Often celebrated for its robust tech industry and thriving music scene, Seattle is home to some of the world’s most prominent architectural landmarks. These include the Space Needle, Smith Tower, and the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, which makes the city a prime location for architectural photography. Moreover, Seattle’s architecture is more about the individual buildings and the way these structures interact with the city’s natural landscape. From the Gothic arches of the University of Washington to the futuristic curves of the Museum of Pop Culture, one can say that the city’s architectural diversity is vast. This combination of historic and modern, natural and urban, creates a dynamic palette for Architecture photographers to draw from.
At Wonderful Machine, we define architectural photography as focusing primarily on the structural elements of a building. This does not include the occupants, furnishings, or decorative aspects, but rather both the interior and exterior. The genre demands advanced technical skills such as perspective control and mixed lighting. Here is our list of the seven best architecture photographers in Seattle!
Ed Sozinho is a Seattle-based commercial photographer and director. Initially trained as an architect, Ed transitioned to photography, specializing in capturing outdoor adventure, industrial dynamics, and serene landscapes. His work often depicts both the grandeur of architectural spaces and the intimate details of homes and gardens. Ed puts a particular emphasis on how light, color, and shape interact to define the environment and its inhabitants. His images are well-structured and of vibrant quality that appeals to both editorial and commercial clients.
Ian Allen, a photographer with deep roots in Seattle, has created a diverse portfolio during his 16 years in NYC and San Francisco. However, his main focus was on architecture. Now, back in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, Ian’s architectural photography captures the relationship between structure and environment. He often blends natural elements with urban aesthetics to showcase the unique character of each building. What’s more, his understanding of spatial dynamics certainly allows him to tell the stories of both modern and historic buildings.
Andrew Giammarco is an architectural and interior design photographer from Seattle, Washington. His work comprises architectural spaces and their aesthetic and functional qualities that appeal to both his clients’ creative vision and the broader audience of design enthusiasts. Various prestigious publications, including magazines, newspapers, and books, regularly feature Andrew’s photography. Also, his talent has been recognized in Clio Award-winning advertising campaigns. Andrew works collaboratively with clients to ensure that the final images resonate with their intended concepts.
With more than two decades of technical expertise, Jim Garner and his team at J Garner Commercial Photography are well-known in the Seattle architectural photography scene. Under Jim’s direction, the studio specializes in creating vibrant architectural imagery. He captures the spirit and identity of each client’s brand. Jim’s portfolio includes collaborations with notable Pacific Northwest companies such as Microsoft and University Village. Jim presents structures and spaces in a way that enhances the viewer’s understanding of brand-centric architecture.
Andrew Pogue is a photographer based in Seattle. His work is characterized by careful attention to detail and a keen sense of how light interacts with surfaces. Besides photography, Andrew is the co-founder of Fair Isle Brewing in Ballard. There, his creativity extends to brewing unique farmhouse and wild beers while using locally sourced ingredients and wild yeasts. This dual expertise certainly enriches his photographic work and helps define the sense of space and composition evident in his architectural images.
Teagan Cunniffe recently moved to Seattle after a glittering career as a photographer for Getaway, South Africa’s travel magazine. Initially carving a niche in travel photojournalism, Teagan’s work features vibrant narratives that capture the spirit of places and spaces. However, her portfolio contains photos of luxury lodges and other architectural wonders from Zambia to Argentina. Since going freelance in 2018, Teagan brings a cosmopolitan and fresh perspective to Seattle’s urban landscapes and interiors.
Matthew Gallant is a photographer based in Seattle. With over a decade of experience in photography and videography, Matthew has developed a keen eye for the geometry of space. This skill allows him to create compelling imagery. From 2016 to the present, Matthew’s work has also been recognized by Best of Houzz awards. His intuitive understanding of how light interacts with architecture is central to his work. He brings out the subtle details and textures of each building. Matthew’s technique incorporates advanced product and studio lighting methods, which help ensure that each photo is not only seen, but felt.
The Seattle architectural photographers featured in this article all demonstrate a deep understanding of their art. Each has a different set of techniques and tools at their disposal to evoke Seattle’s vision of the urban landscape.
Further Reading
Spotlight articles about our Architecture Photographers
Spotlight articles about our other photographers
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