Grant Smith - Architectural photographer - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:37, 10 December 2020

2020-12-10T07:37:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:37, 10 December 2020
Line 115:		Line 115:
	--[[User:Michael_Brooks\|Michael Brooks]]		--[[User:Michael_Brooks\|Michael Brooks]]

−	[[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Person]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

Designing Buildings at 07:11, 9 November 2020

2020-11-09T07:11:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:11, 9 November 2020
Line 97:		Line 97:
	Follow Grant Smith on Twitter [https://twitter.com/smithgrant here].		Follow Grant Smith on Twitter [https://twitter.com/smithgrant here].

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* Anthony Weller - Architectural photographer.		* Anthony Weller - Architectural photographer.
	* Architectural photography.		* Architectural photography.
	* Computer aided design CAD.		* Computer aided design CAD.
		+	* Construction cameras.
	* Heathrow Terminal 5.		* Heathrow Terminal 5.
	* How to commission architectural photography.		* How to commission architectural photography.

Editor at 15:06, 9 February 2018

2018-02-09T15:06:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:06, 9 February 2018
Line 13:		Line 13:
	-----		-----
	Grant answered Designing Buildings Wiki's questions about his career-to-date.		Grant answered Designing Buildings Wiki's questions about his career-to-date.
−
−

	{\|		{\|
−	\|Designing Buildings Wiki (DBW): How did you get started in photography?	+	\| Designing Buildings Wiki (DBW): How did you get started in photography?
	\|}		\|}

Line 25:		Line 23:

	(St. Martin-In-the-Fields with St. Paul's for Eric Parry Architects)		(St. Martin-In-the-Fields with St. Paul's for Eric Parry Architects)
−
−

	{\|		{\|
−	\|DBW: What was it that drew you to architectural photography in particular?	+	\| DBW: What was it that drew you to architectural photography in particular?
	\|}		\|}

Line 35:		Line 31:

	Arriving in Paris, I was drawn to this extraordinary building near Les Halles. My appreciation of modern architecture was stimulated by my first sight of this building, which of course was Rogers & Piano's Pompidou.		Arriving in Paris, I was drawn to this extraordinary building near Les Halles. My appreciation of modern architecture was stimulated by my first sight of this building, which of course was Rogers & Piano's Pompidou.
−
−

	{\|		{\|
−	\|DBW: What is your favourite piece of equipment to work with?	+	\| DBW: What is your favourite piece of equipment to work with?
	\|}		\|}

Line 49:		Line 43:

	(Private house, Amersham for Jestico + Whiles)		(Private house, Amersham for Jestico + Whiles)
−
−

	{\|		{\|
−	\|DBW: What do you find the most challenging part of being an architectural photographer?	+	\| DBW: What do you find the most challenging part of being an architectural photographer?
	\|}		\|}

Line 61:		Line 53:

	(Concrete pour at Verde, Victoria for Tishman Speyer)		(Concrete pour at Verde, Victoria for Tishman Speyer)
−
−

	{\|		{\|
−	\|DBW: What has been your favourite commission to work on?	+	\| DBW: What has been your favourite commission to work on?
	\|}		\|}

Line 75:		Line 65:

	(Placing the spider web of steel on the top of the Gherkin for Swiss Re)		(Placing the spider web of steel on the top of the Gherkin for Swiss Re)
−
−

	{\|		{\|
−	\|DBW: Is there a building you would really like to get a chance to shoot?	+	\| DBW: Is there a building you would really like to get a chance to shoot?
	\|}		\|}

	GS: I would love to shoot Le Corbusier's Ronchamp Chapel.		GS: I would love to shoot Le Corbusier's Ronchamp Chapel.
−
−

	{\|		{\|
−	\|DBW: What advice would you give to an aspiring architectural photographer?	+	\| DBW: What advice would you give to an aspiring architectural photographer?
	\|}		\|}

Line 110:		Line 96:

	Follow Grant Smith on Twitter [https://twitter.com/smithgrant here].		Follow Grant Smith on Twitter [https://twitter.com/smithgrant here].
−
−

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =
Line 129:		Line 113:
	* Student resources.		* Student resources.
	* The Gherkin.		* The Gherkin.
		+
		+	--[[User:Michael_Brooks\|Michael Brooks]]

	[[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]		[[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

Editor at 14:53, 15 July 2016

2016-07-15T14:53:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:53, 15 July 2016
Line 20:		Line 20:
	\|}		\|}

−	Grant Smith (GS): I began working as a printer in black & white, then printing colour at Val ~~Foreman’s~~ studio in Melbourne. Foreman was ~~Australia’s~~ leading industrial photographer during the ~~70’s~~. Offered work painting his studio, on completion he asked if I could stand in for his black & white printer. With no previous experience, but a keen desire to learn, I was printing large mural size display prints of industrial scenes.	+	Grant Smith (GS): I began working as a printer in black & white, then printing colour at Val Foreman's studio in Melbourne. Foreman was Australia's leading industrial photographer during the 70's. Offered work painting his studio, on completion he asked if I could stand in for his black & white printer. With no previous experience, but a keen desire to learn, I was printing large mural size display prints of industrial scenes.

	[[File:GSmith2.jpg\|link=File:GSmith2.jpg]]		[[File:GSmith2.jpg\|link=File:GSmith2.jpg]]

−	(St. Martin-In-the-Fields with St. ~~Paul’s~~ for Eric Parry Architects)	+	(St. Martin-In-the-Fields with St. Paul's for Eric Parry Architects)


Line 34:		Line 34:
	GS: While living in Australia, I had the opportunity to illustrate a reprint a book on Australian architecture, 'The Walls Around Us' by the writer and architect, Robin Boyd. It provided the springboard for my further learning and development as an architectural photographer. I left for Europe with a checklist of architectural sites from history.		GS: While living in Australia, I had the opportunity to illustrate a reprint a book on Australian architecture, 'The Walls Around Us' by the writer and architect, Robin Boyd. It provided the springboard for my further learning and development as an architectural photographer. I left for Europe with a checklist of architectural sites from history.

−	Arriving in Paris, I was drawn to this extraordinary building near Les Halles. My appreciation of modern architecture was stimulated by my first sight of this building, which of course was Rogers & ~~Piano’s~~ Pompidou.	+	Arriving in Paris, I was drawn to this extraordinary building near Les Halles. My appreciation of modern architecture was stimulated by my first sight of this building, which of course was Rogers & Piano's Pompidou.


Line 70:		Line 70:
	GS: It has been those that I follow for the period of construction, from demolition of existing buildings to fit out of the new structure. I have had the chance to build up a narrative of works on the Millennium Dome (now the O2), the Gherkin, Terminal 5 and the Millennium Bridge (the wobbly one). It is a great opportunity to understand the process of construction and build friendships.		GS: It has been those that I follow for the period of construction, from demolition of existing buildings to fit out of the new structure. I have had the chance to build up a narrative of works on the Millennium Dome (now the O2), the Gherkin, Terminal 5 and the Millennium Bridge (the wobbly one). It is a great opportunity to understand the process of construction and build friendships.

−	Currently ~~I’m~~ documenting the construction of The Scalpel in the City of London. There are also the one-off shoots I have enjoyed such as Ian Ritchie ~~Architects’~~ Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour near Euston, and a private house designed by Jestico + Whiles in Amersham.	+	Currently I'm documenting the construction of The Scalpel in the City of London. There are also the one-off shoots I have enjoyed such as Ian Ritchie Architects' Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour near Euston, and a private house designed by Jestico + Whiles in Amersham.

