Mar
Congratulations to the Tetris design team, lead by Nikhil Dhumma & Tish Scott, for winning the edie 2023 ‘Circular Economy Innovation of the Year’ award for the stunning JLL 20 Water Street office in Canary Wharf.
It was a truly inspirational project to photograph and great to see it receiving the accolades that it deserves. JLL employed a forward-thinking and holistic approach to the design of their new offices, with innovation and employee wellbeing at its heart. The office has been designed as a collaborative, sustainable, inclusive, health-led, tech-smart, energy-efficient and flexible workplace. The user experience is at the centre of the design, promoting wellness through biophilia incorporated in spaces both inside and outside of the offices. The project had to be an exemplar for both JLL's people and clients, while meeting JLL's targets for their Net Zero Carbon 2025 milestone.
Now in its 16th year, the edie’s are the world’s largest sustainable business awards scheme championing bold and brilliant climate leadership. From the best net-zero carbon programmes through to cutting-edge product innovations – winning an edie Award empowers teams, inspires stakeholders, and accelerates sustainable business growth.
Mar
The Brewery Quarter is Cheltenham’s premier retail and leisure destination where customers can shop, dine, and stay!
On this site, not so long ago, stood the Whitbread brewery; it ceased business in 1998 after a long history of malting and brewing. Cheltenham’s association with malting and brewing goes back to medieval times when it was a cottage industry.
The current offering is a state-of-the-art entertainment complex with a variety of fantastic restaurants and bars, including the newly refurbished Nando’s.
Designed by Fusion DNA, Nando’s is located on the corner of the pedestrian walkway with outside seating, planters and large olive trees. I was commissioned to photograph and capture the Peri-Peri flavours and colour palette of the interior which infuses the décor. From the original African art to the vibrancy in the tiles and furniture, our senses recognise that we are in a Nando’s casa. There is a variety of seating options in the layout, and a feature slatted wooden ceiling with a mixture of lighting types.
In the tradition of the Brewery Quarter, we have the usual choice of Nando’s selection of beers. Sagres is a pale Portuguese lager that's moderately rich with a dry, pleasantly bitter taste. is made in a wine style using Champagne yeasts & stainless-steel vats to boost the extraction of apple characteristics and to seal in those juicy extra flavours. The Freedom Pils is brewed with the perfect mix of European and American hops delivering a distinctive citrus aroma with a bittersweet bite. The Five Points XPA is a gluten free light and tropical extra pale ale with assertive hop bitterness and aromas of mango and passionfruit. Black’s Kinsale Pale Ale has been brewed using both Cascade and Citra hops and is incredibly clean and crisp on the palate with grapefruit flavours as well as tropical fruits and malty sweetness. All this to accompany your Peri-Peri food! “This Must be The Place”.
#ThisMustBeThePlace #photographer #photographer #photo #creative #nandos #brand #campaign #food #art #interiordesign #interiorphotography #lighting #furniture #beer #brewery
Mar
JLL’s Water Street office has been shortlisted for Circular Economy Project of the Year at the UK Green Business Awards 2023. The project is also on track to simultaneously achieve WELL Platinum, BREEAM Excellent and SKA Gold status.
Tétris was appointed by JLL to deliver design and build services for the new 38,000 sq ft offices at 20 Water Street in Canary Wharf. The workplace is JLL’s first office specifically designed to embrace a new way of hybrid working. JLL wanted a collaborative, sustainable, inclusive, health-led, tech-smart, energy-efficient and flexible workplace. The user experience is at the centre of the design, promoting wellness through biophilia incorporated in spaces both inside and outside of the offices. The project had to be an exemplar for both JLL's people and clients, while meeting JLL's targets for their Net Zero Carbon 2025 milestone.
The Green Business Awards provides a unique opportunity to highlight the many ways in which the green economy is at the heart of modern Britain and is absolutely core to the country’s future prospects.
The results are announced on 29th June.
Orangebox SAS International Shaw Contract Humanscale Vitra frovi Oscar Accoustics Plant Plan Trilux Lighting Thornton Tomasetti
#photography #photographer #interiorphotography #architect #architecture #interiordesign #creative #biophilia #green #officedesign #photo #WorkplaceDesign #SustainableWorkplace #WorkplaceWellbeing #Wellness #SmartOffice #InclusiveWorkplace #sustainability
Mar
It is always great to know that you have been involved in award winning projects. Last week I received news that the Hilton Birmingham Metropole NEC by Harrison has been shortlisted for the Hotel Design – UK Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2023.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts approached Harrison with the brief to strip the four spaces back to their foundations and rebuild them with a brand proposition that would improve the hotel’s connection to Birmingham. This would include bespoke storytelling, optimising functionality to generate revenue, and creating environments that people would genuinely want to spend time in.
The International Hotel & Property Awards are hosted by design et al, a leading UK interior design magazine. At design et al, our aim is to commend design, recognise talent, create opportunities and quite simply to offer inspiration. Shortlisted entries are presented online, and voting is open to industry professionals as well as design et al readers, clients, and customers.
Mar
Yesterday, Wednesday 22nd March, was World Water Day. I am a day late in posting but I was away on assignment. The aim of World Water Day is to raise awareness of the 2 billion people worldwide living without access to safe water. World Water Day dates back to the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development where an international observance for water was recommended. The United Nations General Assembly designated 22nd March 1993 as the first World Water Day. This year it is all about accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.
I have worked alongside a number of charitable organisations around the world, photographing the various projects that they are doing to help sustainable water and sanitation for all by 2030
There is an opportunity for everyone to help at the World Water Day website. Your commitments will be added to the Water Action Agenda, to be launched at the UN 2023 Water Conference – the first event of its kind for nearly 50 years.
This is a once-in-a-generation moment for the world to unite around water.
Mar
An office space in the right location with transport links, retail, dining, and entertainment options, plus a view will always attract new tenants.
For any landlord, limiting void times between incoming and outgoing tenants has significant financial benefit. CAT-A fitouts provide tenants with a usable and functional space which generally includes a raised metal flooring, painted perimeter walls, a grid ceiling with fitted lights, lift lobby and toilets, so they are less likely to undertake major work before they move in.
At the beginning of the year, I was commissioned to photograph the new CAT-A office space on the 4th floor of 3 More London by QOB Interiors. At the top of the brief it had “Location, location, location” - the views from this office floor are stunning and something we definitely would like you to capture.”
Together with Barr Gazetas, AECOM, Avison Young and Norman Disney & Young, QOB Interiors has delivered this stunning Cat A floor in the sought-after riverside destination of London Bridge City.
The space has been finished to an excellent standard and boasts an abundance of natural light, raised access floors, suspended metal tiled ceiling rafts with specialist lighting and high-quality finishes to landlord areas, lift cores and WCs.
