However, the initial capture is only the first step. The final image is meticulously crafted in the digital darkroom. I love the process of refining the geometry, balancing ambient and artificial light, and ensuring the architect’ s vision translates into the twodimensional frame. This is especially critical with interiors, where I use a mix of ambient light and flash to capture the colours of the finishes accurately while keeping the lighting natural.
Which buildings have been your favourites to photograph, and why? I have had the privilege of shooting so many amazing projects that answering this is like asking someone to choose their favourite child. If pressed, I would choose the Mall of Africa and the PwC Tower, which were built almost simultaneously. The sheer scale of both projects was immensely impressive. The way the tower’ s concrete core was cast continuously over several weeks was fascinating to witness.
I love it when a building pushes boundaries or does something exceptionally clever or different. The contrast between those two structures is visually striking. Documenting the progress of a building over time is deeply rewarding because I get to know the structure intimately, learning exactly how it interacts
with the light at different times of day. It is almost like dating. By the end of the process, you can create truly beautiful images using all of that gathered knowledge.
What should an architect consider when working with a photographer to ensure good-quality images? A building that is properly staged adds so much value. It allows me to focus fully on capturing the space rather than moving furniture or hiding dustbins. While I can easily remove minor blemishes in post-production, the physical space should ideally be clean, neat and complete.
Signs of human life, intentional furniture placement or subtle props can provide scale and context without distracting from the architecture itself. It is also important to allow flexibility in the shooting schedule so we can capture the building during the golden hour or at twilight, when the internal lights just begin to glow. Ultimately, having a photographer you can trust, one who actively tries to understand your design vision, is the key to a strong visual portfolio.
Contact: 083 592 8562 | info @ louisvanzyl. com Website: www. louisvanzyl. com
Louis van Zyl 15