I’m Steven J. Magner, an architectural photographer and videographer based in Marin County, California, serving clients throughout San Francisco, Oakland, Silicon Valley, the greater Bay Area, and select projects across California and the western United States.
I work with architects, developers, interior designers and commercial real estate teams to create photography and video that document architecture, interior environments and commercial spaces with clarity, natural light and a strong sense of place.
Below are answers to common questions about architectural photography, videography, and how projects are typically planned and photographed.
Architectural Photography & Videography FAQ
Services & Scope
What types of architectural and commercial photography projects do you photograph?
I specialize in photographing architecture, interiors, multifamily developments and commercial real estate environments. Many of the projects I photograph are completed buildings or newly designed spaces commissioned by architects, developers, interior designers and commercial real estate teams.
Projects often include multifamily residential communities, office spaces, hospitality environments, corporate interiors and mixed-use developments. The goal is to document the architecture and design of a space in a way that communicates how it functions, how it feels to experience and how it relates to its surroundings.
The resulting images are typically used for marketing, leasing, firm portfolios, design publications, award submissions and long-term brand storytelling.
Do you provide both photography and videography for architectural projects?
Yes. I provide both architectural photography and architectural videography. Many clients choose to capture both during the same production so the visual language stays consistent across still images, motion video, websites and marketing materials.
Do you offer drone and aerial photography?
Yes. I am FAA Part 107 certified and provide licensed drone photography and videography for architectural and commercial projects. Aerial imagery helps show site context, building scale, neighborhood surroundings and the relationship between a project and its environment, subject to airspace regulations and location restrictions.
What types of clients do you typically work with?
Most of my clients are architecture firms, developers, interior designers, commercial real estate teams and property owners who need professional photography to document completed projects. Many of these images are created for marketing, awards submissions, publications and long-term portfolio use.
Do you photograph commercial properties and business environments?
Yes. In addition to architectural photography, I regularly photograph commercial environments such as office buildings, multifamily developments, hospitality properties and corporate interiors. These projects are often commissioned by developers, property owners, design teams and commercial real estate teams who need professional imagery for marketing, leasing and long-term brand use.
Location & Travel
Where are you based?
I’m based in Marin County, California, just north of San Francisco.
Do you work throughout the San Francisco Bay Area?
Yes. I regularly photograph architectural projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including Marin County, San Francisco, Oakland, the East Bay, the Peninsula and Silicon Valley. Being local allows for efficient site scouting, planning and coordination with project teams.
Do you travel for projects outside the Bay Area?
Yes. I travel throughout California and the western United States for select projects. This often includes Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Seattle, Portland and other major design markets depending on project scope and scheduling.
Approach & Style
How would you describe your architectural photography style?
My work takes an architectural and editorial approach. I focus on natural light, thoughtful composition and images that feel authentic to the space rather than overly staged or artificially lit. The goal is to photograph architecture in a way that communicates design intent, spatial experience and material detail.
How do you approach lighting in interior spaces?
Most interiors are photographed using available natural light combined with careful exposure and timing. In some cases interior lighting is incorporated when it supports the design or helps reinforce the atmosphere of the space. Lighting decisions are always made intentionally based on the architecture, materials and direction of daylight.
Do you include people in architectural photographs?
Occasionally. When people are included they are used subtly to introduce scale, movement and life within the space. The architecture always remains the primary focus.
Process & Planning
How far in advance should an architectural shoot be scheduled?
For larger commercial or multifamily projects, scheduling several weeks in advance is ideal. This allows time for planning, scouting, coordinating access and identifying key spaces to photograph. Smaller projects may be scheduled with shorter notice depending on availability.
Do you help plan and coordinate the photography shoot?
Yes. Planning is an important part of architectural photography. I work closely with clients to review project goals, lighting conditions, priority spaces and intended image usage so the shoot runs efficiently and produces the strongest possible results.
What should clients prepare before an architectural photography shoot?
Preparation usually includes confirming site access, lighting controls, staging or styling and identifying key architectural features or spaces that should be prioritized. I provide guidance ahead of the shoot so expectations are clear and the project is ready when photography begins.
Usage & Licensing
How are images licensed?
Images are licensed based on how they will be used, such as websites, social media, marketing materials, presentations or print publications. Licensing terms are clearly outlined before each project begins.
Can architectural images be used across multiple platforms?
Yes. Most licensing agreements include usage across web, social media and marketing materials. Expanded usage such as advertising campaigns or third-party licensing can be arranged depending on the project.
Do you offer third-party image licensing?
Yes. Architects, interior designers or collaborators who were not the original commissioning client can license images for their own marketing or portfolio use. Third-party licensing is typically handled per image based on usage needs.
Additional Common Questions
How much does architectural photography cost?
Architectural photography pricing varies depending on project size, number of images required, location and whether video or drone coverage is included. Larger commercial projects often involve multiple shoot days and coordination with project teams. I provide detailed estimates once I understand the scope of the project.
How long does an architectural photography shoot take?
Shoot length depends on the size of the property and number of images needed. Many commercial or multifamily projects require one to several shoot days to capture interiors, amenities, exterior architecture and twilight images.
Do architects use photography for awards or publications?
Yes. Professional architectural photography is often used for architecture awards submissions, design publications, firm portfolios and media features. Many firms photograph completed projects specifically for these purposes.
If you have a project in mind or questions specific to your space, feel free to get in touch to discuss details.