Architecture

Dave Thompson brings a refined balance of artistry and technical precision to architectural photography, grounded in a deep respect for the architect’s vision.

He takes the time to understand each project’s intent, character, and cultural impact through research and with direct collaboration with its designers.

By observing how structures interact with light over the course of a day, particularly during the nuanced hours closest to dawn and dusk, Thompson creates images that reveal architecture as both a sculptural form and a lived experience. His work highlights the relationship between buildings, their surroundings, and the communities they shape.

“I like to spend time with a building before photographing it. Walk around it several times. Observe how the light plays on certain elements and materials. Walk the roof to see how shadows of the surroundings might impact light. It’s invest the time prior to the shoot, with the architect’s vision top of mind.”

- Dave Thompson

The Difference.

Dave Thompson’s approach to architectural photography is rooted in precision at the moment of capture rather than reliance on heavy post-production tricks. He prioritizes using state-of-the-art Nikon Perspective Control (PC-E) lenses for each project, carefully selecting focal lengths and aperture that preserve proportion, control distortion, and ensure breathtakingly crisp focus to reproduce how spaces are genuinely experienced. By resolving visual challenges in-camera instead of through editing software, his images maintain architectural integrity, clarity and authenticity. allowing the design to speak for itself while avoiding artificial enhancements.

Dave is the Official Photographer of the Michigan State Capitol Commission. See his work HERE >>