Architectural Photography
ART-40607
Architectural Photography: Capture the Beauty of Structures Inside and Out
6 Weeks | Prerequisites: Photo 1 and Digital Photography Workflow
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of architectural photography with this comprehensive six-week course. Whether you’re drawn to historic landmarks or modern marvels, this class will equip you with the skills and techniques to produce stunning images of interior and exterior architecture. With expert guidance, you’ll learn to harness the power of light, angles, and composition to create photographs that tell compelling stories about the built environment.
Course Details
This course combines interactive discussions, practical demonstrations, and hands-on assignments to deepen your understanding of architectural photography. Explore the essential tools, including cameras, lenses, and post-production software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, while working on weekly projects designed to challenge and inspire you. You’ll also study iconic works by masters such as Julius Shulman and contemporary photographers, applying their techniques to your portfolio. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to showcase your work and even take the first steps toward a professional career in architectural photography.
Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or a seasoned professional, this course offers something for everyone. From mastering the interplay of natural light with architectural forms to perfecting your post-processing techniques, you’ll gain the confidence to approach any project with creativity and precision. Don’t just photograph buildings—tell their stories and make them unforgettable.
What You'll Learn
- Render Three-Dimensional Objects: Transform three-dimensional structures into stunning two-dimensional photographs.
- Discern Optimal Angles: Learn how to identify the best angles and times of day to capture breathtaking architectural imagery.
- Natural and Artificial Lighting: Understand the effects of natural light on exterior architecture and learn how to use flash effectively for interior spaces.
- Refined Post-Production Skills: Develop editing skills, including color correction, exposure adjustments, black-and-white processing, and split toning.
- Versatility: Explore both representational and interpretive approaches to architectural photography to add versatility to your portfolio.
- Problem-Solving Expertise: Gain experience in overcoming challenges unique to architectural photography, enhancing your problem-solving skills.
Course Information
Quarters Offered: Winter | Online
Prerequisites: Photo I: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO (ART-40629) and Digital Photography Workflow (ART-40705).
Required Materials and Software: Fully adjustable DSLR Camera or prosumer digital camera, Memory Card, Tripod, Wide Angle Lens with Lens Hood (example: 24-70mm or 18-55mm Lens), Off Camera Flash (with a Foot Stand), Batteries for Camera & Flash, Storage Device: Portable Hard Drive, Adobe Lightroom Classic, Adobe Photoshop, and Creative Cloud Photography Plan.
Recommended Materials and Software: Cable Release (remote trigger), Card Reader, Extra Memory Cards and Batteries, Camera Strap, Flash Trigger / Commander, Photo Mechanic (software for fast culling).
Flexible Enrollment: This course is an elective for the Photography: Images & Techniques professional certificate but is open to all students, even if you're not enrolled in the Certificate Program.
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 1/31/2025
- Early Enrollment Discount: $325 ($350 if enrolled after 12/9/2024)
- Early enrollment advised
- No UCSD parking permit required
- No visitors permitted
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Melanie Fiander
Melanie's work has been featured in Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Abroad, New York Weddings, PDN, The Vendor Report, Scotland Wedding, Tie the Knot Scotland, Ländle Wedding's "Seasons of Yes", Whimsically Wed, Bermuda Weddings and Honeymoons, Bermudian Weddings, How They Asked by The Knot, The Gray Collective, Wedding Wire, United With Love, National Geographic, It Started With Yes, Glittery Bride, 100 Layer Cake, Lets Bee Together, The Newport Bride, and Wedding Chicks.
Melanie has also shown her fine artwork at Masterworks Museum and the Bermuda Society of Arts in Bermuda, The Dunes in Washington D.C., Jason Simon’s One Minute Film Festival in New York, The Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA, The Salt Institute for Documentary Studies, Space Gallery, and Portland Museum of Art in Maine.
Although still photography is her passion, she also has experience in time-based media and video. A large portion of her work created during graduate school was centered around video and audio; one of which was shown at the Portland Museum of Art in Maine.
Melanie has also hosted and curated a short film festival called the "Fiander Film Festival" in February of 2012, a sold-out event that was held at The Dunes in northwest Washington D.C. Artists and directors from all over the US, England, Italy, and Bermuda were screened at the festival including her video created in collaboration with her husband, Jim West, titled "Heartbeats". Directors with many different levels of experience in film entered their pieces into the Fiander Film Festival.
Melanie has worked as a photography professor at The Art Institutes, Sessions College, Southern Maine Community College, and McIntosh College.
