Career Advice from 5 Top Architectural Photographers

In February we launched The List – a selection of 90 finalists from our 80,000+ community of PhotoShelter members. Throughout the year we’ll be highlighting each of The List’s 18 categories, and this week we’re featuring the architecture and interiors photographers – don’t miss their photos on our Instagram page.

Here, we talked to them about what makes their approach unique, why they love architectural photography, and they even offered some career advice. Check out these amazing photographers from The List.

Feature photo by Keith Isaacs

Laurie Black

“I can enter a space and quickly find the strong and interesting views, from over-views to vignettes. I also have a keen sense of style, and am very comfortable styling a location on my own. I use a sophisticated palette of natural and added lighting to bring life and dimension to my photography.”

What career advice would you give your younger self?
“Never assume that you have this profession mastered. Over the years, I have constantly found myself learning new things about photography, and I don’t think that will ever stop.”

Primary location: White Salmon, Washington
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Nour El Refai

“I’m originally an Architect, and I’ve been working as an architectural photographer for more than 12 years in the Middle East and North Africa regions.”

What career advice would you give your younger self?
“Invest less time on checking new gear and comparing different cameras or lenses. Instead, practice more, expose yourself to new experiences, take more calculated risks, and try new techniques more frequently.”

Primary location: Cairo, Egypt
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Keith Isaacs

“My goal on a project isn’t only to create photographs – it’s to capture magic. I believe that each building and space has its own unique energy. The way light and shadow transform the physical world throughout the course of the day is one of the most wondrous occurrences that life has to offer each day. Great architecture captures and harnesses light, purposefully redirecting it in ways that enhance the human experience.”

What career advice would you give your younger self?
“Don’t be so hard-headed about specializing. Don’t compare yourself to other photographers, and trust your style and vision – it’s what makes you unique and what makes the creative process fulfilling.”

Primary location: Raleigh, North Carolina
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Meagan Larsen

“I provide my clients with photography that not only accurately depicts their spaces, but catches the viewer’s eye. My images are clean and full of light. Clients value my work because I am responsible, quick, consistent, and flexible. Most importantly, I love what I do and that drives me to always create good work.”

What career advice would you give your younger self?
“My advice to my younger self would be to have an open mind about what I shoot, because I found my passion in a place where I least expected it. Now, even when I think I won’t like a particular genre, I try to be open to it because I never know what I will unexpectedly enjoy. Also, get as much knowledge about running a business as you can. I was lucky enough to be given this advice from a photographer who regretted not studying business in college, and I added a business minor to my schooling – it absolutely paid off!”

Primary location: Northern Utah
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Andre Nazareth

“Architecture was my professional choice at age 17, and photography has been an intense part of my life for the last 15 years. Interest and experience in these two areas now complement the expertise of acquired techniques and a careful look at architectural interpretation.”

What career advice would you give your younger self?
“When you are hired to photograph a new location, get as much out of it as you can. Even if it’s for client work, see how you can use the opportunity to shoot for your personal portfolio, too. Use every job you can to build your portfolio.”

Primary location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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