Time of Day/Year
This is a question we get asked a lot. The answer varies but we start by asking you to think about what you envision. Is your exterior landscaping finished? Are there mature trees that obscure the view of the buildings exterior? If you project is in a busy urban area, do you want to show the action of a city or would you like a quiet feel so the focus remains on the exterior? These are some of the things to think about.
Here in Denver, Colorado we have a true 4 seasons. Most people want their exteriors to show lush green landscapes and think of blue skies and summer days. In reality your project is seen when the skies are cloudy, leaves are falling or when there is snow on the ground. We believe that no matter the season your project can shine.
It is also important to take into consideration the angle of the sun and the way it will play on the exteriors throughout the day. Shadows create contrast and having the sun cast nice shadows revealing the texture or angles on an exterior will help define the building.
Many folks want a dramatic dusk image to show off the exterior lighting and visible interior lighting with a nice dark blue sky. While this type of image can be great and a show stopper we also like to think about when visitors or observers actually see your building. It is not common to photograph an elementary school at dusk because the building is actually rarely seen at that time of day. Instead it would make more sense to photograph the school on a nice bright early morning or in the afternoon when children are populating the exteriors.
On the other hand if we are photographing a skyscraper or tall commercial building in a city it may look best during dusk and when there are cars and people frantically moving about at the base of the image. If the building has some interior lighting that is visible at night then it would make sense to shoot during dusk. Glass building photograph really well when can see into the interiors. Having a blue sky after sunset an create a very dramatic feel.