	[[File:GSmith3.jpg\|link=File:GSmith3.jpg]]		[[File:GSmith3.jpg\|link=File:GSmith3.jpg]]
Line 82:		Line 82:
	\|}		\|}

−	GS: I would love to shoot Le ~~Corbusier’s~~ Ronchamp Chapel.	+	GS: I would love to shoot Le Corbusier's Ronchamp Chapel.


Line 90:		Line 90:
	\|}		\|}

−	GS: Look at images of buildings, whether they be paintings or photographs. For example, 18th century Dutch urban landscapes are beautiful examples of perspective and light, and there are so many good practitioners of architectural photography. Feeding your visual instincts helps you define your own style, your own way of working and will help inform you of the clients ~~you’d~~ like to work with.	+	GS: Look at images of buildings, whether they be paintings or photographs. For example, 18th century Dutch urban landscapes are beautiful examples of perspective and light, and there are so many good practitioners of architectural photography. Feeding your visual instincts helps you define your own style, your own way of working and will help inform you of the clients you'd like to work with.

	[[File:GSmith5.jpg\|link=File:GSmith5.jpg]]		[[File:GSmith5.jpg\|link=File:GSmith5.jpg]]
Line 117:		Line 117:
	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

		+	* Anthony Weller - Architectural photographer.
	* Architectural photography.		* Architectural photography.
	* Computer aided design CAD.		* Computer aided design CAD.

Editor at 08:52, 13 June 2016

2016-06-13T08:52:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:52, 13 June 2016
Line 125:		Line 125:
	* Photographing buildings.		* Photographing buildings.
	* Samples and mock-ups.		* Samples and mock-ups.
		+	* Simon Kennedy - Architectural Photographer.
	* Student resources.		* Student resources.
	* The Gherkin.		* The Gherkin.

	[[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]		[[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

Designing Buildings at 15:28, 6 June 2016

2016-06-06T15:28:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 6 June 2016
Line 5:		Line 5:
	[[File:Gsmith9.jpg\|link=File:Gsmith9.jpg]]		[[File:Gsmith9.jpg\|link=File:Gsmith9.jpg]]

−	Grant Smith is an internationally acclaimed architectural and construction photographer. Australian born, he has lived and worked in London since 1983 and has an extensive knowledge of London's architecture. His body of work includes some of the world's iconic structures: the Pont de Normandie, second Severn Crossing, the Sydney Harbour tunnel, the Millennium Bridge, the Millennium Dome and the Gherkin in London.	+	Grant Smith is an internationally acclaimed architectural and construction photographer. Australian born, he has lived and worked in London since 1983 and has extensive knowledge of London's architecture. His body of work includes some of the world's iconic structures: the Pont de Normandie, second Severn Crossing, the Sydney Harbour tunnel, the Millennium Bridge, the Millennium Dome and the Gherkin in London.

	He is commissioned by all sectors of the industry including design companies, magazines, architects, contractors and engineers. His portrait work takes him beyond the architectural and construction industry and into all sectors of commerce.		He is commissioned by all sectors of the industry including design companies, magazines, architects, contractors and engineers. His portrait work takes him beyond the architectural and construction industry and into all sectors of commerce.

−	He was Chairman of the Association of Photographers for 2 years from 2001 to 2003.	+	He was Chairman of the Association of Photographers for 2 years from 2001 to 2003. He has written articles on the subject of the repeal of Section 44, and been involved in the organisation 'I'm a Photographer, Not a Terrorist' which campaigns for photographers' rights to shoot in public.He also runs photo tours of the City of London for Open City.
−		+
−	He has written articles on the subject of the repeal of Section 44, and been involved in the organisation 'I'm a Photographer, Not a Terrorist' which campaigns for photographers' rights to shoot in public.	+
−		+
−	He also runs photo tours of the City of London for Open City.	+

		+	-----
	Grant answered Designing Buildings Wiki's questions about his career-to-date.		Grant answered Designing Buildings Wiki's questions about his career-to-date.