Mar
“This Must Be The Place” is part of Nando’s new brand platform and national campaign by their media agency Zenith and creative agency, New Commercial Arts. It launches with a one-minute film directed by Jonathan Entwistle (behind the Netflix series “End of the F***ing World”) and the brand’s first sonic logo.
The film re-enacts the experience of one boy who tells his friends about visiting a restaurant, incorporating his voice over other actors in each of the scenarios he shares. It includes cameos from some of Nando’s famous fans, including England footballer Bukayo Saka, Instagram icon Grime Gran, TikTok chef LetsMunch and music artist Niko B.
This is the first national campaign from Nando’s since 2020. It will be running across TV, broadcaster video on demand, cinema, out-of-home, social media and Radio starting March 1. The sonic logo marks an exciting move for the brand as it evolves the communication of its brand heritage.
“This Must Be The Place” is the embodiment of Nando’s ability to bring people together, not only over delicious flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, but over unique shared experiences too. The film was shot in Nando’s new Cheshunt restaurant as which I photographed last year.
Harrison have designed Cheshunt with a vibrancy that seemingly infuses every aspect of the restaurant. From the double height steel rod ceiling window feature to the vast array of art on the walls, geometric fabrics incorporated in the furniture, pendant lights, and wall tiles. There is a mix of booths, banqueting tables and fixed seating with single tables. At the rear of the restaurant there is a rebar geometric screen around a selection of tables.
You can check out the restaurant in the film online, or better still get down to the restaurant for some food!
Feb
I have been photographing for Armourcoat Luxury Finishes for over five years capturing their incredible projects, from the First Light Pavilion (Jodrell Bank’s new experience center) to the Louis Vuitton store in London.
Armourcoat specializes in sustainable luxury polished plasters, architectural coatings, sculpted panel systems and cast pieces for both interiors and exteriors.
Recently they launched their new website, along with an update of their brand identity, both designed and developed by Orangery. I was commissioned to produce a range of photography to showcase who they are. The images were to embody their craftmanship and creativity.
The brief came with the title “dare to be original, bold and creative” and consisted of a variety of photography including reportage style shots of their team at work, dynamic close-up images of their products, portraits of the management and visual content to represent various sections of the website.
Over the course of two days at their head office, and with a full range of studio plus portable flash lighting we captured the imagery that is now the foundation of their new website. The photographs reflect who they are as a business and showcases the quality of their work.
Feb
As a photographer I will always look at the design and visual content of my client’s websites. I like to know how much a company values its image through photography and film.
Last week saw the launch of two client websites that I was commissioned to produce the visual content for.
Zee Garden Rooms specialises in the design and build of premium garden rooms that are bespoke to all of their clients requirements, whether that's for a garden office, a beautiful guest room, a peaceful yoga retreat or a soundproofed music studio.
Armed with a Luton van full of photographic equipment, a team of designers, stylists and assistants, props for staging the Garden Rooms and models for lifestyle shots, we spent a day photographing three different garden rooms.
The brief was to capture a variety of photographs that showcase the quality and design of the garden rooms. Zee wanted to work up a selection of lifestyle images, informative interiors, and dynamic detail shots. I worked with the team on a schedule and shot list at each site.
And if you are looking for extra space in the form of a garden room then look no further and check out
Feb
Nando’s has come a long way from its takeaway restaurant roots in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. It has grown as a company, recognising that everything it does is important, from the food on their menu to the impact that they have on the world.
Nando’s will be co-chairing the animal welfare working group with Defra, in the new Food Data Transparency Partnership (FDTP). The FDTP has been set up to measure the food industries impact on obesity, supply chain emissions and animal welfare. The body will additionally monitor the gathered data and ensure that it is freely available to the public.
There are already more than sixty food and drink leading names involved, representing the industry across the full spectrum of the supply chain.
The new Nando’s in Hatters Way Retail Park, designed by Fusion Design and Architecture, has a total of 135 covers divided between the main restaurant floor, a mezzanine level, and some seating outside. I was commissioned to photograph and capture the design of the restaurant. The overall pattern of the incredible ceiling panels is repeated in the bright green metal seating divides which are in turn complimented by the fabrics of the seating. The lighting ranges from feature pendants that draw the eye upwards, to wall sconces and directional spot lighting. The tiling, wall art and flooring all contribute to produce another amazing Nando’s space.
Nando’s are always working towards improving their overall standards committing to achieving absolute zero direct emissions and reducing the carbon footprint of a Nando’s meal by a further 50% by 2030 while pledging significant improvements to chicken welfare by 2026.
Feb
As a winner at the 15th International Color Awards my work is featured in the 2023 Winners Video Series.
The INTERNATIONAL COLOR AWARDS shines a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers worldwide and honours the finest images with the highest achievements in colour photography. www.colorawards.com
Feb
I am exhibiting two of my photographs from the series “Portraits of Resilience”, as part of a group exhibition in London. “The Art of Existence” collection has been curated by “The Holy Art” organisation with a private view on Friday 10th of February between 7.30 and 10pm at The Holy Art Gallery, The Factory, 21-31 Shacklewell Ln, London, E8 2DA. The work will be shown until Sunday 19th of February.
The Holy Art Gallery has rapidly gained recognition as a leading force in the contemporary and modern art scene, both locally and internationally. It has been described as “one of the most exciting and unconventional independent galleries of recent years.
As a group of galleries, with locations in London and Athens, the Holy Art Gallery invites artists to submit their work for consideration.
The diversity and vibrancy of these communities are reflected in the art that fills the exhibitions, providing a constantly evolving and stimulating experience for visitors.
I am showing two of the portraits photographed in collaboration with TASSC International for the series called “Portraits of Resilience”. The series of photographs feature portraits of survivors of torture from around the world who fled their home countries seeking safety, recovery, and political asylum. Most were tortured by repressive governments. These men and women were persecuted for such acts as: standing up for freedom of speech, exposing government corruption, fighting against gender-based violence or forced early marriage for girls.
Survivors are the strongest and most effective voice in the campaign to abolish torture.
Not all survivors want to be recognised for fear of repercussions to their friends and family. As such, each survivor selected a photograph that was significant to them. The photograph was then projected over the individual, sometimes obscuring their identity if anonymity was requested.
The portraits invite viewers to see the survivors in the fullest measure of their humanity— to look beyond whatever pre-conceived notions they might have about refugees and asylum seekers and see them as individuals with very human connections to place and home.
Feb
The Surface Design Show takes place from today until the 9th of February at the Business Design Centre in Islington. With 160 exhibitors and approaching 5000 visitors, the Surface Design Show is a unique gathering of the architecture and design sectors and is known as the best in surface material innovation.
Armourcoat will be exhibiting their complete range of sustainable luxury finishes. I have photographed a number of case studies for them and was recently asked to photograph some marketing material that showcases their new clay lime plaster. Naturally beautiful and sustainable, Clime is resilient enough to be used as a wall finish with true longevity. Through contrasting the plasters surface with the iconic Vitra Panton chair and using creative lighting, I sort to produce a series of images that capture the beautiful texture of the Clime Plaster.
