Architectural Photography Editing

Portfolio

For the past twelve years, I’ve been the sole post-production editor for architectural photographer, Nic Lehoux. Since this is the most extensive example of my work I’ve included a link to Nic’s website below, which I also designed and continue to manage and update.

All images, aside from some done prior to 2009, are examples of my post-production work. All videos on the website were edited from stills and video clips provided by Nic and were assembled, cut, and edited as well as combined with sound effects and music by me.

Nic Lehoux Website

While the work I do for Nic is very specific to his aesthetic, I work closely with all clients on developing and maintaining a feel within the photography that is consistent with their personal vision and reflects the direction of each project.

Examples of Extensive Photoshop Editing Projects

Gusto 501
Toronto

What does a post-production editor for an architectural photographer do, you ask?

Well, in this case, on top of the usual ‘undesirable visual clutter’ of signage, utilities, exit signs, etc. that I always remove, the photographer asked, “Can you remove the orange Hydro lines in the images I’m sending to you.” Yes, of course. I had no idea how big Toronto’s orange Hydro lines were or that they ran across the entire top and front of the building...twice, but no problem.

Then the magazine editor says, “We don’t want snow on the ground in a May issue, could you remove it?” I can...you know I’ll have to make up what I can’t see behind the snow, like, draw a whole sidewalk and alley and bottoms of buildings and people’s shoes and grow grass on the right side, so it’s going to take some time.

Then, after the snow is removed from the street, alley, grass, ledges, rooftops, etc. the architect says, “Wow, that dumpster in the alley really stands out now, can it go away?” Sure! Why not.

Winter now looks like it could be just about any time of year with a light rain falling.

Use the slider on the image below to see the before and after transformation. Image ©Nic Lehoux

Bullitt Center
Seattle

Ah, the bustling city streets of Seattle’s Capitol Hill…old and new buildings mingle, interspersed with trees, and little parks. People, cars, busses, and taxi cabs rush by paying no attention to all of the utility poles, lines, and signage unless those signs are inviting them for a coffee or a quick bite to eat.

When I saw this photo of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson’s Bullitt Center I knew I needed to cut down on the many crisscrossing lines across the facade, but sometimes you don’t realize until you get into a project just how much that will entail. Removing utility wires leaves the poles standing there for no reason, so they need to go. But that pole removed leaves its shadow, blank areas in buildings, half people, and sidewalks with holes. At that point, it’s a labor of love and a challenge accepted that you can’t turn back from. Believe me, I wanted to, but I’m very happy with the way it turned out and the client was thrilled that the building was now the focus.

Use the slider on the image below to see the before and after transformation. Image ©Nic Lehoux

VIA 57 West
NYC

Then there are the times when an architectural photographer must shoot a building that is incomplete to take advantage of the season before the skies turn grey and winter sets in. That was the case with The Bjarke Ingles Group's addition to the NYC skyline. VIA 57 West was near completion but missing the crowning peak of the facade. The color of the changing leaves across the river were just too beautiful to pass up as a foreground frame so it was up to me to finish the construction.

By cloning parts of the completed building, and cross-referencing with drawings and computer renderings from the architect I completed the peak in time for magazine publications to run stories on the building that fall. It is by no means perfect and I can see every flaw. They are some of the most widely published images of the building to this day and I cringe a little each time I run across it but nobody else seems to notice the imperfections, luckily.

Use the slider on the image below to see the before and after transformation. Images ©Nic Lehoux