Matthew Anderson | Architectural Photography Almanac

You Don’t NEED a Tilt-Shift Lens for Architecture Photography!

by Matthew Anderson

Before I get into this, I need to put out a disclaimer – this article and video aren’t meant to throw shade at tilt-shift lenses. I love tilt-shift lenses. In fact, I own 3 of them. The whole idea for this topic came from seeing multiple condescending comments directed at newbie photographers, trying to make them feel inequitable because they didn’t use a TS lens!

101 Basics – Straight Verticals, White Balance, & Correct Exposure

by Matthew Anderson

There will always be newbies entering the genre of architecture photography, and along with that inexperience can be unfamiliarity around some core, fundamental principles. If this sounds like you, then I hope the following videos help. Granted there’s multiple ways to “skin the cat” when it comes to getting your verticals straight, obtaining the correct white balance, and making sure you have an overall properly exposed image.

Off-Camera Flash 101 (The Basics)

by Matthew Anderson

While (clearly) an A&D photographer isn’t going to use flash for every single shot, many professionals have it at their disposal if a particular composition calls for it. Yes, off-camera flash is not the easiest thing to learn, but there’s definitely a simple way to initially approach it.

Achieving the Coveted “Editorial Look” – One Major Ingredient

by Matthew Anderson

Opinions will vary drastically on how to achieve (or even define what exactly is) that coveted “editorial look” in architecture & design photography. In fact, as I type out this paragraph, I’m not exactly sure if I could even define what it is (yes I understand the irony).

How to Handle Copyright Infringement on Instagram

by Matthew Anderson

I think I’ve cracked the code! If you’ve ever submitted a copyright infringement / take-down form on Instagram, you know that it can lead to a bit of back and forth between you and Instagram requesting more and more information stating your case as to why a certain photo (or photos) should be taken down.

Photo Contracts Are Useless and You Don’t Need Them! (Says Some Photographers)

by Matthew Anderson

I wouldn’t necessarily call it a trend, but something that I’ve noticed recently is (some) professional photographers advocating for NOT using contracts. I don’t think there are a ton of photographers doing this, but I’ve seen random comments in Facebook groups and YouTube videos suggesting that you as a professional photographer should NOT be using contracts.I’m

7 Tips for Shooting Interior Design Photography

by Matthew Anderson

Even within the category of A&D photography, shooting interior design can be its own “beast”. Not only are there nuances to shooting techniques, but (some) interior design clients can be a different breed altogether…and that’s not a bad thing.

16 Unconventional Pieces of Photography Gear

by Matthew Anderson

Whether a hobbyist or a professional, you’re more-than-likely familiar with classic pieces of gear most photographers need…lenses, light modifiers, flashes, etc. What you don’t typically hear about though, are the unconventional pieces of gear that photographers use.

A ‘Cardinal’ Highlight of Kansas City’s Artisan Home Tour (story behind the photos)

by Matthew Anderson

I think in any metropolitan area, the old 80/20 rule applies to the uniqueness of its home builders. For a majority of them, they seem extremely similar with design elements that show up in new builds over and over again. The other side of that coin though, are custom home builders willing to be different.

Business Tip – Don’t Be a Jerk!

by Matthew Anderson

For the years I worked in sales and marketing, there was a principle I kept in mind that I learned early on in my career: people do business with people they like. Barbara Corcoran from ‘Shark Tank’ has a fantastic quote related to this… “If people like you, they’re going to want to do business with you.

‘Architecture’ vs ‘Real Estate Photography’ – What’s the Difference?

by Matthew Anderson

Several weeks ago during a conversation with a prospective home builder client, I was asked “what’s the difference between you and [redacted] real estate photography?” Now, to be honest, the builder was trying to push my buttons a bit to see how I would respond.

Photo Licensing 101 – The Basics Explained

by Matthew Anderson

The topic of licensing as it relates to photography can be confusing, and rightfully so. It’s not the easiest subject to understand and very few people are thoroughly familiar with the topic. Unfortunately, because of this unfamiliarity – many individuals and businesses make assumptions and end up using or distributing photos that they’re really not supposed to.

Lights On or Off? The Dilemma Continues

by Matthew Anderson

Hatfields VS McCoys. Jets VS Sharks. Scorpion VS Sub-Zero. Lights on VS Light off in your architectural photos. Will these differences ever be resolved?! In this video, I do a quick breakdown of how different lighting setups affect the editing process and the final image.

Working While My Wife Tanned in the Sun – The Celebrity Edge

by Matthew Anderson

I absolutely love cruise vacations! For me, it’s the type of trip where I can mentally check out and worry about little to nothing at all. You have the ability to do as much or as little as you’d like, and on most cruise lines, the guests are treated like royalty.

How to Price Real Estate Photography

by Matthew Anderson

Ok, full disclosure…I got out of the real estate photography game a few years ago. But like myself, I would assume many architectural photographers used real estate as a launching pad for their professional careers. Via some other local photographers and “people watching” certain Facebook groups, I still keep my ear to the ground somewhat on this genre.

3 Steps for Bright & Clean White Walls

by Matthew Anderson

Every now and then I receive a DM or YouTube comment asking about aspects of my personal editing process. The questions tend to be all over the place, but a common one I’ve received multiple times is “how do you get your white walls to look clean and bright?”.There

5 Basics of Architecture Photography

by Matthew Anderson

There a several famous sports-related quotes related to basics and fundamentals, but to paraphrase many of them…to become a highly skilled master of your craft, you have to master the basics. Several years ago when I photographed my first architecture-related job (it was a modest property for a real estate listing), I honestly had no idea what I was doing.

How to License Your Photography – My Interview with Adam Taylor

by Matthew Anderson

If you’re a professional photographer, sooner or later you’ll come across the opportunity or be asked by a person/business (outside of one that initially hired you) for access to one or more of your photos for their marketing use. This is typically the first step in the process of licensing your work as a photographer.

Can a Photographer’s Image be Re-Posted on Social Media?

by Matthew Anderson

One of the most common forms of Copyright Infringement we come across as photographers is our images being on certain social media accounts or pages without our permission. Oddly enough, when the issue is even politely brought to the attention of the infringing account, the photographer can sometimes receive indifferent or even rude pushback.

5 Must-Have Pieces of Gear for Architecture Photography

by Matthew Anderson

As architecture photographers, we love to talk “gear” don’t we? As a newbie, we may tend to think we need to purchase a massive amount of gear in order for our photos to even look presentable. When we meet other photographers, a default go-to conversation starter is “so what do you shoot with?”.