The 2023 show will highlight new, innovative, and sustainable materials focusing on interior and exterior surfaces for architects and designers to explore. The content programme will discuss the current industry trends and issues hosted by leading architects and designers from the UK and abroad.
Armourcoat can be found at stand 302.
Jan
“Powered by technology, driven by innovation”, the new CFC Underwriting’s workspace near Leadenhall Market, was designed by Cardo and built by QOB.
I was commissioned to photograph and capture the ‘innovation hub’ that supports the collaborative work habits of over 100 software engineers.
The flexible working environment embodies the company's brand and forward-thinking approach. The floor layout has been designed with zoned areas that have a fluidity, promoting communication throughout the workspace. Demountable glazed partitioning allows for privacy whilst retaining a sense of being open planned.
The interior has been designed and built as a space to attract and retain talent. Cardo and QOB have delivered an unparalleled visitor experience with multifunctional spaces that include dynamic furniture, feature lighting, innovative partitioning, and high-quality flooring.
Staff wellbeing has been made a priority with break out areas, biophilia, multizone lighting, shower facilities and a games zone. There is an added element of fun with the wall stencils, sci-fi memorabilia, and retro video game machine.
Great interior design understands the end user’s requirements and produces an environment which is reflective of the brand. Cardo and QOB have delivered a workspace where the culture is the spirit of the business.
Jan
InterGen’s parent company has today concluded the sale of InterGen and its United Kingdom (UK) operations to CREDITAS Group.
I have been photographing with InterGen for over 15 years, providing them with commercial photography, drone photography and film for their annual reports, website, & marketing material. There have been many changes in that time.
Originally, I photographed all 3 UK sites, and then went on to capture their other power stations in the Netherlands and Mexico. I have also photographed their corporate portraits & various events along the way.
Intergen is a world class developer, owner and operator of power generation facilities with over 25 years’ experience in global energy markets. It is one of the largest independent power producers in the United Kingdom with around 2,800 megawatts in operation between three combined cycle gas turbine plants and one open cycle gas turbine plant, providing in the region of 5% of UK generation capacity.
CREDITAS Group has been active in the energy sector since 2013 and its energy division UCED is the fourth largest energy distributor in the Czech Republic.
Jan
How hot can a Nando’s get? Extra extra HOT!! Or 2552 on the Scoville Scale (the measurement devised to evaluate the chilli heat of food). Well I photographed the new Nando’s Colindale restaurant, as designed by Harrison, on the hottest day of 2022. Temperatures reached a UK record of 40.3 degrees. There was a “weather warning” on the day to only to travel if it was completely necessary.
Situated on the corner of the A5 and Capitol Way in Colindale, the new Nando’s is like the sauce with, no artificial colours – just the Nando’s palette, no artificial flavouring – a uniquely designed space that we still recognise as a Nando’s, no artificial preservatives – genuine original African art on the walls, no added Msg – innovative design with natural materials.
Harrison has designed the interior with a consideration of the restaurant’s corner location, where natural light is in free flow throughout the day. The shadows are ever changing, with shapes and colours moving across the restaurant floor. There is a mixture of seating options, from banqueting tables to booths and everything in between. But what you will really notice is the wall of art and the incredible swirling cork ribbon ceiling feature with custom pendants.
Wow what a Peri-Peri scorcher the Colindale restaurant is.
Jan
As a winner of the 15th International Color Awards competition my work features in the winner’s book. The photograph was taken in Rwanda, Tbilisi – Georgia, and Alabama – U.S.A.
The Winners book is an annual resource that brings creatives and photographers together through a prestigious and recognised collection of photography.
Celebrating its 16th year, International Color Awards is the world’s leading international color photography award. The program has showcased thousands of photographers from around the world making it the benchmark by which international photography is rated.
The online Winners book can be viewed at https://www.colorawards.com/winnersbook.html
Jan
The First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank has been selected from over 250 entrants as one of the successful National/International projects at the 2023 Civic Trust Awards. The cultural centre was created to tell the inspirational stories of Jodrell Bank’s world-leading contribution to science, heritage, and culture.
The First Light Pavilion was designed by Hassell Studios and engineered by Atelier One with the executive architects of JM Architect’s overlooking the entire project and Kier Construction building the large concrete dome.
I was commissioned to photograph the new First Light Pavilion, to capture its stunning architecture and clever design.
The design is based on a modern re-working of the Meridian Line. It features a curved entrance that mirrors the arc of the sun with exposed concrete visible inside the building, as well as on the front façade. Armourcoat supplied an insulated render that that reflects 20% more radiant heat and optimises the thermal performance of the building.
The Civic Trust Awards is the longest standing built environment awards scheme in Europe. It was established to recognise the very best in architecture and environmental design, to improve the built environment for us all through design, sustainability, inclusiveness, and accessibility. It also rewards projects that offer a positive cultural, social, economic, or environmental benefit to their local communities.
Jan
JLL Water Street is a finalist in the 2023 BCO Awards.
The project was designed and delivered by a combined effort from across the Tétris and JLL teams.
I was commissioned to photograph the 38,000 sq ft offices at 20 Water Street and capture the forward-thinking / holistic approach to the design. My brief was to show how innovation and employee wellbeing was at the heart of the space.
The merits awarded to our projects come from our designers, and you as the photographer. Our industry should value your involvement more. Thanks.
Ramon Muñoz – Design Director at Tétris
Congratulations to all involved.
MANUFACTURERS:
Orangebox SAS International Shaw Contract Humanscale Vitra Frovi Oscar acoustics Plant Plan Trilux Lighting
#photography #photographer #interiorphotography #architect #architecture #interiordesign #creative #biophilia #green #officedesign #photo #WorkplaceDesign #SustainableWorkplace #WorkplaceWellbeing #Wellness #SmartOffice #InclusiveWorkplace
Jan
Office Snapshots has announced its annual list of the twenty-five best and most popular offices of the previous year. It is great to see the flexible, collaborative and inclusive JLL workplace, designed and built by Tetris, in with all the other incredible projects.
I was commissioned to photograph the 38,000 sq ft offices at 20 Water Street and capture the forward-thinking / holistic approach to the design. My brief was to show how innovation and employee wellbeing was at the heart of the space.
The Canary Wharf workplace is JLL’s first office specifically designed to embrace a new way of hybrid working. JLL wanted a collaborative, sustainable, inclusive, health-led, tech-smart, energy-efficient and flexible workplace (targeting WELL Platinum, SKA Gold, BREEAM Excellent).
The office features a variety of meeting and hybrid rooms, breakout areas, cafe and kitchens, huddle spaces, demo and innovation zones, standing rooms, study libraries, acoustic meeting pods, plus garden lounges and balconies promoting wellness through biophilia.
