What is the process like for you in trying to be the first
to photograph a high profile building?
Whether high profile or not, I’ve been disappointed on
many occasions when I’ve visited an architecture project in
real life because I was initially very impressed by the way it
was photographed. I’m sure that I’m not the only one who has
experienced this. But also the reverse happens, when I’ve seen
photos that couldn’t capture the essence of a building.
Even if I know the projects mainly from the design
process, or from pre-visualization, I consider the personal
experience a very good method to grasp the sense of place
through my own understanding. By doing this, my approach
does not change with the photos selected by the architect for
their own purposes.
What do you make of the response when your
photographs of a project are some of the first images
to be published and shared on websites like Dezeen,
ArchDaily, and designboom?
As more people know my work, it certainly gives me
more opportunities, which helps me to expand my travels. It
allows me to establish myself as a global photographer and
reach any corner of the world to be able to build my personal
projects. As most of the feedback I get is positive, it will
certainly give me more energy to continue to do what I do.
Where do you see yourself going with your architectural
photography?
It’s clear to me that photography is a very powerful
tool to convey stories about the built environment at an
urban level but also at a very human and emotional scale.
By contextualizing peoples’ emotions, interactions and
inhabitation with formal or informal architecture through
photography, I believe this process will become useful in
shaping my approach towards architectural design if I find
myself at an office desk again.
Aside from this, I have already begun teaching a series
of photography workshops in architectural schools, which
entails students researching about the built environment.
I will continue to visit and photograph well-known
examples of architecture, although I will always try to
discover and encourage young, skilled architects. Last, but
not the least, I’ll definitely focus more on pursuing and
developing my personal photographic projects.
Follow Laurian Ghinitoiu on Instagram @laurianghinitoiu and view his
photography portfolio at laurianghinitoiu.com. Follow Lawrence Carlos
on Instagram @_lawrencecarlos.
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