R2 Photography LLC: October 2009

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Planning Your Architectural Photography Project

As they say, a little planning saves a lot of pain, and that holds true for Architectural Photography. It isn’t as easy showing up and clicking a shutter. To ensure excellent final images, a thorough pre-planning process can save everyeone from headaches, miscommunication, and surprises later in a project.

Below is an outline of typical planning milestones we have found to lead to a successful team effort with our clients.

Image Requirements Discussion

Before our initial meeting it is important that you and your design team identify views that best represent your designs. Questions todiscuss include:

• Are there any specific concepts/elements/features you want highlighted?

• Are there areas that illustrate creative problem solving by your team?

• Are there specific “must-have” interior and exterior views?

After discussing and listing all the desired images, prioritize those images in order of importance.

Site Visit

The Site Visit is vitally important for several reasons:

• Face-To-Face Discussions. We review your desired shot list and identify them in the facility. Notes are made concerning the specific expectations of individual shots and any challenges or requirements to create your vision. We will also discuss logistical requirements.

• Facility Representative Coordination. We can discuss with them what is happen during the assignment. They can ensure all lights are in working order,undesirable items are removed, landscaping/cleaning, various “housekeeping” items completed, etc. We don’t want them surprised by cases of equipment and several individuals descending on their facility for a day or more. Without their cooperation, it would be nearly impossible to complete the project.

• Technical Preparation. Color quality and light levels are measured and notated to determine technical requirements for illumination and color correcting . Scouting photographs are also taken which will be posted to your private section of our web site for review to prepare for the final photography meeting.

Site Specific Checklist

After the Site Visit we will provide you a checklist of items and details that need to be addressed or corrected prior to the photography.

Final Photography Meeting

Usually performed via telephone, together we will review your online scouting photographs and the Site Specific Checklist. We will agree on specific final views to be performed the day of the assignment.

Whether you were there or not, and whether we are your photographer on a project or not, if you have any questions or comments about commissioning architectural photography, please feel free to drop us a line anytime. We'd be happy to help!

Kimberly Blom-Roemer
Photographer
R2 Photography, LLC
r2-photography.com

866-722-9506

Thursday, October 1, 2009

AIA and the ASMP-Working Together!

Did you know the AIA and the ASMP have been working together now for over six years to continually improve the working relationships between architects and their photographers?

In 2003, James Dinegar, American Institute Architects (AIA) Chief Operating Officer, and Vicki Allums, AIA Associate General Counsel met with Victor Perlman, ASMP legal counsel and managing director, and Eugene Mopsik, ASMP Executive Director. The purpose of the meeting was to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and approve a new permission form regarding use of photographs created by ASMP members submitted in connection with AIA's award programs. This event was the culmination of over six months of negotiations and has resulted in a new and mutually beneficial relationship between ASMP and AIA.

Together they formed a new agreement and permission form and MOU.
Release form PDF
AIA/ASMP MOU Agreement PDF
AIA/ASMP MOU Press Release PDF

Other activities the AIA and ASMP work together on:

ASMP and the ASMP Architecture Specialty Group have worked with AIA on the AIA Annual Conventions and have had booths at the conventions.
ASMP works with the AIA in the presentation of continuing education seminars on the relationship of photographers and architects.
ASMP and AIA have co-produced a checklist for architects to use as a guide to their business relations with ASMP photographers.

As the Vice-President of the ASMP-Kansas City/Mid-America chapter, I believe strongly in the codes of professional standards and business conduct in which the ASMP has established. I see myself as a team member of my clients, and because so much hard work has been done on both sides at the National level, I work with my clients following the framework and guidelines developed at those levels.

Here's information from the AIA Best Practices Library. These documents are freely downloadable and may be viewed on screen or printed on a desktop color printer.

And from the ASMP:
Working With An Architectural Photographer