Office Snapshots is a leading online resource for the global office design community.
MANUFACTURERS:
Orangebox SAS International Shaw Contract Humanscale Vitra Frovi Oscar acoustics Plant Plan Trilux Lighting
Jan
Last year I was asked to be affiliated with the Influx Gallery as a featured artist. It is with great pride that I can now announce that I have been inducted into the Influx Gallery Hall of Fame alongside some incredible talent.
Influx is an award-winning international art gallery based in Notting Hill, London. The team has assembled a “family” of experienced artists, curators, and gallerists. Their objective is to support artists by organising international online and physical art exhibitions and contests.
It is great to be part of the family and I look forward to collaborating with the other artists on future projects. https://www.influx-gallery.com/jonathan-banks
Jan
InterGen’s parent company has today concluded the sale of InterGen and its United Kingdom (UK) operations to CREDITAS Group.
I have been photographing with InterGen for over 15 years, providing them with commercial photography, drone photography and film for their annual reports, website, & marketing material. There have been many changes in that time.
Originally, I photographed all 3 UK sites, and then went on to capture their other power stations in the Netherlands and Mexico. I have also photographed their corporate portraits & various events along the way.
Intergen is a world class developer, owner and operator of power generation facilities with over 25 years’ experience in global energy markets. It is one of the largest independent power producers in the United Kingdom with around 2,800 megawatts in operation between three combined cycle gas turbine plants and one open cycle gas turbine plant, providing in the region of 5% of UK generation capacity.
CREDITAS Group has been active in the energy sector since 2013 and its energy division UCED is the fourth largest energy distributor in the Czech Republic.
Jan
I have been working with the British Red Cross for nearly twenty years covering some incredible projects with them, from disaster relief to the help that they do in the community. I was delighted to hear that the Youth Engagement team and Young Volunteers have received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award in recognition of their hard work and volunteering.
I am proud to have photographed their work of empowering young people into volunteering and inspiring social action.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups. It was established 20 years ago to commemorate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and has recognised around 250 outstanding local volunteer groups across the UK each year to date.
The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award, a special one-off addition to the annual Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), has been awarded to 20 national charities for their exceptional work to empower young people.
These awards are a timely acknowledgement of the wide-ranging support and encouragement that is available to young people across the UK.
They highlight the indispensable role that the voluntary sector plays in targeting help, advice and guidance where it is needed most.
These awards should also be seen as a tribute to the millions of volunteers and donors who, in difficult times, provide the resources of time and money which contribute so powerfully to the social fabric of our country.
#makeadifference #PlatinumJubileeQAVS #volunteer #empower #socialaction #charity #photo #photography #photographer #humanity #humanitarianphotography #people
Jan
In 2022 I posted 108 articles through my website and social media feeds. These ranged from being about the awards that I received, to exhibitions and festivals that my work featured in, publications in magazines and books, celebrations of awards that my clients had won or their achievements, work that I was involved with and new photography that I had produced.
I believe it’s important to maintain your passion by challenging yourself to work on “personal projects”, enter competitions and showcase your work in exhibitions.
In 2022 my photography was
Awarded, being a winner in the 15th Annual “International Color Awards” with 3 honourable mention & 4 nominations; receiving an honourable mention in the Whalebone Magazine Photo Contest; and highly commended in The International Portrait Photographer of the Year Awards, 2022 in four categories,
Exhibited at, the 6th Biennial of Fine Art & Documentary Photography in Barcelona; and at the Phillips Collection (@thearc) in Washington DC as a solo exhibition with my series “Portraits of Resilience”, produced in collaboration with TASSC International
Published in, The Times, Independent, The Guardian, The Evening Standard, CNN, Bloomberg, Architects Journal, Dezeen, Wallpaper Magazine, The RIBA Journal, Interior Designer Magazine, MIX Interiors Magazine, FX Magazine, Architecture Magazine, The Architectural Review Magazine, Office Snapshots, Design Curial, Designerati website and The Upstream Journal.
I was also honoured to, have work included in the film celebrating The Phillips Collection centennial year with my “Portraits of Resilience” series shown alongside the likes of Pablo Picasso, Daniel Canogar and Marta Perez Garcia; have my Microsoft assignment on 3D Holoportation as part of BBC feature; be a featured artist with INFLUX Gallery and inducted into their hall of fame; speak on the “Digital Artist” podcast; and sitting on the judging panel of "The Best Photography Awards”.
I Worked with clients including, Microsoft, Sanofi, Heatherwick Studios, EPR Architects, Buckley Gray Yeoman, HSBC, INTELSAT, Nando’s, InterGen, QOB Interiors, Harrison, Tetris DB, Hilton Hotels, 9 Yards Creative, Hakwood, Armourcoat, SVP Global, Corsair Capital, Canyon Partners and Hays.
And Supported charitable organisations including, The British Red Cross, Compass Collective, The Queen’s Green Canopy, St.Thomas’ Hospital Foundation Trust, Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC), DelAgra Group, and Make-A-Wish Foundation
I hope that we have the opportunity of working together in 2023.
Dec
Earlier this year I photographed the “Tree of Trees” sculpture for the Queen’s Jubilee celebration. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the “Tree of Trees” is one part of a national community campaign to plant more trees and inspire the next generation of tree planters, led by the Queen’s Green Canopy.
Last Friday I was asked by The Queen’s Green Canopy to capture the planting of a tiny forest in Enfield. The local community and council braved the cold conditions to join the Queen’s Green Canopy and Earthwatch Europe to plant 600 trees at Alma Road Recreation Ground.
The Queen’s Green Canopy is proud to be creating a living legacy with over a million trees planted in Her Majesty’s name across the nation.
The Queen’s Green Canopy is an inclusive national initiative, meaning that everyone from across the United Kingdom can get involved. Whether you’re an individual hoping to plant a single sapling in your garden, a scout group planting a large tree or a City Council intending to plant a whole avenue of trees to honour The Queen, the below pages will provide the information you need to plan and deliver your project.
https://queensgreencanopy.org/get-involved/
The Queen’s Green Canopy is a not-for-profit initiative with the aim to raise funds that will go towards planting trees and creating green spaces in deprived urban areas and schools across the United Kingdom.
With your support, we can plant trees across the nation to benefit our natural wildlife, provide cleaner air, slow the impact of climate change and improve general health and wellbeing.
https://shop.queensgreencanopy.org/
Nov
I received two nominations at the 17th Annual Black and White Spider Awards announced at a prestigious Photoshow, streamed, Saturday 26th November 2022. The annual event was attended by industry leaders and the photography community from around the globe honouring the best in Black and White Photography.
Over six thousand entries were received from around the world, with my work receiving nominations in the “Photojournalism” and “Portrait” categories. Both pictures were photographed while on assignment for Microsoft.
The portrait is of Steven Lo, a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit in Glasgow. He is pushing the frontier of surgery by investigating the potential for 3D Telemedicine.
