As a general rule (and with notable exceptions), people have not been shown in architectural photos. It now appears we may be on the cusp of a new paradigm where it is becoming fashionable to include humans.
The editor-in-chief of Architectural Record, Cathleen McGuigan, seems to be calling for this in her "Editor's Letter" in the January 2012 issue. Referring to the "giants of post-World War II architectural photography," she says,
While the issue's five articles about museums show few people and then only for visual scale, its several articles about schools are full of students actively using their facilities.
More, some advertisers seem to feel that populating photos in their ads can increase viewer empathy or interest.
RECOMMENDATION
If you are purchasing photographs or photographic services, hedge your bets by getting images with and without people whenever appropriate.
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* Who is she fooling about architecture not being about "idealized sculptural objects"? Her magazine is full of architectural sculpture and frequently champions the latest style without regard for practicality or function. But this is not a blog of architectural criticism, so I refrain from further comment.
"The drama in their photos came from the brilliant use of light and shadow in images of sweeping grandeur or of minute details.... Their photos glorified majestic exteriors and serene interiors, unsullied by human use.Indeed, the cover photo of the issue, of a school, not only shows students in front of the building, it also shows them reflected in the facade of the building -- becoming part of the architecture. (See photo above.)
"Yet in keeping with a shift in 21st-century architectural values, where buildings are seen not so much as idealized sculptural objects* but as part of the fabric of places, photography, too, is changing. Documenting architecture is often less pristine these days... photos are alive with the pulse of real places."
While the issue's five articles about museums show few people and then only for visual scale, its several articles about schools are full of students actively using their facilities.
More, some advertisers seem to feel that populating photos in their ads can increase viewer empathy or interest.
RECOMMENDATION
If you are purchasing photographs or photographic services, hedge your bets by getting images with and without people whenever appropriate.
---------------
* Who is she fooling about architecture not being about "idealized sculptural objects"? Her magazine is full of architectural sculpture and frequently champions the latest style without regard for practicality or function. But this is not a blog of architectural criticism, so I refrain from further comment.