The Pioneer of Construction Photography: The First to Document the Building Process

The Pioneer of Construction Photography: The First to Document the Building Process

Introduction

Photography emerged in the 19th century, and one of its earliest applications was capturing architecture. But who first documented the process of construction — photographing not just finished buildings, but the stages of their creation? In this article, we explore the pioneers who turned the camera into a tool for recording construction history.

From Early Architectural Photography to Building Processes

One of the earliest known architectural photographs is “View from the Window at Le Gras” by Nicéphore Niépce (circa 1826–1827), showing a building courtyard — the first-ever architectural image.

The first photographer to systematically document buildings under construction was Louis‑Émile Durandelle. From the 1860s onward, he photographed iconic Parisian structures during construction, including the Eiffel Tower (1887–1889) and the Paris Opera.

Through the lens of construction photography, we capture not just buildings rising from the ground, but the stories of vision, craftsmanship, and human determination that transform blueprints into reality.

Serafym MokriakCEO of SimonProduction

Why It Matters

Other Notable Examples

In the 20th century, Lewis Hine famously photographed New York skyscraper construction — images of men balancing on steel beams symbolized progress and industrial might.

Peter Stackpole in the 1930s documented the construction of San Francisco’s bridges (Golden Gate and Bay Bridge), capturing perilous, monumental building work — an early form of modern construction photography.

Conclusion

The first architectural photographer to systematically record construction was Louis-Émile Durandelle. His bold technique and visual storytelling allow us to witness the making of architectural icons. Today, his legacy lives on in professionals like Simon Production — capturing construction visually for today’s projects.