I was also nominated in the ‘photojournalism’ category for my photograph of Spencer Fowers removing a server from the Northern Isles datacentre at Global Energy’s Nigg Energy Park facility in the north of Scotland. Project Natick is Microsoft’s research into the feasibility of an underwater datacentre, to determine whether it is logistically, environmentally, and economically practical
BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS is the leading international award honouring excellence in black and white photography. www.thespiderawards.com
Nov
My photography of the award winning First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank currently features on the front cover of, and inside, the December/January 2023 issue of “Architecture Magazine”.
The First Light Pavilion was designed to tell the inspirational stories of Jodrell Bank’s world-leading contribution to science, heritage and culture.
The architecturally remarkable building was designed by Hassell Studios and engineered by Atelier One with the executive architects of JM Architect’s overlooking the entire project, Kier Construction building the large concrete dome and Armourcoat providing an insulated render that optimises the thermal performance of the building.
I was commissioned to photograph the new First Light Pavilion, to capture its stunning architecture and clever design within its location of the Jodrell Bank Observatory centre.
#photography #photographer #architecture #design #construction #engineers #science #concrete #render #architect #architecturephotography #architecturephoto #innovative #creative #inspire
Nov
My photography of the Minster Building in London is featured in this month’s “The Local Project” Magazine. The photos are part of an article about the value of “Acoustic Refinement” in commercial, hospitality and domestic spaces.
Inhered with a dynamic sense of refinement, Armourcoat Acoustic Plaster System balances effective sound absorption with a smooth and even finish. Installed exclusively by Bishop Master Finishes, the innovative product forms an effortless means of elevating acoustic solutions in commercial, hospitality and domestic spaces.
The system sees a recycled mineral wool-composite panel installed onto a standard taped and jointed ceiling, finished with a seamless layer of Armourcoat Acoustic plaster that allows sound to permeate through and be absorbed by the panel behind.
Published three times a year, The Local Project print periodical showcases the latest architecture and celebrates extraordinary design to an inspired community.
Oct
Congratulations to DelAgua for celebrating 10 years in Rwanda with the millionth stove distribution last week.
I worked with DelAgua at the beginning of their carbon credit project called Tubeho Neza (“Live Well”), travelling in Rwanda to photograph the distribution days, community health worker visits and how the program is improving the lives of those involved.
The photography went on to form a major part of DelAgua’s marketing awareness campaign being published in the “Tubeho Neza” book and featuring in a number of magazines. I was also a winner with the photography, at the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards.
The DelAgua cook stove is designed to work for the reality of the lives of the families who use them. It uses wood, but just small pieces of twig and tinder, which rural families can gather without encroaching on forestry. Crucially the design of the stove increases thermal efficiency resulting in quicker cooking speeds and much lower fuel requirements. The stove requires at least 50% less wood than a traditional fire. The stove is durable and saves the equivalent of 14 tons of CO2 emissions over its seven- year life.
With a target of donating 2.3 million stoves by the end of 2023, Tubeho Neza project is one of the world’s largest cook stove projects.
Education and ongoing support is central to the work. Every family is visited by a Community Health Worker who explains the dangers of cooking on a traditional fire and household air pollution and the health advantages of cooking on the stove and they also make sure the family know how to use it. Behaviour change is immediate and lasting.
Oct
My photography is featured in this month’s “The Architectural Review” Magazine. The October edition is all about Energy and seeks to make visible the often-obscured links between buildings and the energy sources they are built from, and around.
In the middle of the pandemic, I was commissioned by Microsoft to capture Project Natick.
Project Natick is Microsoft’s research into the feasibility of an underwater datacentre, to determine whether it is logistically, environmentally, and economically practical. The Northern Isles datacentre was deployed 117 feet deep to the seafloor in spring 2018. For the next 2 years, team members tested and monitored the performance and reliability of the datacentre’s servers.
Part of Microsoft’s aim was to assess whether submerged datacentres use less energy than those on land. Servers generate heat while operating but work best at low temperatures, so land-based centres demand energy-guzzling cooling systems. The consistently cool underwater environment allowed Microsoft to opt for the sort of energy-efficient heat-exchange plumbing more normally found on submarines. Project Natick team selected the Orkney Islands for the Northern Isles deployment in part because the grid there is supplied 100% by wind and solar as well as experimental green energy technologies under development at the European Marine Energy Centre.
The Architectural Review is a monthly international architectural magazine. It has been published in London since 1896. Its articles cover the built environment – which includes landscape, building design, interior design and urbanism – as well as theory of these subjects.
Oct
London is regarded as Europe’s leading technology centre with over 3,000 new businesses (according to Start-up Genome Project) as well as Google’s largest office outside Silicon Valley. Although the Financial and Insurance sectors remain key drivers, the Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) sector has now overtaken these sectors in terms of office take-up in Central London.
Shoreditch and Tech City have become distinct as London’s new centre of creativity and innovation. The area serves as an incubator for start-ups in fintech, media, and technology, fashion, music and art industries.
The Epworth comprises a landmark 1930s Art Deco building beautifully modernised for the creative industries by award winning architects Buckley Gray Yeoman in 2018. The project involved the substantial refurbishment and reconstruction of three separate buildings to provide approximately 62,789 sq ft (5,833 sq m) of ‘best in class’ Grade A office accommodation arranged over lower ground, ground and six upper floors.
Earlier this year I was commissioned to photograph the iconic building. My brief was to capture how Buckley Gray Yeoman breathed new life into the building consolidating its mix of architectural styles whilst also remaining sensitive to the site’s prominent urban setting.
The rear half of the building has been demolished and rebuilt as a new steel frame behind the beautifully retained Art Deco facade. Two upper partial floors have been removed and replaced by three new floors, with the 5th and 6th benefiting from substantial roof terraces. Along both City Road and Epworth Street, new double height voids have been formed to link the ground and lower ground. The office floor plates provide high quality space sympathetically restored with a sophisticated industrial aesthetic.
#photography #photographer #architecture #architect #architecturephotography #architectphotographer #architecturedesign #archdaily #architecturaldesign #creative #innovation #tech #interiordesign #design #futureproof
Oct
Architecture and interior photography are as much about the atmosphere of the space as the appearance. Our roll as visual story tellers means that we must understand and capture the essence of the design.
How do you showcase this in just a handful of photos? Close up details and specific features shot with a short depth of field do not inform the viewer of much more than what is in focus. Lifestyle photos including people show how the space is used and enjoyed but are challenging to organise.
It is rare to photograph any building or interior which is complete and not in use. I am always working around the public or the client.
I seek to show what makes the design of the space unique. In the case of photographing Nando’s restaurants, it is being able to taste the Peri-Peri in the pictures!
