Jędrzej Sokołowski | Architectural Photography Almanac

Christopher Barrett demonstrates how an architectural photographer can creatively use a Dremel tool

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

The introduction of the affordable Fujifilm GFX 100S has made high-resolution medium-format sensors much more popular among architectural photographers. Many love this camera (though there are critics, too) and are searching for the best accessories to improve tripod-based photography.

Introducing the New Arca Swiss Pico System

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

The Arca Swiss Pico is a new addition to the line of technical cameras by Arca Swiss, renowned for their precision and quality in camera and tripod systems. Pico has been designed as a compact and lightweight view camera, aimed at professional photographers who require precise control over their images, particularly needing shift and tilt functionalities.

SmallRig and Potato Jet Have Presented a New and Unconventional Tripod

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

Although this intriguing new tripod was designed with video creators in mind, it may also interest architectural photographers! This SmallRig x Potato Jet collaboration dubbed the “Tribex Hydraulic Carbon Fiber Tripod” stands out for its very fast and simple leg extension and leveling mechanism.

Christophe Bénard compares: Fujifilm GFX100 II, Sony A7R V, Phase One IQ260

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

So here we are, 2024 has come, and the choice for camera systems is better than ever. Christophe Bénard had the opportunity to test the Fujifilm GFX100 II and its new Tilt-Shift lenses. How does this combo compare to Sony and the Phase One digital back?source:

Gifts for Architectural Photographers – a Few Things to Make Life Easier

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

The Christmas holidays are approaching, and with them, the rise of consumerism. Many people are thinking about gifts and creating lists of gift suggestions. Articles on the APA website are typically read by photographers themselves rather than their loved ones.

Shimoda Has a New Backpack on the Way – Here’s my Thoughts on Their Existing Models

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

For several months, I’ve been testing camera rolling backpacks, using several models from the Thinktank company as examples. I wrote a fairly long article about it, which you can still read. After an extended period of working and traveling with a rolling backpack, however, I found myself longing for a classic camera backpack.

Adobe Lightroom or Capture One? A Subjective Comparison | Part Two

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

In the first part of this series, where I discussed my subjective reflections related to photo post-processing in Lightroom and Capture One, I covered topics such as types of licenses, program interfaces, tethering, and the difference between a catalog and a session.

Why is the new Nikon Zf an interesting camera?

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

Nikon has introduced a new mirrorless camera with a retro style. It’s a body that pays homage to the iconic analog FM2 model and bears a strong resemblance to the Z fc model introduced in 2021, featuring an APS-C sensor. Why might this model be of interest to architectural photographers?Pixel

Fujifilm Tilt Shift Lenses and More Officially Announced

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

The Fujifilm GFX100s is a great camera for architectural photography. Many photographers use it in combination with shift lenses from other manufacturers. Thanks to adapters, we can use products from Canon, Nikon, or Laowa, for example. However, we have all been eagerly waiting for the long-promised native Fuji shift lenses.

Adobe Lightroom or Capture One? A Subjective Comparison | Part One

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

I remember the first time I used Adobe Lightroom. It had to be around the year 2008. It was a shock to me back then. I mainly had used Photoshop before, which is a powerful tool, but especially at that time, it wasn’t well-suited for quickly editing a large number of photos.

After several months of using rolling backpacks on shoots, here is what I’ve learned

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

As professional photographers, we need to be able to sell not only our photographs but also ourselves – our image. It’s not just about the clients you’ve worked with, the quality of your portfolio, or the prices and deadlines you offer. Many clients, often unconsciously, are also buying you as a person.

Smallrig Wants Your Feedback As They Design Their New Production Cart

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

Many architectural photographers use “video camera” carts. These small production carts with wheels allow you to comfortably transport a lot of equipment, especially when working with flashes and grip equipment. It is also a very good option for working with a computer in tethering mode.

A medium-sized tripod that we can always take with us: review of Leofoto LQ-284C

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

Not everyone who takes photos needs to have a tripod. However, in architectural photography, a camera practically doesn’t exist without a tripod. Moreover, it is worth having more than one tripod! Many people believe that the optimal solution is to have three models…A large, versatile “workhorse” tripod (such as the previously mentioned Leofoto LM-324CL or the competing Gitzo GT3543XLS) A medium-sized tripod that we can always take with us, for example, in carry-on luggage or attach to a backpack when going hiking (Albrecht Voss described the Gitzo GK2545T-82QD model) A pocket-sized tabletop tripod that can be useful in specific situations (check out Mike Kelley’s review of the Platypod or the Gitzo Mini Traveler Tabletop Tripod).This

Nikon Z8 Announced for Pre-Order

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

For some time now, it has become popular to claim that Nikon has overslept the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, and some even predict the end of the company. Nikon, with the introduction of the well-received Z9, showed that they still know how to build great cameras for professionals that even set new standards in certain fields.

Is This the End of Digital Backs?

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

Produced for more than 20 years, Swiss-made Alpa cameras are renowned for their precision, construction quality and high price. They are designed to work with medium format digital backs and specifically mounted lenses from Rodenstock and Schneider.

A tip every GFX user should know

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

Fujifilm’s GFX series cameras are great equipment for architectural photographers. We can argue whether this is a true medium format, but it is certainly a piece of equipment used by an increasing number of professionals. There are more and more interesting lenses available for this system, and many readers are surely waiting with bated breath for the release of the shift lens announced by Fuji.

Leofoto Announces New Geared Products

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

Architectural photographers are probably following the news in the small specialist geared head market with interest. In a space that has been dominated by Manfrotto and Arca Swiss for, as far as I can tell, decades, the Chinese brand Leofoto emerged a few years ago.

Putting the Leofoto LM-324CL Tripod Through Its Paces

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

A tripod can serve as support for both the camera and the photographer who is exhausted after a long photo session. It can also be a declaration of the photographer’s presence, expressing their intention to capture their subject. During documentary projects, I have consciously used a large format analog camera placed on a tripod, which drew the attention of passersby and became a pretext for conversation, facilitating the establishment of contact with people I wanted to photograph, for example, to take their portraits.

One More Geared Head? APALMANAC Reviews the Leofoto G4

by Jędrzej Sokołowski

For some time now, I’ve been convinced that a better tripod or tripod head doesn’t make me a better photographer or improve my photographs in any way. That being said, it definitely makes my life easier and more satisfying instead of difficult. That’s why as a professional architecture photographer I always use carbon tripods from Gitzo with heads and accessories from: Arca Swiss, Really Right Stuff and Sunwayfoto.