Editor at 09:37, 6 June 2016

2016-06-06T09:37:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:37, 6 June 2016
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	[[File:GSmith1.jpg]]	+	[[File:GSmith1.jpg\|link=File:GSmith1.jpg]]

	(The O2, for Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners)		(The O2, for Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners)

−	[[File:Gsmith9.jpg]]	+	[[File:Gsmith9.jpg\|link=File:Gsmith9.jpg]]

−	Grant Smith is an internationally acclaimed architectural and construction photographer. Australian born, he has lived and worked in London since 1983 and has an extensive knowledge of London's architecture. His body of work includes some of the world's iconic structures: the Pont de Normandie, second Severn Crossing, the Sydney Harbour tunnel, the Millennium Bridge, the Millennium Dome and the Gherkin in London.~~<br />~~	+	Grant Smith is an internationally acclaimed architectural and construction photographer. Australian born, he has lived and worked in London since 1983 and has an extensive knowledge of London's architecture. His body of work includes some of the world's iconic structures: the Pont de Normandie, second Severn Crossing, the Sydney Harbour tunnel, the Millennium Bridge, the Millennium Dome and the Gherkin in London.
−	~~<br />~~	+
−	He is commissioned by all sectors of the industry including design companies, magazines, architects, contractors and engineers. His portrait work takes him beyond the architectural and construction industry and into all sectors of commerce.	+	He is commissioned by all sectors of the industry including design companies, magazines, architects, contractors and engineers. His portrait work takes him beyond the architectural and construction industry and into all sectors of commerce.

	He was Chairman of the Association of Photographers for 2 years from 2001 to 2003.		He was Chairman of the Association of Photographers for 2 years from 2001 to 2003.
Line 15:		Line 15:
	He also runs photo tours of the City of London for Open City.		He also runs photo tours of the City of London for Open City.

−	Grant ~~answers~~ Designing Buildings Wiki's questions about his career-to-date.	+	Grant answered Designing Buildings Wiki's questions about his career-to-date.


Line 25:		Line 25:
	Grant Smith (GS): I began working as a printer in black & white, then printing colour at Val Foreman’s studio in Melbourne. Foreman was Australia’s leading industrial photographer during the 70’s. Offered work painting his studio, on completion he asked if I could stand in for his black & white printer. With no previous experience, but a keen desire to learn, I was printing large mural size display prints of industrial scenes.		Grant Smith (GS): I began working as a printer in black & white, then printing colour at Val Foreman’s studio in Melbourne. Foreman was Australia’s leading industrial photographer during the 70’s. Offered work painting his studio, on completion he asked if I could stand in for his black & white printer. With no previous experience, but a keen desire to learn, I was printing large mural size display prints of industrial scenes.

−	[[File:GSmith2.jpg]]	+	[[File:GSmith2.jpg\|link=File:GSmith2.jpg]]

	(St. Martin-In-the-Fields with St. Paul’s for Eric Parry Architects)		(St. Martin-In-the-Fields with St. Paul’s for Eric Parry Architects)
Line 49:		Line 49:
	Now I exclusively use a Nikon DSLR with a couple of shift lenses and the excellent 14 mm – 24 mm f2.8 lens. At present I have a D810, which fits comfortably into one smaller backpack, along with all the lenses.		Now I exclusively use a Nikon DSLR with a couple of shift lenses and the excellent 14 mm – 24 mm f2.8 lens. At present I have a D810, which fits comfortably into one smaller backpack, along with all the lenses.

−	[[File:GSmith6.jpg]]	+	[[File:GSmith6.jpg\|link=File:GSmith6.jpg]]

	(Private house, Amersham for Jestico + Whiles)		(Private house, Amersham for Jestico + Whiles)
Line 61:		Line 61:
	GS: The British weather is the hardest element to anticipate in this job. However when the light is good, even in winter, it is sublime. Arriving on site and spending time moving temporary fences, or sweeping floors is something you have to allow time for.		GS: The British weather is the hardest element to anticipate in this job. However when the light is good, even in winter, it is sublime. Arriving on site and spending time moving temporary fences, or sweeping floors is something you have to allow time for.

