ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN ABU DHABI
This blog explores airports as a country's first impression and cultural ambassadors. It delves into the design of Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport, showcasing how architecture reflects a nation's identity. The post also details the challenges and rewards of capturing this architectural marvel through photography.
ARCHITECTURAL & TIME-LAPSE SHOOT AT ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN ABU DHABI
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF AIRPORTS
Airports serve as more than just centers for travel; they also serve as a nation's first impression. Their design influences how visitors view a country by presenting its history, culture, and even economic standing. Airports serve as unofficial ambassadors in a number of ways, from overall operation to the utilization of local materials and art displays. A pleasant experience is ensured by well-designed terminals with clear signs and user-friendly layouts, while architectural features can showcase a nation's uniqueness.
THE CHALLENGE
Capturing the essence of an airport like Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi requires dedication and perseverance. Securing the four separate permits – one for myself, one for the camera, another for the lenses and accessories, and a separate filming permit to shoot at a major international airport – wasn't easy, as you can imagine. But ADAC's willingness to help made the process smoother.
Dozens of documents were needed in order to obtain all the necessary permits and security clearances to shoot at the Zayed International Airport. The process is arduous and thorough. It takes lots patience! Security first!
Another problem was the airport's sheer size—walking about 50 kilometers during the five-day shoot was necessary at this enormous project! But it was well worth the effort. This architectural marvel was captured in a stunning 1.5-minute time-lapse film, which was made possible by over 2000 architectural images and an additional 8900 stills. Getting to photograph one of the most stunning and magnificent airports in the world was an incredible experience.
the camera of choice….
I tried everything on my first big architecture shot with the Fujifilm GFX100 II, from handheld at high and low ISOs to using a tripod with tilt-shift lenses. Whatever the circumstance, the camera functioned well. The architectural genre usually requires a tripod, but because of the magnitude of the enormous airport and the necessity to find dramatic compositions on the fly, I went with handheld. Because of the floor to ceiling windows, the GFX100 II's excellent image stabilization (IBIS) provided incredibly clear handheld shots even at slow shutter speeds (0.5 second). Using the electronic level on the GFX, I was able to take 'disciplined', perfectly level shots with tilt-shift lenses while on the move. Minor leveling imperfections were easily corrected in post-production.
I also used the camera for time-lapse sequences for the first time on this session, both with and without a motion control system. Despite lacking certain sophisticated capabilities, the integrated intervalometer worked well for me and saved me the trouble of using an external trigger. Even without the battery grip attached, the battery life was as outstanding, lasting almost an entire day of shooting without the need for a second battery. To sum it all up; the Fujifilm GFX100 II delivered exceptional performance across the board.
Can you spot the design element - city, oasis, sea, or desert - reflected in this stunning Zayed Intl Airport architecture?
FINAL THOUGHTS
Despite the demanding logistics, permitting hurdles, and marathon shooting days that tested my physical and technical limits, the final images, I believe, captured the essence of this architectural marvel. The client's delight with the results is the ultimate validation, and this project serves as a personal milestone – a testament to my ability to tackle complex architectural shoots while I explore and push my creative boundaries. I'm thrilled to share these images with the world, and I eagerly await the next architectural adventure!
CURATED GALLERY OF ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOS FEATURING ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN ABU DHABI
All images and videos displayed in this gallery are the exclusive property of the creator (Beno Saradzic) and are protected by international copyright laws. No part of these images or videos may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including downloading, copying, or saving, without prior written permission from the copyright owner (Beno Saradzic). Unauthorized use of these images or videos is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.
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PROJECT INFORMATION
Project name: Zayed International Airport
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Type: Transportation
Size: 700,000 m² / 7,535,000 ft²
Capacity: Up to 80 million passengers per year
Certification: Estidama 3 Pearl
Client: Abu Dhabi Airports
Main Consultant: Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)