Exploring One of the Most Unique Buildings in the United States
Cinematic Architectural Photography of the Longaberger Building in Newark
There are certain structures that immediately stand out, not just because of their size, but because of their design.
The Longaberger Building, often referred to as the Basket Building, is one of those rare examples. Located in Newark, Ohio, this full-scale replica of a woven basket was originally built as the headquarters for the Longaberger Company. It’s unconventional, instantly recognizable, and architecturally unlike anything else in the country.
In this project, I set out to capture the building through both cinematic video and photography—focusing less on novelty and more on composition, light, and perspective.
A Different Approach to Architectural Photography
When approaching a subject like the Longaberger Building, the obvious angle is to document what makes it unique.
But strong architectural photography goes beyond simply showing what something looks like.
It’s about:
Understanding scale
Observing how light interacts with structure
Finding angles that simplify or emphasize form
Creating images that feel intentional rather than observational
With a structure this distinct, the challenge becomes restraint, avoiding the urge to overshoot and instead focusing on compositions that feel clean, balanced, and deliberate.
©Aaron Massey Photography
Working With Light, Shape, and Scale
One of the most interesting aspects of photographing the Longaberger Building is how it behaves under different lighting conditions.
At certain times of day, the texture of the “woven” exterior becomes more pronounced. Shadows create depth across the surface, giving the building a sense of weight and dimension that isn’t as noticeable in flat light.
From a distance, the scale becomes more apparent.
Up close, the details take over.
Shifting between those perspectives allows for a range of images: from wide, establishing compositions to tighter, more abstract frames.
Cinematic Photography and Visual Storytelling
The video component of this project was designed to complement the photography, not compete with it.
Instead of treating the building as a static subject, the goal was to introduce movement:
Slow, controlled camera motion
Intentional framing
Natural pacing that allows the structure to breathe
Cinematic photography isn’t about overcomplicating a scene, it’s about simplifying it enough that the viewer can focus on what matters.
In this case, that meant letting the design of the building speak for itself.
Why Unique Architecture Matters in Photography
Photographing a structure like the Longaberger Building is a reminder that compelling subjects do not always need to be dramatic or complex.
Sometimes, what makes an image work is simply:
A strong shape
Good light
A clear point of view
Unique architecture provides an opportunity to explore those fundamentals in a different way.
It forces you to adapt, to experiment, and to see something familiar from a new perspective.
©Aaron Massey Photography
Final Thoughts
Projects like this are less about documenting a location and more about refining how you see.
The Longaberger Building is an iconic piece of architecture, but the real value comes from how you choose to approach it, how you frame it, how you work with light, and how you translate it into an image.
At the end of the day, photography isn’t just about capturing what’s in front of you.
It’s about making intentional decisions that turn a subject into something worth remembering.
Watch the Full Cinematic Video
Be sure to watch the full video above to see the Longaberger Building brought to life through motion, light, and composition.
