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Photographing Commercial Real Estate

Over the past 12 years, I have photographed several hundred commercial properties. Everything from gas stations, strip malls and coffee shops, to half-million square feet shopping centers and high rise office towers. My favorite focal lengths for commercial real estate photography are between 50-100mm. I will typically shoot some well positioned establishing shots wide angle, or even stitched panoramas, but a vast majority of photos I deliver for photo packages are 50mm and longer, up to 300mm or 400mm. With longer focal lengths, I can utilize what is called “telephoto compression”. By doing this, I am able to fit more elements over a greater distance all into the same photo. These elements typically include lines of cars, people going in and out of a line of store fronts, or several business signs all in a row.

The art of commercial real estate photography demands more than a good camera and technical skills—it requires vision, dedication, and a deep understanding of how to highlight the best of each property. Each shot must tell a story, capturing a building’s potential and showcase its unique appeal to prospective buyers, tenants, or investors. Each negative space is put on view to showcase the possibilities behind it. From dramatic aerial images that highlight expansive industrial spaces to detailed interior shots of modern office buildings, an approach must be tailored to fit each unique setting and goal for the resulting product. For each of these key commercial real estate property types, there are distinct considerations that are taken into account at Nick Grier Photography.

Industrial Propertiesshowcasing scale and functionality

Industrial properties such as warehouses, factories, and distribution centers typically prioritize function over form. Our goal when photographing these properties is to emphasize their vastness, layout efficiency, and operational potential. Key shots often include aerial views to illustrate the property’s size and proximity to transportation hubs, loading docks, and parking areas.

Interior shots aim to highlight high ceilings, open floor plans, storage areas, and equipment space. Our goal is to accentuate unique features such as heavy-duty flooring or specialized equipment zones. Attention to lighting is crucial, as industrial spaces often have limited natural light, requiring careful balancing of artificial and natural sources. 



Multi-Family Propertiescapturing lifestyle and community appeal

Multi-family properties such as apartment complexes and condominiums demand photography that sells not just the physical space, but the lifestyle and amenities offered. The finished photos will highlight both the individual living units and communal areas, allowing prospective tenants or buyers to envision themselves living there.

Essential shots include model units with warm, inviting staging to showcase potential layouts. Emphasis will also be placed on shared amenities such as pools, gyms, courtyards, and rooftop lounges. Aerial images are helpful for larger complexes, as they highlight the overall scale and surrounding neighborhood features. Attention to detail such as landscaped pathways or pet-friendly zones can help a property stand out in a competitive market.



Office Spaces balancing professionalism and flexibility

Office spaces cater to businesses of all sizes and we aim to highlight the versatility of each location. Shots will focus on elements that showcase productivity and adaptability, such as open-concept layouts, conference spaces, private offices, and breakout areas.

Key considerations for photographing office spaces include highlighting modern finishes, up-to-date facilities such as conference rooms, lobbies, natural light and on-site kitchens. Polished images of these areas help potential tenants envision a productive work environment. Drone shots can provide an overview of the property’s location within a business district or its accessibility to major highways and public transit.



Retail Properties highlighting customer flow and visibility

From standalone stores, to boutiques, to bustling shopping centers and strip complexes, appeal for retail properties depends on visibility and accessibility. Our retail property images emphasize features such as storefront design, signage opportunities, and foot traffic potential. 

Exterior shots capture parking availability, proximity to other businesses, and ease of access for customers and traffic flow. For retail property interiors, wide-angle shots can showcase open floor plans, while close-ups of display areas or lighting features can highlight spaces optimized for merchandise. 



Self-Storage Propertiesfocusing on security and convenience

The appeal of self-storage facilities lies in their practicality, predictability, and security. Photography for self-storage properties highlights their functionality and customer-centric features, such as unit accessibility and safety measures. 

Key shots will include exterior views of the facility, drive-up units and well-maintained grounds. Close-ups may include images of keypad entry systems, surveillance cameras, and gated perimeters to highlight security features. Interior shots of clean, well-lit storage units are essential to convey the build quality and flexibility of the spaces. 



Senior Living Propertiesshowcasing comfort and community

Senior living facilities require a distinct approach that blends real estate photography with lifestyle storytelling. These properties are marketed to families looking for a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment for their loved ones. The imagery provided will showcase the physical features of the facility, while maintaining a sense of warmth and community.

Common shots include well-appointed living units, inviting communal spaces such as dining halls and lounges, and outdoor areas designed for relaxation or activities. We will aim to highlight accessibility features such as wide hallways, elevators, and adaptive elements such as grab bars in restrooms and flexible seating. Our photographers can also capture staff interactions or staged scenarios with residents, services within the home, or on-site medical care, reassuring the property’s amenities to prospective residents and families.




The Role of Drone Photography in Real Estate 

Drone photography has revolutionized real estate marketing by offering unique aerial perspectives that traditional still photography cannot achieve. For commercial properties, drones provide sweeping views of large industrial facilities, multi-family complexes, or retail centers, capturing the property’s full scale and layout in relation to its surroundings. These shots are particularly effective for showcasing nearby infrastructure, such as highways, public transit, or neighboring amenities, giving potential buyers or tenants a clear understanding of the location’s advantages.

Beyond exteriors, drones excel in highlighting hard-to-reach angles and providing dynamic footage for video tours, creating a polished, professional presentation. They’re invaluable when it comes to showcasing access points, parking capacity, and green spaces. By offering a bird’s-eye view, our drone photography enhances the storytelling potential of real estate marketing, making it a vital tool for any property type.



Commercial real estate photography is about more than just capturing buildings—it’s about understanding the needs of the target audience and tailoring each shot to meet those expectations. Whether it’s showcasing the scale of an industrial property, the lifestyle of a multi-family complex, or the professionalism of an office space, each property type demands a thoughtful and strategic approach. By mastering the unique requirements of these diverse property types, we will create compelling visual narratives that not only sell properties but also inspire and build trust and confidence in their clientele.

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