In 2007 I was awarded a project from Doner Advertising to photograph homes for GE Lighting featuring and showcasing their lighting products.
We photographed many different homes from traditional to contemporary.  The shoot took place over a week in Chicago.
Here is one of the images from the campaign. The art director on the shoot was Lucy Todaro.

Why Lighting Is the Foundation of Architectural Photography

One of the most rewarding aspects of architectural photography is seeing how a building changes throughout the day. A home photographed at noon tells a very different story than the same home photographed just after sunset. For projects centered on lighting design, timing becomes just as important as composition.

This assignment focused on showing how residential lighting contributes to the character of a home after daylight begins to fade. Rather than documenting architecture alone, the photographs needed to illustrate how carefully planned lighting enhances exterior spaces while maintaining a natural, welcoming appearance.

Photographing Homes at Dusk

Twilight has long been one of the most effective times to photograph residential architecture. During this short period, the remaining daylight balances with the home’s interior and exterior lighting, allowing both to appear naturally in the same frame.

That balance only lasts for a brief window. As the sky grows darker, exposure changes minute by minute, requiring continuous adjustments. Working efficiently becomes essential because each property offers only a limited opportunity to capture the ideal combination of architectural detail and illuminated features.

For this campaign, every home presented its own character. Some reflected traditional architectural styles, while others featured clean contemporary lines. Regardless of style, the objective remained consistent: create photographs that highlighted the relationship between architecture and light without making either element overpower the other.

Showing Design Through Light

Lighting influences how people experience architecture long before they notice individual design details. It creates depth, reveals texture, and guides the eye through a space. Thoughtfully designed exterior lighting also enhances curb appeal, making a home feel more inviting while emphasizing its architectural features.

From a commercial photography perspective, projects like this demonstrate how photography supports both product marketing and architectural storytelling. The images weren’t simply documenting houses – they were illustrating how lighting contributes to the overall design experience.

Architectural photographers often work with architects, builders, designers, and manufacturers whose products become part of the finished environment. The goal is to present those elements honestly while creating images that feel timeless and authentic.

A Week of Different Architectural Styles

Photographing homes across Chicago over the course of a week also highlighted how different architectural styles respond to light. Traditional homes often emphasize warmth and symmetry, while contemporary designs rely on clean lines, contrast, and openness. Each property required its own photographic approach without losing the overall consistency expected throughout an advertising campaign.

Commercial assignments like this require preparation, flexibility, and attention to detail. Weather conditions, sunset timing, and changing light all influence the final result, making every evening slightly different from the one before.

Looking back, this project remains a great example of how architectural photography combines technical precision with visual storytelling. It also serves as a reminder that lighting isn’t simply something photographers use – it is often one of the most important design elements being photographed.