Built to Inspire: The Photographers Behind Our Best Architecture Shots
- The Artist Gallery Team
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Architecture photography is more than documenting buildings—it is about interpreting design, structure, and space through light, perspective, and composition. Every line, texture, and shadow plays a role in telling the story behind a structure, whether it’s a modern skyscraper or a historic landmark. In our Architecture Photography Contest, photographers from around the world captured the essence of architecture in unique and compelling ways, transforming static spaces into dynamic visual narratives.
In this article, we explore the stories behind the winning photographers—diving into their creative approaches, inspirations, and the challenges they faced while capturing these remarkable images. From mastering perspective and symmetry to finding the perfect light, each photographer brings a distinct vision that elevates architecture into art. Their journeys reveal not only technical excellence, but also a deep appreciation for the spaces that shape our world.
WITSAWARUT KEKINA
How did you get interested in photography?
I fell in love with photography as a kid, with a compact camera my parents gave me. I became serious about photography during university, when I studied architecture. This gave me an understanding of art and aesthetics that I could apply to photography. And I've been taking photography continuously ever since.
What is your favorite type of photography?
Architectural Photography
What are your aspirations as a photographer?
My goals as a photographer are to continue taking photographs, to travel to new places, and to continuously improve my skills.
For you what is photography?
For me, photography is about creating works of art from the objects and light in front of me, and it brings me joy to create art.
What are you thinking when you are shooting?
Composition and waiting for the right moment to create a story in the image.
You can find out more about Witsawarut on his Instagram.
ANNA WACKER
How did you get interested in photography?
My journey didn’t start with a technical obsession, but rather a fascination with how we perceive the world around us. I began as a quiet observer of the city, and photography naturally became the tool I used to "freeze"; the fleeting geometries I saw in the streets. What started as a hobby of documenting urban life eventually evolved into a deep, structured exploration of the built environment.
What is your favorite type of photography?
While my portfolio is diverse, my heart is firmly in Architectural and Fine Art photography. I am particularly captivated by the modern and minimalist architecture that adorns our cities globally. As a Greek, I believe this fascination is innate; I am naturally drawn to the "clear cuts"; simple lines, and strong geometries that define classical architecture. However, I am most excited when that minimalism finds a sense of flow. I love the dialogue between a rigid structure and the organic landscape it occupies - where sharp angles meet soft curves. Projects like Bølgen (The Wave) in Vejle or The Twist in Malmö are more than just buildings; they are giant, fluid sculptures reacting to the light and the seasons. Capturing that specific "tension"; between the man-made and the natural is where I feel most at home.
What are your aspirations as a photographer?
My immediate goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of creative architecture. I’ve recently been focused on a series called "Structural Rhythms," and being recognized by The Artist Gallery Awards is a wonderful validation of that direction. For me, the ultimate aspiration isn’t just to win prizes, but to have my work contribute to how we "read"; our cities - to help the viewer see the poetry in a concrete curve or the music in a repeating facade.
For you what is photography? And what are you thinking when you are shooting? For me, photography is a language of subtraction. The world is chaotic and loud; the camera allows me to subtract the noise until only the essential lines and emotions remain. When I’m behind the lens, I’m rarely thinking about technical settings. Instead, I’m listening for a "visual pulse"; I’m looking for alignments, patterns, and affinities - the moments where a building’s design feels inevitable. I wait for that exact moment when the light hits a surface in a way that reveals its soul. In those moments, it’s not about taking a picture; it’s about acknowledging a feeling and telling a story through form and light.
You can find out more about Anna in her Instagram.
ALEX POLLI
I am an amateur photographer from Switzerland; I have always been interested in photography but it was only a little over 10 years ago that I decided to start shooting myself. In the past I have pretty much always just observed other people's photographs, wondering whether I would one day be able to reach certain levels.
When I started taking photographs, I focused more and more on architecture, and currently 70 to 80 per cent of my shots are of architecture in all its forms, especially minimal interior photographs. I participate in several international competitions as well as FIAP and PSA competitions. Primarily I shoot for myself and for fun but I also think it is important to compare myself with others and then find out the opinion of important international juries as well. For me shooting makes me feel good, it is a way to express myself and to free myself; when I am inspired and a certain place may have some potential for taking good pictures, I can stay for several hours looking for the best shot.
You can find out more about Alex on his Facebook.
Don't forget to take a look to our other open photo contests for more opportunities to showcase your skills and creativity. Explore them here: www.theartistgallery.art/open-contests
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