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?
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.
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!
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.
Like most other retailers this week, our favorite gear store B&H is running a massive summer sale today. There are a ton of deals on gear, from SD and CF cards to displays, DJI drones, medium format Fuji camera bodies, and everything in between.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Have you ever had freezing hands during a photoshoot or drone flight? Look no further, as today I present you the best winter glove for photographers.
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.
I have to admit that I have a slight obsession with camera tripods. Over the past ten years, I have accumulated six of them in my office and every one has its own unique use. For my architectural shoots in the mountains, I was looking for a real jack of all trades.
If you’re into architectural photography, my guess is that you already know about the abilities of tilt-shift lenses. Canon has been on the forefront of this domain for years. More recently Laowa has started to offer an alternative. Now they have both a 15mm and a 20mm option.
Our favorite gear shop B&H Photo is running some great promotions and sales today. If you’re thinking about grabbing new photo equipment or gear for your office, you might want to check in on their current deals.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Save $800 on the Fujifilm GFX 50S II
Fuji’s GFX 50S II typically costs $3,999.95 for the base, but right now at B&H you can pick it up for $3,199.95, saving you $800.
Hikes through the Alps are my favorite excursions, in search of new architecture to photograph. Here I have to work out my pictures. For these photo shoots, I usually stay one night on location. This way I reserve the time with the most beautiful light for photography: late afternoon, blue hour, and early morning.
For my latest shoot in my ongoing photo series Modern Alpine Architecture, I had the chance to test out a new piece of equipment. Data transfer and protection have always been an essential part of my shoots. Usually, I had my laptop on top of a backpack at the trunk of my car or in the passenger seat.