−	[[File:GSmith4.jpg]]	+	[[File:GSmith4.jpg\|link=File:GSmith4.jpg]]

	(Concrete pour at Verde, Victoria for Tishman Speyer)		(Concrete pour at Verde, Victoria for Tishman Speyer)
Line 75:		Line 75:
	Currently I’m documenting the construction of The Scalpel in the City of London. There are also the one-off shoots I have enjoyed such as Ian Ritchie Architects’ Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour near Euston, and a private house designed by Jestico + Whiles in Amersham.		Currently I’m documenting the construction of The Scalpel in the City of London. There are also the one-off shoots I have enjoyed such as Ian Ritchie Architects’ Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour near Euston, and a private house designed by Jestico + Whiles in Amersham.

−	[[File:GSmith3.jpg]]	+	[[File:GSmith3.jpg\|link=File:GSmith3.jpg]]

	(Placing the spider web of steel on the top of the Gherkin for Swiss Re)		(Placing the spider web of steel on the top of the Gherkin for Swiss Re)
Line 95:		Line 95:
	GS: Look at images of buildings, whether they be paintings or photographs. For example, 18th century Dutch urban landscapes are beautiful examples of perspective and light, and there are so many good practitioners of architectural photography. Feeding your visual instincts helps you define your own style, your own way of working and will help inform you of the clients you’d like to work with.		GS: Look at images of buildings, whether they be paintings or photographs. For example, 18th century Dutch urban landscapes are beautiful examples of perspective and light, and there are so many good practitioners of architectural photography. Feeding your visual instincts helps you define your own style, your own way of working and will help inform you of the clients you’d like to work with.

−	[[File:GSmith5.jpg]]	+	[[File:GSmith5.jpg\|link=File:GSmith5.jpg]]

	(Piling at The Scalpel for Wordsearch)		(Piling at The Scalpel for Wordsearch)

−	[[File:GSmith8.jpg]]	+	[[File:GSmith8.jpg\|link=File:GSmith8.jpg]]

	(Night time view of Terminal 5 under construction for Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners)		(Night time view of Terminal 5 under construction for Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners)

−	[[File:GSmith7.jpg]]	+	[[File:GSmith7.jpg\|link=File:GSmith7.jpg]]

	(During construction of the Millennium Dome for Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners)		(During construction of the Millennium Dome for Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners)

		+	-----
	All images copyright of Grant Smith.		All images copyright of Grant Smith.

Line 112:		Line 113:

	Follow Grant Smith on Twitter [https://twitter.com/smithgrant here].		Follow Grant Smith on Twitter [https://twitter.com/smithgrant here].
		+
		+
		+
		+	= Find out more =
		+
		+	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
		+
		+	* Architectural photography.
		+	* Computer aided design CAD.
		+	* Heathrow Terminal 5.
		+	* How to commission architectural photography.
		+	* Interview with Paul Grundy - Architectural photographer.
		+	* Millennium Dome.
		+	* Photographing buildings.
		+	* Samples and mock-ups.
		+	* Student resources.
		+	* The Gherkin.

	[[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]		[[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

