Photographing a Class A Office Building in Oakland
When I was hired to photograph 601 12th Street in Oakland, I had the opportunity to capture a modern Class A office building from both the ground and the air. Also known as 601 City Center, the high-rise property is a prominent part of the Downtown Oakland skyline, making it an ideal subject for a combination of architectural photography, aerial images, and video.
As a freelance photographer, I approached the assignment as more than a conventional building shoot. I wanted to show the property from multiple perspectives and create a collection of visual assets that could be used for commercial real estate marketing, leasing, presentations, websites, and promotional video.
Few buildings symbolize Oakland’s transformation quite like 601 12th Street, also known as 601 City Center. Rising 24 stories above downtown, this sleek glass-and-steel tower represents not only a feat of engineering and design, but a turning point in the city’s development trajectory.
Commercial Real Estate Photography from Ground to Air
My approach to commercial real estate photography is to find the perspectives that best communicate what makes each property distinctive. With 601 12th Street, the building’s height, contemporary architecture, extensive glass, and Downtown Oakland location made aerial photography an important part of the project.
Aerial photographs provide a perspective that simply isn’t possible from the sidewalk. From above, I could show the building’s relationship to Downtown Oakland, surrounding streets, neighboring properties, and the broader East Bay landscape.
I also captured ground-level architectural photographs to emphasize the building’s scale, design, entrances, and exterior details. Combining these viewpoints creates a much more complete visual representation of the property.
Aerial Video for Commercial Property Marketing
In addition to still photography, I captured aerial video to give the marketing team another way to present the property. Motion adds a different dimension to commercial real estate marketing, allowing viewers to experience the building and its surroundings rather than simply viewing individual photographs.
Aerial video can be particularly effective for establishing location and scale. A moving perspective can reveal the building’s position within Downtown Oakland and demonstrate its prominence within the surrounding cityscape.
For me, combining aerial photos and video with conventional photography creates a more versatile collection of marketing content. Individual photographs can be used for listings and brochures, while video can support websites, social media, presentations, and digital advertising.
Showing the Workplace Experience
A strong Class A office building needs to be presented as more than an impressive exterior. Prospective tenants also want to understand the workplace experience and the advantages of the property’s location.
I used interior and architectural photography to complement the aerial imagery, creating a visual story that moves from the larger Downtown Oakland environment into the building itself. This approach allows viewers to see both the property’s physical characteristics and its connection to the surrounding business district.
When I photograph commercial properties, I think about how the finished images will be used. My goal is to give brokers, property owners, developers, and marketing teams a library of professional visual assets rather than simply a collection of photographs.
Oakland and East Bay Commercial Real Estate Photography
I provide commercial real estate photography, aerial photography, and video throughout Oakland and the East Bay. My work includes office buildings, industrial properties, mixed-use developments, construction projects, architectural spaces, and other commercial real estate.
As a freelance photographer, I can combine conventional photography, aerial photos, and aerial video to create a cohesive visual presentation tailored to each property.
601 12th Street is a great example of how these services can work together. Ground-level photographs communicate architectural details and the tenant experience. Aerial photographs establish location and scale. Aerial video adds movement and another layer of visual storytelling.
If you need professional commercial real estate photography, aerial photos, or aerial video for an Oakland property or elsewhere in the East Bay, I can create a customized collection of visual content designed to showcase your property and support your marketing goals.