The new Blackpool Nando’s was designed by Harrison and is located at Squires Gate retail park. The restaurant features a unique swooping timber structure which has a painted timber lath canopy, planters, and pendant lighting to create a central zone in the floor plan. It also contributes to the new ‘super-coordinator’ concept design to create a strong guest focus on the servery area.
The fixed seating, which is backed with a sustainable cork lining, reinforces the central space and adds to the customers overall ‘sensory experience’. From the heavily textured concrete render to the vibrant fabrics and artwork, with the mixed lighting and different floor surfaces, this restaurant is as much about the experience as the food. It’s the bringing together of a great space, memorable food and drink and passionate service that will deliver sustainable success.
#photography #architecture #interior #restaurant #art #design #people #food #interiordesign #restaurantdesign #interiorphotography #architecturephotography #photo #brand #marketing #lighting #lightingdesign #furniture #wood #tiling #details #retail #sustainable #concrete
Oct
World Teachers’ Day is held annually on 5 October to celebrate all teachers around the globe. It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions. The Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel was adopted in 1997 to complement the 1966 Recommendation by covering teaching personnel in higher education. World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated since 1994.
I have supported a number of education projects through my photography, in this country and abroad.
World Teachers’ Day celebrates how teachers are transforming education but also to reflect on the support they need to fully deploy their talent and vocation, and to rethink the way ahead for the profession globally.
World Teachers’ Day is co-convened in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF and Education International (EI).
#photography #photographer #humanitarian #makeadifference #teaching #teacher #charity #education #creative #learning
Oct
In honour and loving memory of Her Majesty, today marks the start of The Queen’s Green Canopy official tree planting season in the United Kingdom with a poignant tree gifting ceremony at The Royal Hospital Chelsea in London.
The Tree of Trees was illuminated during a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace on the evening of Thursday 2nd June in honour of Her Majesty the Queen.
I was commissioned to photograph and capture the sculpture on the run up to the Jubilee celebration weekend.
Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the sculpture is one part of a national community campaign to plant more trees and inspire the next generation of tree planters, led by the Queen’s Green Canopy.
A nationwide network of over 300 inspiring charities and organisations have been unveiled as part of the living legacy in honour of The Queen.
The chosen recipients embody a spirit of selflessness and support, with a purpose dedicated to the betterment of their communities, the environment, and the nation. This means trees from the Jubilee will flourish in places like Luton’s Peace Garden Initiative, which offers a place for families to plant trees in memory of COVID victims; the Caribbean Sports and Wellbeing Club in Sheffield, which provides support and opportunities for young people who have encountered racism and discrimination; and the Swansea Environment Centre, which encourages activities to tackle the challenges of plastic pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.
#climatechange #environment #community #trees #plantatree #makeadifference #change
Oct
I have always worked with NGO’s. There is something that is incredibly rewarding about the photography. Earlier this year my work with the British Red Cross introduced me to Compass Collective.
Compass Collective assists unaccompanied minor refugees and young people seeking asylum to build resilience and integrate into the UK through theatre, music and film projects and arts-led professional development programmes.
They support approximately 150 young people aged 14-26 a year, from 12 locations in the UK. The majority are at their initial stage of immigration. 70% are unaccompanied minors.
“Next Steps” is an arts-based development programme culminating in a performance written and performed by the participants.
The participants learn to access and use their authentic voice and are given the opportunity to be creative in a safe, welcoming, and empowering space. The work is always created and led by the individuals they work with.
I photographed the final show at the incredible Coal Drops Yard building designed by Thomas Heatherwick, in the Samsung KX space.
Compass Collective is supported by a team of industry professionals with a unified desire to help those seeking sanctuary integrate into the UK. The Board of Trustees includes Wendy Solesbury (MBE), Bruce Goodison, Toby Jones, Mohamed Al-Kaisi and Becca Machado.
For more information about The Compass Collective and to find out how you can support them in the future check out
Oct
Congratulations to Konstantinos Tsakalidis for winning this years Siena international Photography Awards, “Photographer of the Year”.
The winning photo, “Woman from Evia”, was revealed at this years Siena Awards Ceremony on Saturday 1st October at the Teatro Dei Rinnovati theatre.
Tsakalidis’s picture captures the desperation of Kritsiopi Panayiota, an 81-year-old woman, as the flames approach her home during the devastating forest fires in the summer 2021 causing extensive environmental damage.
Since 2015, the Siena International Photo Awards has stood out as being one of the most prestigious photographic competitions in the world, with an annual participation of photographers from more than 150 countries around the world.
This year’s winning photographs can be viewed at the SIPA website - https://sipacontest.com/gallery/2022
The pictures are also on show at various exhibitions around Siena. This year there is a “Hall of Fame” section featuring the photographers that have won in previous years. The Hall of Fame was created to recognise the value of those who have believed in the importance of the project since the first edition of the Siena International Photo Awards.
It is an honour to have my name amongst such esteemed photographers and a pleasure to be part of the wider SIENA Awards family.
#photography #photographer #awards #photo #foto #fotographie #creative #imagination #humanitarian #humaninterest #makeadifference
Sep
The Siena International Photography Awards is one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the industry. I was honoured to be awarded the grand prize of Photographer of the Year in 2019.
I am sad not to be able to attend the event this year to see my good friend Luca Venturi and attend the photography talks, photographic exhibitions, and evening awards ceremony. Unfortunately, I am away on assignment for the British Red Cross.
Good luck to all my fellow photographers that have been nominated and I wish everyone attending an enjoyable weekend of creative inspiration.
Sep
My photography of the award winning First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank currently features in the October / November edition of “Architecture Magazine”.
The First Light Pavilion was designed to tell the inspirational stories of Jodrell Bank’s world-leading contribution to science, heritage and culture.
The architecturally remarkable building was designed by Hassell Studios and engineered by Atelier One with the executive architects of JM Architect’s overlooking the entire project, Kier Construction building the large concrete dome and Armourcoat providing an insulated render that optimises the thermal performance of the building.
I was commissioned to photograph the new First Light Pavilion, to capture its stunning architecture and clever design within its location of the Jodrell Bank Observatory centre.
Sep
I am pleased to announce that I have been selected as a member of the jury in the “Best Photography Awards”.
“The Best Photography Awards” strives to promote photography through rewarding the creativity of photographers from around the world who work within a variety of disciplines. These categories range from “Documentary / Photojournalism” to “Digital Art Photography”, “Architecture”, “Advertising”, “Portraits”, “Nudes”, “Still Life”, “Nature”, and an “Open Theme”.
It is amazing to be on the Judging panel amongst the calibre of the other creative photographers.
The competition is now open for submissions at
Good luck.
Sep
The hospitality industry has seen some significant changes recently. Hotels are recognising that they must build their brand experience around a solution-selling strategy. Brand confidence means being a trusted advisor making customers feel relaxed with every interaction.