Editor at 09:34, 6 June 2016

2016-06-06T09:34:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:34, 6 June 2016
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	[[File:GSmith1.jpg]]
		+
		+	(The O2, for Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners)
		+
		+	[[File:Gsmith9.jpg]]
		+
		+	Grant Smith is an internationally acclaimed architectural and construction photographer. Australian born, he has lived and worked in London since 1983 and has an extensive knowledge of London's architecture. His body of work includes some of the world's iconic structures: the Pont de Normandie, second Severn Crossing, the Sydney Harbour tunnel, the Millennium Bridge, the Millennium Dome and the Gherkin in London.<br />
		+	<br />
		+	He is commissioned by all sectors of the industry including design companies, magazines, architects, contractors and engineers. His portrait work takes him beyond the architectural and construction industry and into all sectors of commerce.
		+
		+	He was Chairman of the Association of Photographers for 2 years from 2001 to 2003.
		+
		+	He has written articles on the subject of the repeal of Section 44, and been involved in the organisation 'I'm a Photographer, Not a Terrorist' which campaigns for photographers' rights to shoot in public.
		+
		+	He also runs photo tours of the City of London for Open City.
		+
		+	Grant answers Designing Buildings Wiki's questions about his career-to-date.
		+
		+
		+
	{\|		{\|
	\|Designing Buildings Wiki (DBW): How did you get started in photography?		\|Designing Buildings Wiki (DBW): How did you get started in photography?
Line 4:		Line 24:

	Grant Smith (GS): I began working as a printer in black & white, then printing colour at Val Foreman’s studio in Melbourne. Foreman was Australia’s leading industrial photographer during the 70’s. Offered work painting his studio, on completion he asked if I could stand in for his black & white printer. With no previous experience, but a keen desire to learn, I was printing large mural size display prints of industrial scenes.		Grant Smith (GS): I began working as a printer in black & white, then printing colour at Val Foreman’s studio in Melbourne. Foreman was Australia’s leading industrial photographer during the 70’s. Offered work painting his studio, on completion he asked if I could stand in for his black & white printer. With no previous experience, but a keen desire to learn, I was printing large mural size display prints of industrial scenes.
		+
		+	[[File:GSmith2.jpg]]
		+
		+	(St. Martin-In-the-Fields with St. Paul’s for Eric Parry Architects)


Line 24:		Line 48:

	Now I exclusively use a Nikon DSLR with a couple of shift lenses and the excellent 14 mm – 24 mm f2.8 lens. At present I have a D810, which fits comfortably into one smaller backpack, along with all the lenses.		Now I exclusively use a Nikon DSLR with a couple of shift lenses and the excellent 14 mm – 24 mm f2.8 lens. At present I have a D810, which fits comfortably into one smaller backpack, along with all the lenses.
		+
		+	[[File:GSmith6.jpg]]
		+
		+	(Private house, Amersham for Jestico + Whiles)


Line 32:		Line 60:

	GS: The British weather is the hardest element to anticipate in this job. However when the light is good, even in winter, it is sublime. Arriving on site and spending time moving temporary fences, or sweeping floors is something you have to allow time for.		GS: The British weather is the hardest element to anticipate in this job. However when the light is good, even in winter, it is sublime. Arriving on site and spending time moving temporary fences, or sweeping floors is something you have to allow time for.
		+
		+	[[File:GSmith4.jpg]]
		+
		+	(Concrete pour at Verde, Victoria for Tishman Speyer)


Line 42:		Line 74:

	Currently I’m documenting the construction of The Scalpel in the City of London. There are also the one-off shoots I have enjoyed such as Ian Ritchie Architects’ Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour near Euston, and a private house designed by Jestico + Whiles in Amersham.		Currently I’m documenting the construction of The Scalpel in the City of London. There are also the one-off shoots I have enjoyed such as Ian Ritchie Architects’ Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour near Euston, and a private house designed by Jestico + Whiles in Amersham.
		+
		+	[[File:GSmith3.jpg]]
		+
		+	(Placing the spider web of steel on the top of the Gherkin for Swiss Re)


Line 58:		Line 94:

