Architectural & Commercial
Yorkshire Architectural Photographer
Architectural photography combines my love of the outdoors and landscapes with that of buildings. I love working with the light, context and a building’s design to create honest yet compelling photographs that celebrate everything that has gone into the architecture before me. I work across Yorkshire and the rest of the UK photographing for architects, designers, developers and builders. Subjects range from photographing public realm architecture, private homes, community buildings and everything in between.
As a Yorkshire architectural photographer it’s important to me that I really get to know my projects. As I have developed professionally my style has slowly evolved and I believe my work brings a quiet calm and gentle mood to the architecture I am fortunate enough to photograph. Careful research and planning equip me with an in depth knowledge, allowing me experience buildings both with new eyes and the in and outs of how they came to be.
Architectural Photography of buildings, installations and structures. Commercial Photography for hotels, restaurants, bars, museums, events & retail.
Subject + Light + Context + Knowledge
Bringing together these elements for the best photography possible takes research, experience, the right equipment and technical skill. Great architectural imagery rarely comes about by just turning up and shooting. Elevations will have the best light at particular times of the day and are also influenced by weather, nearby buildings and the landscape (namely trees!).
Residential
Residential photography for new build homes and extensions to existing homes. Also covering developments of houses and flats.
Commercial
From office buildings to hotels and museums, warehouses to leisure centres. Commercial spaces often come with access constraints to navigate.
Public Realm
Public spaces are receiving much more attention. From empty grassland transformed into inviting public gardens and concrete squares converted to city centre oases.
I regularly work in York, Leeds, Malton, Harrogate, Manchester, Sheffield, Newcastle, Liverpool, Hull & London
Your Questions, Answered
Everything you need to know about working with Alasdair McIntosh to photograph your building or architectural project.
Who is Alasdair McIntosh and what experience does he have in architectural photography?
I'm a York-based photographer with over 15 years' professional experience, and architectural photography sits at the heart of what I do. I work with architects, designers, developers and builders across Yorkshire and the rest of the UK, photographing everything from private homes and new build residential developments to public realm projects, universities and commercial buildings. My style brings a quiet calm and considered mood to the architecture I photograph, always working with light, context and the story behind a building.
Who do you work with?
I work with a wide range of clients including architects and architectural practices, interior designers, property developers, builders, housing associations, universities and public bodies. I also work directly with homeowners who want professional photographs of a new build, extension or renovation project.
What types of buildings and projects do you photograph?
I cover the full spectrum of architectural subjects. On the residential side that includes new build homes, extensions, self-build projects and housing developments. For commercial work I photograph office buildings, hotels, museums, leisure centres, warehouses and retail spaces. I also have a strong interest in public realm photography, from transformed public gardens to city centre regeneration projects.
What makes a great architectural photograph?
Great architectural photography rarely comes from just turning up and shooting. It takes careful research and planning, an understanding of how light moves around a building at different times of day, and an awareness of how weather, nearby buildings and the landscape all play a role. I invest time in getting to know each project so that I can photograph a building with both fresh eyes and a genuine understanding of how it came to be.
How do you plan a shoot?
Before any shoot I research the building, its orientation and the best times of day for light on key elevations. I'm happy to visit the site in advance for larger projects, and I'll always discuss the brief thoroughly with you beforehand. For exteriors, weather and season can make a significant difference, so I keep a close eye on conditions in the lead up to the shoot date.
Do you photograph building interiors as well as exteriors?
Yes. I photograph both exteriors and interiors, and many projects require a combination of the two. Interior architectural photography requires a different approach to exterior work, with careful attention to artificial and natural light, spatial composition and the way a space is used. I bring the same level of planning and care to interior shoots as to exterior ones.
Do you offer drone photography for architectural projects?
Yes, drone photography is one of my specialisms and it can be transformative for architectural work. Aerial images reveal the relationship between a building and its wider context, the quality of a roofline or facade detail, and the setting of a development in its landscape or streetscape. All drone work is fully insured and CAA-compliant.
Can you also produce video for architectural projects?
Yes. I offer creative video production alongside stills, which can be particularly effective for showcasing new developments, project case studies or practice showreels. Stills and video can be captured in the same visit to keep things efficient.
Where do you work?
I'm based in York and regularly work across Yorkshire, including in York, Leeds, Harrogate, Malton, Sheffield, Hull and beyond. I also work further afield and have photographed projects in Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool and London. If you're outside Yorkshire, please do still get in touch.
How long does an architectural photoshoot take?
It depends on the scale and complexity of the project. A single building exterior might take a few hours, while a multi-building development or a project requiring both interior and exterior coverage could take a full day or more. For projects where light is critical I may also schedule revisits to capture different conditions. I'll give you a clear estimate once I understand the brief.
When will I receive the finished images?
Fully edited, high-resolution images are typically delivered within 1 to 2 weeks via a private online gallery. If you have a deadline, expedited turnaround is available, so just let me know at the time of booking and I'll do my best to accommodate you. You'll receive web-optimised files for websites and digital use, plus full-resolution versions for print, publications and award submissions.
Can the images be used for award submissions and publications?
Yes. Architectural photography is frequently used for RIBA award submissions, architectural press and design publications, and I'm familiar with the requirements these typically involve. If you have a specific submission deadline, please mention this when you get in touch so we can plan accordingly.
How much does architectural photography cost?
Pricing depends on the scale of the project, the number of buildings or spaces to be covered, the location and whether drone or video is included. I'd rather give you an accurate quote based on your specific brief, so please get in touch and I'll put a proposal together for you.
How do I book an architectural photoshoot?
Head to my contact page or drop me an email. I'll have a conversation about the project, your goals and the best approach, and I'm happy to visit the site in advance for larger or more complex shoots. The more I know about a project before the shoot, the better the results.
Ready to show your project at its very best?
Get in touch and let's talk about what I can do for your building or architectural project.
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