The Distributor's Link - The National Magazine For Fastener Distributors. Cover photo by commercial architecture photographer Brian Rodgers Jr. at Digital Art That Rocks.
As a commercial photographer and digital artist that specializes in product and architectural photography, my career has afforded me to travel the country and photograph some pretty diverse and remarkable spaces, each presenting distinct logistical and creative challenges.
In this article, I wanted to provide a brief case study of an industrial architecture interior that I photographed at a 147,000 sq ft manufacturing plant in Indianapolis. The final image was featured on the cover of The Distributor's Link - The National Magazine For Fastener Distributors.
What is Industrial Architecture?
Industrial architecture is a design philosophy that places primary emphasis on functional efficiency and structural integrity, often at the forefront of its aesthetic considerations. This approach is fundamental in the construction of facilities within the industrial sector, including but not limited to factories, warehouses, and power generation plants. Industrial buildings often feature a minimalist aesthetic, open floor plans, high ceilings and exposed utilities and structural elements.
How is Industrial Architecture Photography different than other types of architectural photography?
Industrial architecture photography focuses on capturing buildings and structures used for industrial purposes, such as factories, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities, showcasing their design, function, and the processes within.
What Are Some Common Examples of Industrial Architecture?
Here are some top of mind structures that exemplify the core principles of function and efficiency that define industrial architecture:
Factories and Manufacturing Plants
Warehouses and Distribution Centers
Power Plants
Industrial architecture isn't confined to purely utilitarian spaces, however. Modern adaptations and a growing appreciation for the aesthetic have brought industrial design elements into consumer-facing areas. Here are some examples:
Breweries and Distilleries
Food Halls and Markets
Retail Spaces
Restaurants and Cafes
Co-working Spaces
Event Venues
Urban Parks and Public Spaces
Industrial architecture photography of a US manufacturer of specialty fasteners that makes and stocks hard-to-find fasteners, precision components, and beautiful architectural fittings. Commercial architecture photography by Brian Rodgers Jr.
Industrial Architecture - Case Study
The Challenge
The challenge was to visually communicate the capabilities of automation and 24/7 production as a strategic competitive advantage in the global industrial fastener market; an industry that serves a wide range of sectors, including commercial construction, automotive, aerospace, defense and agriculture.
The Creative Solve
My solution was to create a high impact visual transformation that would showcase the manufacturing facility in a creative and unique way. When most people envision industrial interior spaces and machine shops, they immediately think of gray floors and fluorescent overhead lighting. I wanted to do the exact opposite; show this space at night allowing the machines to come to life.
The Production
I really wanted to focus on capturing the scale of the space and the interplay of light and shadow on the industrial equipment. By securely positioning my camera on a scissor lift, I was able to elevate the composition to show a wider array of machines and enhance the depth of the scene. By turning off all of the interior lighting in the facility, I brought this space to life by using a combination of techniques.
In addition to using very long exposures to capture the ambient lighting from the machines, I also walked the entire shop floor to meticulously capture frames where I artfully light painted various areas of the facility using off camera flash and flashlights. This vast space equipped with CNC lathes, mills, thread rolling equipment and intricate network of machines and exposed steel beams presented some unique lighting opportunities.
The Post-Production & Retouching
As with all of the commercial imagery that I create, it's simply not possible to capture the final image all within a single frame. In order to really articulate my vision, the type of high end photographic imagery that I produce requires a good amount of post-production and retouching. In order to create the final polished image, it can take a significant amount of time to organize, process, make image selections, composite and retouch everything.
The final image, through its unique and creative portrayal of unmanned machinery in an overnight production setting, successfully conveyed the intended message of 24/7 automation. The client's enthusiastic response confirmed the image's effectiveness.
Before & After Retouching
Digital Art That Rocks™ Industrial Architecture Interior Photography Timelapse Video
Here's a behind the scenes look at an industrial architecture interior that I photographed at a 147,000 sq ft manufacturing plant in Indianapolis. The final image made it's way to the cover of The Distributor's Link - The National Magazine For Fastener Distributors.
View my full architectural photography portfolio
This is just one example of how Digital Art That Rocks helps brands explore powerful visual narratives that showcase their products and services with exceptional clarity and impact. If your architecture firm, construction company, or a brick and mortar business that needs high level architectural photography, please get it touch! I’d love an opportunity to help your business maximize it’s marketing potential.
