When photographing office buildings, the focus is on depicting the interior and exterior as well as the functionality of the office building. It is therefore important to depict the interior design and condition, as well as the flexibility of possible uses. The aim is to convey a good overall impression of the property. Below you will find a checklist and sample images for the most important motifs, as well as the most important rules of real estate photography. 

• Perspectives and motifs 

• Checklist for download

• The most important rules of architectural photography

• On-Site Notes 

It is important to photograph the building in a representative way so that the viewer gets a good impression of the object. It is important that the building is not cut off at the sides and especially not at the top! Leave some space at the top. Make sure to include the logo if it is present. Ideally, no people, trees, cars, garbage cans or similar objects should be visible in the photo. 

Mood shots of the façade are a very important motif, as they show how prestigious and well-maintained a building is. Especially with office locations, companies often want to demonstrate prestige. Mood shots of the façade show what the building looks like and arouse interest. This motif is often used for brochures or websites.

The entrance and entrance area, both inside and outside, are important photo motifs. They give the viewer a first impression of the property and its accessibility. If there is a letterbox system, you can also include this. 

Representative office spaces are often decisive photo motifs. These present the professionalism of a company and the usability of the space. Make sure that no confidential data such as folder spines, documents or the like are specifically included.

Similar to the entrance area, the stairwell and elevators also reveal a lot about the quality and functionality of the property. When photographing the elevators, it is helpful to record the year of construction to provide potential tenants or buyers with additional information about the modernity and maintenance of the building.

Photos of occupier logos on the buildings are important to show current or previous tenants. These images can give potential tenants or buyers an impression of the companies that are already operating successfully at this location.

Detailed shots of designer furniture, modern workspaces and communal areas are crucial because they show prospective tenants how well-equipped and appealing the office space is. Such images are often used for pitches and exposés, as they can help to increase interest in the property and convey a professional impression.

Parking spaces and underground garages are often a decisive argument for prospective tenants, especially in urban areas or busy business districts where parking spaces are scarce. A sufficient number of parking spaces for employees, visitors and customers is crucial for local companies and prospective customers. 

The central perspective is the most important perspective for real estate photography. It is crucial to position yourself centrally in front of the subject (entrance, building, etc.). In this position, the vertical lines of the building appear parallel and converge at a point in the middle. This perspective can be used outside and inside.

To illustrate this, we have marked these lines in color below. The red circle in the middle marks the vanishing point. The blue lines mark the vertical axis. The red lines mark the parallel lines in the picture that run towards the vanishing point. This perspective only works if you position yourself centrally in front of the subject! 

In the two-point perspective, two vanishing points are used to depict architectural structures. These vanishing points create an effect of depth in the image by bringing together parallel lines in the distance. 

To illustrate this, we have marked these lines in color below. The two red circles mark the vanishing points. The blue lines mark the horizontal and vertical axes. The red lines mark the parallel lines that can be seen in the picture and which run towards the vanishing points. The vanishing points of the two-point perspective do not always have to be in the picture frame. The vanishing points are often indirectly recognizable through corners of buildings, streets or other architectural features.

The rule of thirds divides the picture into nine equal squares by drawing two horizontal and two vertical lines. By placing important elements or contrasts along these lines or at their intersections, a balanced and aesthetically pleasing composition is achieved.