Mike Kelley

Owner / Founder

I'm a photographer based in Los Angeles, California who specializes in photographing architecture; I also have a mild airplane obsession.

mpkelley.com
How Much Are Architectural Photographers Charging and Earning? The First Results of the APA Census Are Here

How Much Are Architectural Photographers Charging and Earning? The First Results of the APA Census Are Here

by Mike Kelley
After leaving the APAlmanac Architectural Photography Census open for almost six months in 2020, we are here to report the results. An incredible 1,259 professional architectural photographers from all over the world completed and contributed to the survey, which has provided an amazing cross section of how and why we’re working, where we struggle, where we succeed, and so much more.
Introducing The APAlmanac Architecture Photography Contract Template

Introducing The APAlmanac Architecture Photography Contract Template

by Mike Kelley
I am so proud to introduce The APAlmanac Contract Template. In over a decade of photographing architecture, I have talked to thousands of working photographers, whether it’s for a lunch, on an online forum, here on Apalmanac, or at workshops or conferences.
I’m Being Asked For COVID Discounts – Help!

I’m Being Asked For COVID Discounts – Help!

by Mike Kelley
M Asks: I’m getting quite a few requests for shoots starting late April / May. Everyone is pleading poverty, from £120m new openings (who I know had already budgeted marketing) to £10m refurbs. Every quote so far has asked for a reduction in fees. My own view is that I won’t lower my fee (mostly because my expenses & talent are same as pre-covid and I have a gut feeling that if I lower it, it will be impossible to raise later) but I am being super-flexible on pretty much all else.
Photographing Homes While California is Choked in Wildfire Smoke

Photographing Homes While California is Choked in Wildfire Smoke

by Mike Kelley
For those of us living in California and the rest of the West Coast of the US, it’s been a crazy few months to say the least. Wildfire smoke has engulfed nearly every part of the region at some point over the past two months, turning skies grey and orange from Los Angeles to Seattle.
I’ll Just Fix That in Post, And Other Lies I Tell Myself

I’ll Just Fix That in Post, And Other Lies I Tell Myself

by Mike Kelley
It’s been four years since my last educational photography project, and I am happy to announce the release of my first ever e-book: I’ll just Fix That in Post, And Other Lies I Tell Myself, a combination of group therapy, an epic self-roast (plenty of laughs at my expense) and technical manual to architectural photography.
The Problem With Hyper Real Renders (And Photographs!)

The Problem With Hyper Real Renders (And Photographs!)

by Mike Kelley
This short and poignant video by the B1M highlights the increasing propensity for renders to exaggerate the truth, leading to disappointed clients and impossible design goals for projects. Not only do these renders mislead the public, setting them (us!)
Do You Need An Architecture Degree To Photograph Architecture?

Do You Need An Architecture Degree To Photograph Architecture?

by Mike Kelley
P asks: Is it possible to be an architectural photographer without previously being an architect? My girlfriend is an architect and our first idea is to open a studio together. Do I have options in this world without having studied a degree in photography or architecture?
How One of the Biggest Names in Photography and Visualization Deals With Attribution and Licensing

How One of the Biggest Names in Photography and Visualization Deals With Attribution and Licensing

by Mike Kelley
DBOX is an international creative communications agency that creates campaigns in the sectors of luxury residential, hospitality, commercial, and cultural property. Specializing in both renders and photography, DBOX is at the top of the global architecture marketing game and were kind enough to sit down for a chat with APA to discuss their inner business workings, their frustrations, and their efforts to remedy an industry-wide scourge.
Still Lives: Making Photographs During a Global Pandemic

Still Lives: Making Photographs During a Global Pandemic

by Mike Kelley
When you’re obsessed with something, say, architectural photography, you can’t imagine a life without it, so you’re going to find a way to do it no matter what. Even in the midst of a pandemic, even if you have to use an awful camera, even if you just underwent back surgery.
Announcing the APAlmanac Store!

Announcing the APAlmanac Store!

by Mike Kelley
We are happy to announce that we are opening our store this week, which includes classic pieces from APA’s storied “history” – including our emotional support mugs and bingo mugs for those days when you just need a laugh before heading out to shoot, or tote bags to carry all of your accumulated props and snacks to and from the set!
Should Magazines Pay To License Images That Were Already Commissioned?

Should Magazines Pay To License Images That Were Already Commissioned?

by Mike Kelley
Q: I'm an architecture and Interiors specialist in Detroit, I basically give my clients a non-exclusive perpetual unlimited usage license, and include contest entry, but this wouldn't include editorial feature usage. How frequently are large publications going to...
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER (me) RIPS HIS PHOTOS TO SHREDS! (He Shouldn’t Have Agreed to This!)

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER (me) RIPS HIS PHOTOS TO SHREDS! (He Shouldn’t Have Agreed to This!)

by Mike Kelley
That’s more or less the title of a YouTube video I did with Jared Polin of FroKnowsPhoto DOT COM! I know, I know, Jared and I probably couldn’t be on further ends of the personality spectrum with his outgoing rambunctious videos vs my somewhat quiet and reserved personality but the end result is a pretty great educational video for someone just getting started in architectural photography (or someone who wants to watch Jared get very politely shredded!)
Take The First Ever Global Architecture Photography Survey

Take The First Ever Global Architecture Photography Survey

by Mike Kelley
The architectural photography community is spread thin across the world, yet we are a close-knit community brought together by the internet and our shared love of photographing homes, businesses, art, and design. Currently, there is little to no data available related to the way we operate and the most frequent questions that we receive on APAlmanac relate to how people across the world run their businesses and what they can do to improve their own businesses.
The Best Architecture Photography Instagram Accounts To Follow

The Best Architecture Photography Instagram Accounts To Follow

by Mike Kelley
Most of us are loafing around on our phones more than ever due to COVID-19, myself included. I’ve always thought it would be fun to put together a list of the best architecture photography instagram accounts to follow, so today the inspiration struck and I’ve decided to put everything in one easy list for you to check out.
If You Are a Photographer, You Must Watch This Video About Copyright

If You Are a Photographer, You Must Watch This Video About Copyright

by Mike Kelley
Beloved British Baking Show Contestant YouTuber Tom Scott is known for his short, humorous, informational videos covering everything from sending garlic bread into space to navigating the interior of the brain with neurosurgeons. In one of his most ambitious projects to date, Tom Scott tackles a topic that is close to the hearts of every artist: copyright.
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