Interview with Architectural Photographer Lisa Petrole

Lifestyle - Interview

by Melisa Kaya

Lisa Petrole is a Canadian/American freelance photographer specializing in interior design, architectural, and lifestyle photography. She discovered her interest in photography in high school years and worked to advance this interest to a professional career with the flawless vision. Lisa came to specialize in architectural and interior photography, even if her inspiration Yousuf Karsh is a portrait photographer, and this inspiration has brought a difference to Lisa's point of view. I asked Lisa Petrole about the Importance of Photography in Architecture.

Lisa, before start talking about Architectural Photography, could you tell us about yourself? Who is Lisa Petrole?

Toronto native, now living in Dallas with her partner and their dog BB.

Photo by Lisa Petrole

How did you decide to pursue a career in photography? What or who inspired you?

I took a photography class in high school where I immediately fell in love with the medium, staying after school to spend extra time in the darkrooms and even attending college photography night classes until I graduated high school and was able to go to college full time. I just wanted to shoot and learn. In one of these classes, I came across a book on Yousuf Karsh. His work changed my perspective on photography, the art and the science behind it. Although he is a portrait photographer and I eventually came to specialize in architecture and interior work, his images still inspire me today.

Could you tell us about Lisa Petrole Photography?

Based in Dallas, Texas but I often travel for my work. Represented by Sisterbrother MGMT.

Photo by Lisa Petrole

How would you describe your photographic approach?

When photographing spaces my approach is to create an image that allows the viewer to feel what its like to actually be in the space using perspective, lighting, and mood. I want people to get the full atmosphere of the space through the image.

Photo by Lisa Petrole

What type of services do you offer to architecture firms?

For most shoots, if possible we do a location scout day so I can get a sense of the space and prepare for the shoot accordingly. Then depending on the size and scope of the project we shoot on a per day basis and bring in any additional production resources that might be helpful for the end goal.

Photo by Lisa Petrole

How long does it take to complete an average architectural project's full photo work?

This really depends on the project. I’ve had projects that spanned over a year and also rush jobs that are turned around in a couple days.

Which factors determine the project budget?

Budget is determined by the amount of work, the crew needed for each job, travel to a location, and the final usage of the images.

Photo by Lisa Petrole

What is the most important component of a spectacular architectural photograph?

I think it really comes down to good lighting.

How does the work of a professional architectural photographer add value to the architectural project?

Professional photography will help an architect’s work stand out, and give it proper representation. It will also allow the opportunity for their work to be published in magazines and submitted for awards.

What do you think about the effect of a good photograph in the buyer's decision?

I think it helps the buyer see the full potential of a space.

Photo by Lisa Petrole

Could you tell us about some of your architectural photography projects?

Campari Toronto headquarters - I love this space and it was such a treat to photograph. The soft colors and tones throughout, the lines and shapes of the offices designed by I-V are like candy to me.

Lake Tahoe shoots for Hills&Grant, Method homes, and Sage Modern - their projects are always beautiful and our last shoot together was no exception. One of my favorite parts was shooting at sunrise and the steam/fog coming off the ground gave a surreal look to the environment. I also loved how the light came through space with windows throughout the home mixing the modern interiors with the beautiful Tahoe forests.

Wallpaper* city guides are another project I love. Last year I went back to Toronto and in one week shot 40 locations! It was a whole lot of work and I loved every second of it. The hotels, restaurants, stores and art galleries selected by Wallpaper* were of course so beautifully designed and it was great to see the whole book come together. Even more so since it is one of my favorite cities and hometown, Toronto.

Photo by Lisa Petrole

Do your equipment and project plan vary depending on the size of the building? What type of works do you prefer most, is it interior or exterior?

Yes, each job requires a different plan, equipment, and size of the crew. I do have my go-to kit and then expand on it where needed. I wouldn't say I have a preference but interiors are what I tend to shoot most and usually require a higher shot count to see the details throughout a space - so there is just more of it!

What are your expectations from your clients for a suitable shooting environment?

The main thing is to have the space as clean as possible before we start shooting. If it is done beforehand then it makes the shoot smoother and I’ll be able to get more shots completed.

Photo by Lisa Petrole

How do you protect the rights of your photographs in this online era?

This can be hard. Once a project has been published online people have easy access to the images. I myself will not share anything on social media until it has been published somewhere by the client. And then, of course, I add the appropriate tags and credits. People sharing my work on social media could definitely be a positive thing for both myself and my clients as long as we are credited. However, we always do look out for companies using my images in their own advertisements which is not acceptable.

Photo by Lisa Petrole

Could your clients use the photographs in any publication, catalog, website, ad or other platforms in the future?

Depends on the usage agreements in the contract for each client - each job is a little bit different!

Smartphones and affordably priced DSLR cams made everyone more enthusiastic about photography. How did this affect the professional photography industry?

I think some people were afraid that it would flood the market with photographers, but if you are talented in your art it really doesn’t matter what format you are using. There is no reason to be afraid of competition and I don’t think that photography is only for the people that can afford the most expensive cameras. There are some amazing iPhone photographers out there right now!

Photo by Lisa Petrole

What advice would you give to photographers who want to pursue a career in architectural photography?

Discover your design style, follow the work of architects you admire, reach out to them. You never know, they may allow you to photograph projects which will help you build your portfolio. For myself, whenever I traveled I would find interesting hotels in that city and email the marketing department and ask if I could come to take some pictures. Sometimes they said yes and I was able to start a portfolio with that work.

What type of different solutions do you offer for different needs? Could you briefly tell us about your other services?

I do shoot a lot of portraits of either the designers, architects or the homeowners, especially for work published in the editorial space - people often want to see the people behind the spaces in a published story.

Photo by Lisa Petrole

What is your favorite photograph that you have ever taken?

The image I have chosen is from the Campari Toronto headquarters photoshoot. Of course, it is really hard to decide on one photo is my favorite, but this image would currently be my top pick. I think it’s a good representation of my style and design elements that inspire me. That’s also why I have chosen it as the first image showcased on my website.

Photo by Lisa Petrole

What do you think about social media? How do you use it for your profession?

I have a love/hate relationship with social media. I mainly use Instagram as a mini portfolio and a little peek into my own life and personality. However, I feel that I need to have breaks from it now and then. I think you can get too wrapped up in it and it's easy to waste time, lose my own creative momentum but, of course, at other times it can really inspire me and my work.

How can our readers follow Lisa Petrole?

www.instagram.com/lisapetrole/

Thank you Lisa.

For more information, please visit website of Lisa Petrole

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Monday, August 20, 2018. All photos are the property of their respective owners.