Main author
Michael BrooksSimon Kennedy - Architectural photographer
(Greenwich Reach Bridge, Deptford for Moxon Architects)
Simon Kennedy is a London-based photographer specialising in architecture and interiors.
Simon's work has been exhibited and published widely, and his recent clients include The BBC, Hopkins Architects, MJP Architects, Sheppard Robson Architects, Jansen Magazine, Tank Magazine, Architecture Today, Building Design and Detail Magazine.
Simon also provides editorial images, and has experience in technical verified views photography for planning applications.
Simon answered some of Designing Buildings Wiki's questions about his career-to-date.
Designing Buildings Wiki (DBW): How did you get started in photography? |
Simon Kennedy (SK): I had always been fascinated by photography as a child, then a student of architecture, and then as a professional working in the construction industry. It took me a while to figure out that it was what I should do for a living.
(Rowan Park, Merton, for Sheppard Robson)
DBW: What was it that draw you to architectural photography in particular? |
SK: I am a qualified architect and practiced for a number of years - it is definitely the subject about which I am most passionate and also about which I know the most. The relationships between perspective, field of view, light and built form remain intriguing.
(Chambers Wharf, London for SimpsonHaugh)
DBW: What is your favourite piece of equipment to work with? |
SK: My Arca Swiss D4 geared tripod head... a fantastic piece of precision engineering that is indispensable when you have to level a camera a hundred times in a day! Also, large format film remains an astonishingly beautiful medium.
DBW: What do you find the most challenging part of being an architectural photographer? |
SK: There are many challenges, the weather is a constant issue in this country, but the biggest challenge is to produce an image that correlates to the architect's original vision for the project. This can be very difficult as there are often aspects of a completed project that the architect feels unhappy with. However, this makes the job very satisfying when you do make those images that succeed.
(Broadgate Circle, London for Arup Associates)
DBW: What has been your favourite commission to work on? |
SK: I very much enjoy photographing bridges, the most recent one I have shot was by Moxon Architects in Deptford - a stunning structure. (See top image)
DBW: Is there a building you would really like to get a chance to shoot? |
SK: The Tricorn Centre that once stood in Portsmouth. The systematic destruction of Brutalist buildings throughout the country is very sad.
(Heygate Abstracted, personal project)
DBW: What advice would you give to an aspiring architectural photographer? |
SK: Get out and do it as often as you can - this is the only way to begin to understand how a building responds to different lighting conditions, and to develop your own vision. Also, study the types of images that are used to represent buildings - you need to know what the rules are even if you then decide to break them.
(Blackrock Training Centre, Portishead, Haverstock Associates)
(All images copyright of Simon Kennedy.)
To find out more about Simon Kennedy, visit his website.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Anthony Weller - Architectural photographer.
- Architectural photography.
- Construction cameras.
- Grant Smith - Architectural photographer.
- How to commission architectural photography.
- Interview with Paul Grundy - Architectural photographer.
- Photographing buildings.
- Samples and mock-ups.
- Student resources.
Featured articles and news
What it is and how to use it.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.