Retail properties are generally referred to as retail parks and shopping centers. When photographing these, the focus is on depicting the building and an economically attractive retail location. The aim is therefore not to photograph the building from all sides, but to show the special features, number of tenants and frequency. 

• Perspectives and motives 

• Checklist for download

• The most important rules of architectural photography

• On-Site Notes 

The entrances and entrance areas to the building are the most important motifs for photographs of retail locations. They are the central feature of the building, convey the first impression and show which tenants are located there, which is relevant for potential investors.

Please take photos of the entrance area, i.e. the front door and the logo, as well as another photo from the same perspective but slightly further away. Use the central perspective and the two-point perspective. It would be ideal if as many people as possible are in the picture, as this shows that the location is well frequented and attracts many customers.

It is also important to take pictures of the entire building so that the viewer gets a good overview. The rear or side areas should also be photographed, but are not quite as important as the entrances to the building. These can be arranged very differently depending on the center (front only, front and side, from all sides, etc.).

Please make sure that the building (if possible) is not cut off at the sides and above all at the top! Leave some space at the top. Make sure to include the logo, if available. 

It is particularly important to include the tenants' logos sufficiently. They illustrate the brand diversity and attractiveness of the location. Well-known and renowned tenants such as Rewe, Edeka, Toom, Obi, C&A, H&M or other stores are an indicator of an economically attractive shopping center for potential investors. Depending on the assignment, we sometimes also ask you to focus on a specific store. However, we will let you know this in advance!

Photographing the circulation areas on the property is important to show functionality. This includes escalators, food courts and common areas. Depending on the location, these areas can be inside or outside, which is particularly relevant for shopping centers

The parking situation and underground parking garage (if available) illustrate how well the property is suited for vehicle traffic. It's important to show lots of cars and occupied parking spaces to demonstrate that the retail location works well. With this perspective, it's okay to show more ground. Otherwise, we ask you to avoid this. Nevertheless, please make sure not to cut off the top of the building and leave enough air at the top.

If you notice particularly appealing details such as a beautiful and full vegetable counter, a shop-in-shop unit or a particularly nicely decorated shop window, please feel free to include them. Such photos are always very popular for exposés and pitches.

Mood shots of the façade or other architectural highlights are very popular to show what the building looks like and arouse interest. In this way, special features can be emphasized. These shots are often used for brochures or websites.

Mood shots of the façade or other architectural highlights are very popular for presenting the appearance of the building and arousing interest. This allows special features to be highlighted. These shots are often used for brochures or websites.

For shopping centers, relevant motifs also include circulation areas, including escalators, food courts, common areas and similar areas.

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 that 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. This is very suitable for mood shots or details. 

Here we summarize the most important rules for taking pictures and instructions on site. 

Notes for the shots: 

• Take the photos in landscape format! If there are subjects that are better shot in portrait format, please create portrait + landscape format!

• Make sure you always hold your camera straight and tilt it by a maximum of 10%. This will help to avoid crooked lines. 

• Shoot the building from all sides and corners and make sure that the building is not cut off at the top (and if possible) at the sides

• Observe the most important rules for real estate photography

General instructions on location: 

• Wear the FairFlee pilot warning vest!

• Note that you are traveling on behalf of FairFleet

• Register on site (unless this is explicitly not necessary)

• If a contact person on site wants more photos than agreed, always contact us to confirm this!