Capturing Buildings

By Jennifer Moulaison | Photos by Ryan Rosene

“What makes a great architectural photo is when it’s pared down to its simplest form as a graphic image,” says Ryan Rosene of his photographic technique for capturing exquisite buildings and interior spaces up and down California’s coastline. “A streamlined approach allows me to expose and highlight whatever elements originally inspired the architect, whether it’s a concept for a dramatic roofline or expansive windows framing a great view. I’m here to tell that story.”

Rosene’s father owns a custom home design firm that exposed Rosene to architecture from a young age. At some point, his hands found a camera, and he spent his youth walking around his father’s projects, snapping away at anything that inspired him. He paid his way through college with photography jobs, and after finishing the marketing program at The Art Institute of California San Diego, Rosene worked for his father’s business, taking photographs of his father’s projects. That’s when Rosene’s work started getting attention. “Marketing is intertwined with photography, but when people started noticing my work, it helped influence me to stick to what I enjoy most,” he says.

With ten years of experience capturing images of homes and architecture from the Bay Area all the way down to California’s southern coast, Rosene focuses on what makes a space unique. He’s always incorporating up-to-the-minute technology. “Obviously, everything is digital, now, which has really aided things in terms of convenience. Being able to reference each shot in the moment and make the appropriate adjustments and share photos as they’re taken with clients who aren’t able to be on location is essential, today,” Rosene explains. He uses drones for aerial shots and employs tried-and-true computer programs that allow him to further enhance the images (which is demonstrated with a “before” and “after” toggle function on his website).

Community involvement has also been a focus for Rosene. “I led a class for an organization. It allowed kids to come and experience how a studio shoot goes down, showing them the ins and outs of what makes a successful shoot. It was really rewarding, being able to help introduce youth to different fine arts disciplines like photography,” he says.

Rosene is considering taking on more hospitality projects. “I’ve been working more and more with hotels, and that’s been fueling me artistically—but I’m just happy to be behind the camera.”

For more information, visit ryanrosene.com