who do it for a living.

Fear not, David. =P I have done some product, portrait and wedding photography in my past and quickly discoverd I am not cut out to balance both personal and commercial work... I have the utmost respect for those who can.