Photography of Mechanical Rooms

Mechanical Room Photography

This is kind of funny but it’s not a joke!
Every now and then I’m sent on assignment to photograph buildings inside and out, cover to cover. This often leads to my photographing things I find hilarious…mechanical rooms! Also, electrical rooms, elevator rooms, and parking lots. For the purpose of this blog I’ll just show you some of the mechanical rooms, and hopefully I made them look somewhat appealing.

The Cool Grey

Calming isn’t it? Peaceful you might say. One of the 2022 colours of the year is called “skylight” and it’s a pale grey colour, very similar to the walls and ceiling in this room. You wouldn’t expect a forward-thinking mechanical room would you?! This one is quite clean and well maintained, with little clutter on the floor. We like mechanical rooms like this.

Warm wood

I may never fully understand why some people need pictures of rooms like this (I actually DO understand why, but I still find it amusing, and so does every building manager who has the pleasure of escorting me to all of these rooms). It’s probably worth noting that I am no longer asked to photograph these rooms. I think it could have to do with checking safety equipment.

Work with what you’ve got

I do my very best to enhance the mechanical rooms so that they look their best. Having a wide lens capable of letting in a lot of light, is extremely helpful. If you, or anyone you know, is looking for a top notch photo of a mechanical or electrical room, look no further. 🙋🏼‍♀️

Nice pipes

Yup, even mechanical rooms have their good sides. As you probaby know, I have a thing for lines and patterns (and reflections, but you don’t find those as often in mechanical rooms). No shortage of lines though. Look at all these pipes! Oh, and the lighting. Often the lighting is, well, poor, or at the very least extremely yellow, so in many cases, these images look better than being there in person. I guess that answers my earlier question about why someone would hire me to photograph them.

Racing Stripes

Fancy walls are very important in mechanical rooms. You can see how the lighting discolours the walls on the left, and the orange reflects a little. I mean, it might as well be enjoyable for the building manager or maintenance person who spends time in the rooms right? I have to say, I do enjoy going to these rooms simplly because it’s outside the scope of “normal”.

Gotta hit them angles

What do you think, are you enticed to go see the mechanical room in your building? These are the neatest, cleanest ones I’ve seen, many do not score as high. I’d be amused to know how yours measures up, feel free to share! 😁

Minimalism and Design

Minimalism & Design

What is it about minimalist design that we love?

Perhaps it is the concept of potential. It’s like a blank slate where anything is possible.Read More

How to Prepare for a Shoot

How to Prepare for your Real Estate Photo Shoot

Images are a very important aspect of marketing or selling any property. Photos and online presentations are typically the first impression that a client has. Make it count and take the time to prepare for the photography of your home or business.

Help me create images that wow, by following the tips below. Not all tips will apply or be possible, but do your best. Most of these tips are catered towards residential properties, but are useful and relevant to commercial properties as well. Please be ready by the time arrive. Thank you!

Don’t feel like reading all this? Download your own copy here.

EXTERIOR

You know when you look at a hotel website and the photos are all perfect? That’s what we’re going for, more or less.

Move vehicles from the driveway and park away from the front of home.
Place garbage bins and anything that is not attached to the property, in the garage or out of sight. □ Remove or coil garden hoses neatly.
Remove any toys or pet related items from the yard.
Remove seasonal decor.
Straighten deck furniture.
Cut grass and remove all weeds from cracks in concrete.

GENERAL

Turn ALL inside lights on, including lamps, under counter lights and stove lights.
Replace any burned out bulbs.
Open all drapes and blinds on windows with a good view. Exception would be bathrooms or bedrooms with a poor view.
If blinds are down, ensure they are all equally angled open.
Conceal cords. Unplug them from the wall if needed (except lights).
Turn all ceiling fans off. They will create a motion blur in your photo.
Turn all televisions off.
Remove small rugs from floors, especially from tile or wood floors.
Remove all personal photos.
Make beds and close closets. If you want to showcase a closet let me know.
Remove all evidence of pets; pet dishes, pet toys, pet cages, litter boxes.
Remove clutter from all rooms, ie, tissue boxes, remotes, cleaning robots, brooms, stacks of paper, boxes, bags etc.
No shoes by doors or anywhere.
Clean the property. Vacuum, wipe windows and walls, remove all dirt. It WILL show in the photos if you do not.

KITCHENS

Clear all counter tops. No dish rags or towels, soap, knives or cutting boards. It’s okay to leave one or two small appliances for size perception, but more than that can be distracting.
Remove dish drying racks and dishes from the sink.
Clear the refrigerator completely of any magnets, pictures, lists, etc (front, sides and top).
Remove any calendars. Calendars make a listing dated if it goes over 30 days.
Remove trash can.
Remove floor mats.

BATHROOMS

Clear the countertop from absolutely every item considered to be personal.
Remove toilet cleaning brushes, toilet plungers and trash cans.
Remove shampoo and conditioner bottles and personal items from shower and tub area.
Toilet lids must be down.
Remove all floor mats.
Ensure towels are neatly hung. Bonus: put out fresh towels, neatly hung.

TWILIGHT SHOOTS

In addition to the above, it is very important to ensure that all burned out light bulbs have been replaced (interior: all lamps, pot lights, stove lights, under counter, vanity etc – exterior, soffit, garden, garage, railing etc).

Good luck and let me know how it goes! I have prepared this same information available on a free download here, for your convenience and reference.

Gorgeous Laneway Home

I had the pleasure of photographing a gorgeous laneway home in Vancouver recently. A converted garage, this couple transformed their extra space into a living loft and #cabinporn contender. When it’s not rented out, they use it as a music rehearsal and recording studio. Yes please!