Construction Photography – the problem of timing


I am photographing a fantastic new private housing development in Poole next week.  I am taking the photographs for the architect.

I drove over to the site yesterday to see how things are going.  it is a construction site in Poole, Dorset.

The problem with building construction photography is one of timing. The works need to be completed, just completed that is, but the shoot normally needs to be done before occupation. Quite often a further shoot after occupation is preferable. 

So this is the site yesterday, Saturday. 

Ok not quite there yet. But just looking at the right hand property I got this (just iPhone shots in this post).

Move the cones and this is pretty much there. So completion of the works is 31st March. I will shoot the right hand property in a couple of days, and then return to the other property once complete, when I can take general views of both properties once the site is completely cleared. 

The other timing issue in England is the weather. Yesterday was sunny. Today it is cloudy and raining. And no-one wants a shot of a sparkly new building in the rain! 

A final point on photographing new buildings. The light. Due to the orientation of these buildings the front elevation is in the sun in the morning, the rear elevation and gardens in the sun in the afternoon. So it is either a full and long day or two visits.

And if the client wants the blue hour shot that takes even more time. 

This is all absolutely fine, and explains the cost of properly photographing  a new building. It is far from a case of just turning up, taking some snapshots then going again. There is careful planning and timing to properly photograph completed construction sites. 

Thank you for reading his post, and please check my blog tomorrow at www.rickmcevoyphotography.co.uk/blog

for another post about something to do with me and my photography. 

I will be posting from the shoot next week, maybe live during it!! 

Rick McEvoy

I am Rick McEvoy, an architectural and construction photographer living and working in the South of England. I create high quality architectural photography and construction photography imagery of the built environment for architects and commercial clients. I do not photograph weddings, families, small people or pets - anything that is alive, moves or might not do as I ask!! I am also the creator of the Photography Explained Podcast, available on all major podcast providers. I have a blog on my website where I write about my work and photography stuff. Rick McEvoy ABIPP, MCIOB

Recent Posts