CASE STUDY
DLG ARCHITECTS
Architectural photography and aerials by Paul Rigel Photography *
CHALLENGE
* Paul Rigel Photography is an offshoot of Pie & Mash Design. All images © Paul Rigel Photography, 2022.
In December 2022, DLG Architects required documentation of their fantastic retrofit and extension of this historic building, One Sovereign Quay, situated next to Leeds Bridge. The top two floors of this grade-A office building were pre-let and being imminently fitted out, and so speed and accuracy was of the essence.
The building is situated on the north bank of the River Aire and presented quite a challenge to photograph the exteriors, given its close proximity to other buildings. Intriguingly, it was the subject of French inventor Louis Le Prince’s early film depicting industrial Leeds in 1888, often cited as the first ever film footage to be conceived.
Sunlight also created a challenge, especially in mid-winter when the low sun was casting shadows across the face of the building at most hours.
SOLUTION
Extensive research and planning was required to ensure that the limited time available in-situ was used to the best effect. Pre-production plans were drawn up for the perceived optimum shooting angles, particularly for the exterior, which due to its location, presented a challenge.
Obscured by other buildings from one angle, hindered by the arc of the bridge from another, or impossible angles due to properties on the opposite bank extending right up to the river's edge. Aside from getting up close to the building with wide lenses, the option of shooting with a drone was ever more appealing.
Given the mid-winter shadows cast on the face of the building, the premium time to then shoot exteriors from ground level was established to be in the 'blue hour' as the sun went down. Long exposures could also be utilised to capture the pace of the city around the subject property.
To give us far more in the way of options, we utilised our commercial grade drone. Taking to the skies of Leeds, we captured the property and illustrated its prime location, unrestricted by street-level hindrances.
Several interior shoots also took place.
ADDITIONAL INFO
Alongside DLG Architects, the shoot / post production / licensing costs were split four ways with STP Construction, Hallam Read Construction and Charles Street Buildings Group.
Visit the Paul Rigel Photography website here.
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