The Hilton Birmingham Metropole is the largest hotel in England outside London – with 790 rooms and suites, and approximately 6,000 m2 (65,000 sq ft) of conference halls. First opening in 1976 the current hotel is a combination of two adjacent hotels connected by a glazed tunnel and merged under the Metropole brand.
This week marks the first anniversary since the re-opening of the Hilton Birmingham Metropole following a massive refurbishment.
Earlier this year I was commissioned to photograph the new reception lobby, Guild Lounge, Brightsmith Bar & Restaurant, Executive lounge, and the Arbour breakfast room.
When working with an established brand like the Hilton there is the heritage to be considered, as well as the future of the brand. Sometimes innovative design is not about reinventing the wheel but setting it on a new course.
In my photography brief I was asked to capture the spirit of the design that defined it as the Hilton Metropole Birmingham. I was also made aware that the refurbishment had already been photographed by a number of other photographers. I chose not to look at these.
As I spent time in the space, I began to realise that the most amazing aspect of the new design was not represented in any one particular feature, or area. It was that the soul of the building had been ‘restored’ through the refurbishment, resulting in the brand being elevated through the design of the overall space.
Throughout the hotel, the new decor celebrates Birmingham’s rich heritage and embraces its culture. Nods to industrialism combine with a celebration of local craftsmanship to mark the city’s prolific history. Harrison was appointed by Hilton to completely transform this iconic destination hotel. The Hilton Birmingham Metropole hosts over 2,000 events per year and has already welcomed both new and returning clients.
Aug
The First Light Pavilion is a £21.5m development supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It follows Jodrell Bank Observatory’s recent recognition as a site of Outstanding Universal Value when it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2019. The First Light Pavilion was created to tell the inspirational stories of Jodrell Bank’s world-leading contribution to science, heritage and culture.
The architecturally remarkable building was designed by Hassell Studios and engineered by Atelier One with the executive architects of JM Architect’s overlooking the entire project and Kier Construction building the large concrete dome.
I was commissioned to photograph / capture its stunning architecture and clever design within its location of the Jodrell Bank Observatory centre. I will be sharing some of the photography over the next week.
The idea was to build a discreet form that would blend into the landscape. The final unique structure is a 76m diameter concrete dome which mirrors the shape and scale of the dish of the Lovell Telescope. The building is partially buried beneath earth and grass, leaving a stunning curved entrance façade with its axis orientated due south to reflect the arc of the sun. Two separate screen walls guide visitors to the entrance in which a single glass slot is cut, lighting a meridian line cast on to the floor linking the structure to the skies above.
The design was to leave the exposed concrete visible inside the building, as well as on the front façade whilst also maintaining a high level of insulation. Armourcoat supplied an insulated render that includes graphite enabling it to reflect 20% more radiant heat than standard EPS. This optimises the thermal performance of the building and has the added dimension of a decorative polished finish to the façade.
The entrance of the First Light Pavilion is approached along a simple path between two parallel curved concrete walls suggestive of a new moon. Inside, visitors can immerse themselves in a new permanent exhibition that was created by Casson Mann and tells the inspirational story of Jodrell Bank’s pioneering scientists and engineers.
There is a 150-seat capacity auditorium ‘pod’ featuring a screen that follows the shape of the drum shell and curves over the seats. A multimedia room houses special exhibitions and caters for night-sky projections, educational lectures and live links to other science facilities.
From this, visitors can exit to a café and circular courtyard, cut into the mound so that its orientation aligns to First Light’s tracking of Sputnik at 102 degrees from Azimuth.
The First Light Pavilion opened its doors to the public in June 2022
Aug
It is one thing to renovate, transform and repurpose a space, but to give a building a new soul is something else. Freehausdesign architects in collaboration with the interior designer Tola Ojuolape and brand agency Mam'gobozi Design Factory have done just that with The Africa Centre’s new home in Southwark.
I was commissioned to photograph and capture how the design team has breathed new life into the building, filling it with the colours, tastes, and vibe of Africa.
The Africa Centre started life in the 1960’s as a cultural hub for the UK’s African Diaspora, and for a long time was based in Covent Garden. It was a place to inspire, challenge, enlighten and encourage, hosting distinguished cultural, literary and political figures of African heritage.
The new headquarters in Great Suffolk Street has been completely rejuvenated into a multi-purpose site that offers flexible spaces for a variety of events and activities such as art exhibitions, pop-ups, and networking.
Inside, the 2216 sq. ft is divided across three floors with a new feature staircase connecting the first and second floors.
In contrast to the black painted exterior there is a palette of sandy clay plaster walls, rustic polished concrete floor, African inspired feature pendant lighting, authentic carved wooden furniture, vibrant fabrics and artwork. The ground floor opens out to a reception plus collaborative meeting space, and houses “Tatale”, a contemporary pan-African restaurant. The building has been extended at the back, with a row of glass doors that fold open completely, connecting the restaurant to an animated alleyway of railway arches.
The second floor is an events area, complete with bar clad in African geometric tiles and lounge with a mixture of contemporary African seating options. Both areas open out onto their own balconies, with the front terrace being supported by a sturdy black steel canopy that the architects added on the exterior as a welcoming feature.
On the third floor is the gallery space for artists to support the centre’s values and inspire others.
The Africa Centre has already featured in a number of prominent online forums and publications, including the Architects Journal, the Guardian, the Evening Standard, Wallpaper Magazine, Dezeen Magazine, The RIBA Journal and Forbes Africa.
The construction and fitout was completed by Metric Construction Cost Management Limited, Cambridge CM, Inc., OR Consulting Engineers Limited, Price & Myers and QOB.
#community #diaspora #culture #regeneration #design #community #africa #theafricacentre #interiordesign #brand #branding #collaboration
Aug
Nando’s has evolved into a 458-restaurant cultural phenomenon with a progressive peri-peri approach to their brand. I have been supplying them photography for a number of years, working with some incredible creatives.
Nando’s has always recognised that they had to be about much more than just the chicken that they served. From collaborations and associations with music artists (including a recording studio in their Soho restaurant), to partnering with Spier Arts Trust with a long-term commitment to contemporary Southern African art, peri-peri sauce now flavours many forms of popular culture.
Nando’s takes a progressive approach to promoting their #everyoneiswelcome stance through various different platforms. Their UK social media followers on Twitter and Instagram far exceeds their competitors. Nando’s millennial engagement and content has adopted music takeovers, reworks of memes or TikTok recipes using their sauces, and campaigns surrounding everything from the pandemic to student results, mental wellbeing and entrepreneurship.
Nando’s culture of diversity takes a “neighbourhood” approach to expansion driven by local demographics. If the clientele in Nando’s restaurants is modern, multiracial Britain made manifest, it could be because it engages its audience in a genuine, holistic way.
I recently photographed the new Nottingham, Netherfield Nando’s at Victoria Park Way. The restaurant was designed by Harrison with 118 internal, and 20 external covers. The exterior entrance is clad in timber and has both the Nando’s sign and logo, which light up in the evening. There is also a feature seated canopy area with box planters.
