fragments of architecture that might otherwise be overlooked . I published a book in 2012 , Spirit of Place , which explores an abstract approach to architectural photography .
When it comes to architectural photography , how do you work and what do you feel makes for a great image ? My first objective is ensuring that my clients ’ expectations are met and giving more than what was expected . Site visits with clients before shoots are of utmost importance to ascertain exact requirements . I always do a light study to determine the direction of sunlight at different times of the day . I prefer not to use lighting equipment but find that ambient light portrays architecture most favourably .
I will not hesitate to return to a site to re-shoot if my client or I are not entirely happy with an image . The more time I spend at a building prior to a shoot , the more angles , features , textures , forms , and lighting I discover , which helps to create great images . Postproduction is imperative and images should never be overly processed , resulting in unnatural looking images . I pay a lot of attention to colour correctness / white balance as well as avoiding distortion . Tilt and shift lenses are very helpful to ensure straight lines which are crucial in architectural photography . Great images do not result from a simple camera click . A lot of thought and effort is required from the photographer .
What is your favourite building to have shot and why ? I have many but a highlight was the new United States Embassy Compound in Maputo-Mozambique ( pictured bottom right ). This
$ 253 million complex on a ten acre site had to portray a feeling of the US within Africa . I was asked to pay special attention to lighting and design elements that highlighted the context of the building . I spent seven days on site and faced many challenges but the result was very rewarding . The architect has contacted me and asked that I be involved in another US Embassy project in Africa in the future . Another favourite was the Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town . I worked there as a freelance art / architectural photographer from 2017 to 2020 . It is an extraordinary work of art and architecture , and I feel very fortunate to have been involved there .
What should architects consider when working with a photographer to ensure the best quality shoot ? The best quality shoots are always the result of detailed briefings on site with the architect , where specific requirements can be discussed . Pre-shoot preparation of a site is very helpful , when unsightly elements such as building rubble , tools , or vehicles are removed prior to the shoot . An unprepared site could result in unforeseen re-shoots or hours of editing , which is impossible to include in the original quotation . Understanding from architects is valued when unforeseen weather conditions lead to shoots being postponed , especially in Cape Town . In conclusion I would like to mention that the only way to showcase architecture on a national and global scale is to invest in great images .
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