#277 - JOE FLETCHER, Architectural Photographer
SUMMARY
This week Joe Fletcher, Architectural Photographer joins David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design to discuss his transition from painting to photography; his experience with a formalized education in photography; how an architectural photographer can influence architects and architecture; his process; the distillation of architecture through photography; why photogenic buildings are not always comfortable to be in; and more. Enjoy!
ABOUT JOE
Born and raised in London, UK, Joe Fletcher studied painting at Chelsea College of Art & Design, receiving his BA in Fine Art, and later attended London’s Goldsmiths University, graduating with a MFA in photography. In 2003, he left soggy London for foggy San Francisco. His photos have since been featured in magazines such as Wallpaper, Architectural Digest and San Francisco, displaying his aesthetic and his appreciation for the art of architecture and the beauty of light. Fletcher is also the photographer of two books Ranch Houses, Living the California Dream and Cliff May and the Modern Ranch House. He now lives with his wife and two mischievous dachshund mutts in Oakland, CA.
HIGHLIGHTS
TIMESTAMPS
(03:28) Joe’s transition from painting to photography
(14:58) Is a formal education in photography essential?
(19:56) Moving to the US and getting work in Architectural Photography
(31:27) The relationship between Photography, Architecture, and Architects
“I think it’s a bit like people, that projects can be photogenic or not and it’s not necessarily a reflection of their beauty, just the same as with people. The experience of the project can lend itself to these great photos but actually inhabiting it and being there, maybe there’s a mismatch there… there often is, I think. I’ve had some projects which are a real struggle to photograph, but are just wonderful projects.” (38:06)
(45:49) Joe’s Process
(53:33) The distillation of Architecture through photography
“The poetry of a moment, the poetry of architecture, I think is the elusive thing. Great architecture is poetic, I think that’s the difference between great architecture and mundane architecture. It’s that. And that can be many things, but you feel it when you experience it. Poetry in itself is a distillation of something into a few words rather than more or a concise use of words. Photography can do that, it can distill down an experience of something and maybe that’s what sticks with you… this kind of distillation in a way. ” (55:17)
(56:50) What shoot days are like for Joe.
(01:03:56 ) The evolution of Joe’s career and his working relationship with clients
(01:20:45) How Architectural Photography concludes a project
(01:24:41) Some of Joe’s Favorite moments from his career
(01:30:34) A Photographer’s influence on an Architect’s Career
“A great building is a great building and people are going to discover it. I think to facilitate that discovery is a great joy. There’s the joy of taking pictures and there’s the joy of the photography and the joy of experiencing architecture. But then for me, the joy of working with other creatives and feeling a part of their team as such and seeing the fruit of their labors seen by the world… that’s a lovely feeling. ” (01:31:31)
(01:40:22) What’s next for Joe
