Greater Goods by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. Image © Chase Daniel

In Focus is Archinect's recurring series dedicated to profiling the photographers who help capture architecture and make the work of architects look that much better. In this series, we ask: What is their relationship to architecture? How do they work? What are their goals when capturing buildings?

For this installment, Archinect chats with Austin, Texas-based photographer and designer Chase Daniel. Daniel's work is highlighted in our previously featured Studio Snapshots for North Arrow Studio and Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. 

As someone who graduated from architecture school and works at design firms himself, Daniel values his experience on both the producing and the documenting end of the built environment.

What is your relationship to architecture?

I actually have a degree in it! I studied architecture at Virginia Tech and received my degree before moving to Austin and working for an architecture firm. I've been with Michael Hsu Office of Architecture for about 6 years and currently work part-time in the office. I love being able to design projects as well as photograph them.

What pushed you towards photographing architecture and interiors?

I've always had an interest in design, but my interest in photography actually developed through Instagram. Towards the end of college, I really got into taking photos on my phone. Eventually, I bought a beginner level camera and started taking pictures of buildings. I thought combining two of my interests was a good idea, so that's how I started with interior and architectural photography.

Do you remember the first photograph you ever took?

Sadly, I don't. I do however remember my first ever paid photography gig. I was tasked with capturing the X-Games for Dos Equis with my trusty iPhone in hand.

I thought combining two of my interests was a good idea, so that's how I started with interior and architectural photography.

What's the main difference you find capturing buildings versus capturing people in your photographs?

I think by adding people in the frame, it can do a number of things for the photograph. Sometimes having some human element in the frame brings life and softens the architectural image. Other times, it might be a perfectly placed figure to show scale or how the space is used.

I want to be sure to listen to their description of each room or detail and capture it. I also try to convey the feeling of being in the space for the viewer who is not familiar with the project.

What are your goals when capturing a space?

When capturing a space, I try to showcase what the designer or architect intended the space to be. Since they often hire me to document the project, I want to be sure to listen to their description of each room or detail and capture it. I also try to convey the feeling of being in the space for the viewer who is not familiar with the project. It can be really difficult to transfer the experience of being in a space into a 2D image.

Is there a different approach when photographing interiors and exteriors?

I think I'm more at the mercy of the elements for exterior images, whereas interior images can be strongly controlled by lighting. Generally, interiors can be more time-consuming due to the amount of framing, rearranging furniture, styling accessories, etc.

Could you describe your work process? Do you have a specific ritual or process to help you capture the right shots?

Most of the time, I walk through the site with the designer to get a feel for what they want captured. From there, I make a general game plan for the day on what shots to take based on lighting conditions. I try to take a mix of exposures with ambient light as well as strobes so I can adjust tones as needed in post-production.

What are your thoughts about including people in your photos of buildings? Is it important to photograph a space in use, or by itself?

I particularly enjoy having people in spaces in two scenarios. If there is a large space where some scale is needed, then adding a pop of color or a few people throughout the space can bring life to the image. The other is in hospitality images. If there is a bar or hotel lobby front desk, I feel like having someone placed in the image gives a sense of being there.

Do you believe the “perfect” photo exists?

Definitely not. I think a lot of architectural photographers are perfectionist, and we can always find something wrong with our image or something we could have done better. Ideally, by having this mindset, we continually improve our skills.

Sometimes having some human element in the frame brings life and softens the architectural image. Other times, it might be a perfectly placed figure to show scale or how the space is used.

What is one thing you wish people knew when it comes to being a professional photographer?

I wish people knew that it takes more than just the right equipment. These days, everybody has a nice camera and is capable of producing great images with their iPhone. What makes a professional photographer stand out is to have the right vision to capture what they're hired to do—and to do that consistently.

Now to get a bit technical, what's your favorite piece(s) of equipment to use?

I love my Sony A7rII. I switched over to Sony a few years ago and can't say enough about how much I enjoy their cameras. That being said, I'm not a huge gear guy and am usually a few steps behind with the latest and greatest stuff on the market. I think it's more about having the right mindset and using what you have to hone your skills.

Are there any photographers you look up to?

There are too many to count! One of my recent favorites is a guy based out of Australia named Adam Gibson. He creates images with amazing rich tones and a certain grungy feel to them. It's a nice change from the standard architectural stuff.

When capturing a space, I try to showcase what the designer or architect intended the space to be.

What's the best piece of advice you've been given, and what would you say to aspiring photographers who are interested in pursuing photography as a career?

It's a long process. It took me a few years to get established in my local market. Designers and Architects often have their go-to photographers to use for projects, so work hard and be patient. If you produce quality work, then you will be seen.

Chase Daniel is a photographer and designer based in Austin, TX.