	GS: Look at images of buildings, whether they be paintings or photographs. For example, 18th century Dutch urban landscapes are beautiful examples of perspective and light, and there are so many good practitioners of architectural photography. Feeding your visual instincts helps you define your own style, your own way of working and will help inform you of the clients you’d like to work with.		GS: Look at images of buildings, whether they be paintings or photographs. For example, 18th century Dutch urban landscapes are beautiful examples of perspective and light, and there are so many good practitioners of architectural photography. Feeding your visual instincts helps you define your own style, your own way of working and will help inform you of the clients you’d like to work with.
		+
		+	[[File:GSmith5.jpg]]
		+
		+	(Piling at The Scalpel for Wordsearch)
		+
		+	[[File:GSmith8.jpg]]
		+
		+	(Night time view of Terminal 5 under construction for Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners)
		+
		+	[[File:GSmith7.jpg]]
		+
		+	(During construction of the Millennium Dome for Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners)
		+
		+	All images copyright of Grant Smith.
		+
		+	For Grant Smith's website and for contact details, [http://www.grant-smith.com/ see here.]
		+
		+	Follow Grant Smith on Twitter [https://twitter.com/smithgrant here].

	[[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]		[[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

Editor: Created page with "{| |Designing Buildings Wiki (DBW): How did you get started in photography? |} Grant Smith (GS): I began working as a printer in black & white, then printing colour at Val F..."

2016-05-26T16:36:10Z

Created page with "{| |Designing Buildings Wiki (DBW): How did you get started in photography? |} Grant Smith (GS): I began working as a printer in black & white, then printing colour at Val F..."

New page

{|
|Designing Buildings Wiki (DBW): How did you get started in photography?
|}

Grant Smith (GS): I began working as a printer in black & white, then printing colour at Val Foreman’s studio in Melbourne. Foreman was Australia’s leading industrial photographer during the 70’s. Offered work painting his studio, on completion he asked if I could stand in for his black & white printer. With no previous experience, but a keen desire to learn, I was printing large mural size display prints of industrial scenes.

{|
|DBW: What was it that drew you to architectural photography in particular?
|}

GS: While living in Australia, I had the opportunity to illustrate a reprint a book on Australian architecture, 'The Walls Around Us' by the writer and architect, Robin Boyd. It provided the springboard for my further learning and development as an architectural photographer. I left for Europe with a checklist of architectural sites from history.

Arriving in Paris, I was drawn to this extraordinary building near Les Halles. My appreciation of modern architecture was stimulated by my first sight of this building, which of course was Rogers & Piano’s Pompidou.

{|
|DBW: What is your favourite piece of equipment to work with?
|}

GS: My favourite camera was the Linhof Technikardan 5x4, which neatly folded away into a backpack. I carried a smaller pack on my front loaded with darkslides. That camera fitted with a 90 mm Schneider lens was a beautiful piece of kit.

Now I exclusively use a Nikon DSLR with a couple of shift lenses and the excellent 14 mm – 24 mm f2.8 lens. At present I have a D810, which fits comfortably into one smaller backpack, along with all the lenses.

{|
|DBW: What do you find the most challenging part of being an architectural photographer?
|}

GS: The British weather is the hardest element to anticipate in this job. However when the light is good, even in winter, it is sublime. Arriving on site and spending time moving temporary fences, or sweeping floors is something you have to allow time for.

{|
|DBW: What has been your favourite commission to work on?
|}

GS: It has been those that I follow for the period of construction, from demolition of existing buildings to fit out of the new structure. I have had the chance to build up a narrative of works on the Millennium Dome (now the O2), the Gherkin, Terminal 5 and the Millennium Bridge (the wobbly one). It is a great opportunity to understand the process of construction and build friendships.

Currently I’m documenting the construction of The Scalpel in the City of London. There are also the one-off shoots I have enjoyed such as Ian Ritchie Architects’ Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour near Euston, and a private house designed by Jestico + Whiles in Amersham.

{|
|DBW: Is there a building you would really like to get a chance to shoot?
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GS: I would love to shoot Le Corbusier’s Ronchamp Chapel.

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|DBW: What advice would you give to an aspiring architectural photographer?
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GS: Look at images of buildings, whether they be paintings or photographs. For example, 18th century Dutch urban landscapes are beautiful examples of perspective and light, and there are so many good practitioners of architectural photography. Feeding your visual instincts helps you define your own style, your own way of working and will help inform you of the clients you’d like to work with.

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