My Architecture photography seamlessly blends precision and artistry to elevate your brand impact!
Dan Francis, Fargo’s premier architecture photographer, crafts visuals that elevate design and brand narratives. With a Master’s in Photography, Craftsman credentials, and certification through PPA, Dan merges technical mastery with artistic finesse.
He developed his expertise in graphic design and photography, later teaching college courses in photography and Photoshop. Since founding Dan Francis Photography in 2009, his accolades include capturing the Renaissance of Downtown Fargo's buildings from early 2000's to present time and also representing Team USA in the 2019 Photographic World Cup in Norway. (Yes, it’s a real thing—and yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds.)
He placed 5th globally.
Career Highlights:
- 39 magazine covers, including B&W, Midwest Nest, North & Nest and Photoshop User magazine.
- 19-time Image Excellence recipient
- 7 time Kodak Gallery Award winner and 7 time PPA Photographer of the Year
Located in downtown Fargo, ND. Dan continues to lead in his field as a past president of the Fargo-Moorhead Camera Club and past president of PPND.
Explore his award-winning work and personal projects throughout this site!
FAQ:
Dan Francis Photography – Fargo, North Dakota
1. What does an architectural photographer do?
An architectural photographer specializes in photographing buildings and built environments in a way that highlights design, materials, light, and form. This type of photography is often used by architects, designers, builders, and developers to showcase their projects for marketing, awards submissions, publications, and portfolios.
2. Where are you based and where do you travel?
I am based in Fargo, North Dakota, but I regularly photograph architectural projects throughout the Midwest and across the United States. Many of my clients are architects and firms that need professional architectural photography for projects in multiple locations.
3. What types of architecture projects do you photograph?
I photograph a wide range of architectural spaces including:
• Commercial buildings
• Corporate offices
• Educational facilities
• Healthcare environments
• Hospitality spaces
• Residential architecture
• Interior design projects
My goal is always to visually communicate the design intent of the architect and the experience of the space.
4. What makes your architectural photography different?
My approach blends technical precision with storytelling. Architecture photography requires careful attention to composition, perspective control, lighting, and timing. I work closely with architects and designers to ensure the final images accurately represent the design while creating visually compelling photographs.
5. Are you a certified professional photographer?
Yes. I am a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) through the Professional Photographers of America. Certification requires passing rigorous technical and artistic evaluations and demonstrates a high standard of professional photographic practice.
6. What photography degrees and designations do you hold?
I hold multiple advanced photography degrees from the Professional Photographers of America including:
• Master Photographer
• Photographic Craftsman
These designations reflect years of professional experience, education, and contributions to the photography industry.
7. Do you work with architects and architecture firms?
Yes. Many of my clients are architects, architecture firms, builders, and developers who need high-quality imagery to document completed projects, submit to design awards, and promote their work through websites, publications, and marketing materials.
8. Do you photograph both interiors and exteriors?
Absolutely. A complete architectural project typically includes:
• Exterior architectural photography
• Interior architectural photography
• Detail images
• Twilight or dusk photographs
• Environmental context images
Capturing a project at different times of day helps show the building in its best light.
9. What is the best time of day to photograph architecture?
Lighting is one of the most important elements in architectural photography. Depending on the building’s orientation and design, I often photograph during:
• Early morning light
• Late afternoon golden hour
• Twilight / blue hour
Each time of day creates a different visual mood and can dramatically enhance the architecture.
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10. How long does an architecture photography shoot take?
The length of a shoot depends on the size and complexity of the project. A smaller project may take a few hours, while a large commercial building or campus may require a full day or multiple days to photograph properly.
11. Do you provide retouching and post-production?
Yes. Professional architectural photography always includes careful post-production. This can include:
• Perspective correction
• Color balancing
• Sky replacement when appropriate
• Lighting blending
• Removing temporary distractions
The goal is to produce clean, polished images that reflect the design accurately.
12. How do architects use architectural photography?
Professional architectural photography is commonly used for:
• Architecture firm websites
• Design award submissions
• Marketing and brochures
• Magazine and editorial publication
• Social media promotion
• Client presentations
Strong imagery helps architects communicate the value and impact of their designs.
13. Do you photograph architecture for publications or awards?
Yes. Many architects hire me to photograph projects for architecture awards, design competitions, and editorial publication. High-quality imagery is often critical when submitting projects to industry organizations and magazines.
14. Do you work outside of Fargo, North Dakota?
While I am based in Fargo, ND, I frequently photograph projects throughout the Midwest region, including North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and beyond. Travel for architecture photography projects is very common.
15. How can we schedule an architectural photography project?
The best way to start is by contacting me through my website with information about your project, including location, building type, and timeline. From there we can discuss goals, scheduling, and how to create images that best represent the architecture.