The interior is a kaleidoscope picture of the Nando’s palette, materials, lighting, and furniture. The flooring is a combination of Ted Todd wooden floor panels and tiles. The walls range from micro concrete trowelled finished render, to ribbed concrete tiles, exposed brick finish and vertical mosaic tiles with a deep glaze. There is a large selection of original South African art along with interspersed planters.
The seating is a mixture of large “live” edge banqueting tables, individual marble and chestnut top tables plus booths that divide the space. There is a suspended angled lath ceiling feature which is illuminated by linear LED strips, along with track lighting and Hoola Hoop pendant lights above the booths.
The evolution of the Nando’s progressive peri-peri brand is inspired by their adventurous spirit and values of Pride, Passion, Courage, Integrity and Family.
Jul
I was the guest speaker on the “Digital Artist” podcast on Wednesday July 20th 2022. I was joined by Andrew Kavanagh, the founder of Digital Artist and host for the talk, and Jack Savage of the Influx Gallery. My work features on the Influx Gallery website.
It was great to have an informal chat about my work and career although I do seem to ramble on for some time in the end! Jack and Andrew were awesome. The footage of the podcast is now available on YouTube –
Jul
Students have had a tough time lately with Covid related disruptions. I was assigned by Microsoft to photograph “Eedi”, their AI online math tutoring service.
I spent the morning with Eithne and her family in Chorley, photographing Eithne using the math tutoring service both in the house and on the move in the car.
Newly enrolled students on Eedi are asked to take a dynamic quiz of 10 multiple choice diagnostic questions that the service uses to learn where students struggle most in math. This information allows the service to place students on a learning pathway to overcome those specific obstacles, or misconceptions.
The dynamic quiz is powered by AI developed by researchers at the Microsoft Research Lab in Cambridge, United Kingdom, who specialize in machine learning algorithms that help people make decisions.
The AI uses each answer to predict the probability the student will correctly answer each of thousands of other possible next questions and then weighs those probabilities to decide what question to ask next to pinpoint knowledge gaps.
To read more about this project check out
Jul
JLL’s new 38,000 sq ft offices at 20 Water Street is featured in the current issue of Mix Interiors Magazine and on a number of websites including Office Snapshots and Costar. I was commissioned to photograph the space for the design and build team, Tetris.
The Canary Wharf workplace is JLL’s first office specifically designed to embrace a new way of hybrid working. JLL wanted a collaborative, sustainable, inclusive, health-led, tech-smart, energy-efficient and flexible workplace (targeting WELL Platinum, SKA Gold, BREEAM Excellent). The user experience is at the centre of the design, promoting wellness through biophilia incorporated in spaces both inside and outside of the offices. The project had to be an exemplar for both JLL's people and clients, while meeting JLL's targets for their Net Zero Carbon 2025 milestone.
The workplace benefits from AI powered sensors to monitor occupancy and air quality, as well as smart lockers and ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi complementing JLL’s own intelligent workplace app.
Sustainable elements include worktops made from recycled post-industrial plastic and tabletops within the demise made from recycled suit textiles.
The office features a variety of meeting and hybrid rooms, breakout areas, cafe and kitchens, huddle spaces, demo and innovation zones, standing rooms, study libraries, acoustic meeting pods, plus garden lounges and balconies.
JLL has employed a forward-thinking and holistic approach to the design of their new offices, with innovation and employee wellbeing at its heart.
Mix Interiors is aimed at the UK architectural and design community. Each issue features the latest industry news, case studies of leading projects across workplace, hospitality and residential, interviews with key influencers from the world of A&D and property; reviews of the industry’s major events and exhibitions, and insightful articles written by expert contributors.
MANUFACTURERS:
Orangebox SAS International Shaw Contract Humanscale Vitra Frovi
#photography #photographer #interiorphotography #architect #architecture #interiordesign #creative #biophilia #green #officedesign #photo #WorkplaceDesign #SustainableWorkplace #WorkplaceWellbeing #Wellness #SmartOffice #InclusiveWorkplace
Jul
I am honoured to be included in the film celebrating The Phillips Collection centennial year. The video is a round-up of their exhibitions, new commissions and parties featuring the work of Pablo Picasso, Daniel Canogar and Marta Perez Garcia.
My “Portraits of Resilience” series that share the stories of survivors of torture is being exhibited at the Phillips Collection @ARC till the end of the month. The exhibition is held in collaboration with the artist, the survivors, and Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC). The exhibition is on view from April 27 to July 29, 2022.
Jul
Portraits of Resilience features photographs by Jonathan Banks that share the stories of survivors of torture from around the world. The work is being exhibited in collaboration with Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC) at the Phillips Collection (Phillips@THEARC) till the end of July 2022.
Survivors are the strongest and most effective voice in the campaign to abolish torture.
Not all survivors want to be recognised for fear of repercussions to their friends and family. As such, each survivor selected a photograph that was significant to them. The photograph was then projected over the individual, sometimes obscuring their identity if anonymity was requested.
“Engaging the public through art is the focus of The Phillips Collection’s work at THEARC,” notes Director of Community Engagement Nehemiah Dixon III. “We hope that this exhibition leads to deeper conversations about the refugee crisis, and the role that race, national origin, and class play in impacting who we extend empathy and humanity to and how.”
Jun
The Tree of Trees was illuminated during a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace on the evening of Thursday 2nd June in honour of Her Majesty the Queen.
The queen led the ceremony at Windsor Castle, symbolically setting off a chain reaction, while her grandson, Prince William, saw the final result as the Principal Beacon lit up outside Buckingham Palace. The “Tree of Trees” is being used to honor Her Majesty’s 70-year reign on the throne. Around 3,000 beacons were lit across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth simultaneously.
I was commissioned to photograph and capture the sculpture on the run up to the Jubilee celebration weekend. The photographs have been featured in a number of editorial publications including, The Times, Independent, CNN, Bloomberg, Architects Journal, Dezeen, and on numerous websites.
Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the sculpture is one part of a national community campaign to plant more trees and inspire the next generation of tree planters, led by the Queen’s Green Canopy.
"This sculpture acts like a beacon, sending one simple, eternal message that trees are the super-heroes of our towns and cities and matter much more to our lives than we realize," said studio head Thomas Heatherwick. "It's been made by a team of welders, arborists, designers and fabricators from right across the country, all of us playing a part in this huge community campaign that's literally transforming the landscape and proudly honoring The Queen."
After the Jubilee, the saplings will be taken to a nursery in Cambridgeshire and cared for in 20-litre pots until the planting season begins this October. They include nine native species so that the right tree can be planted in the right place. Each one will then be gifted to community groups across the UK, celebrating their work and helping to green our cities and renew the countryside.
A million trees have already been planted through the Queens Green Canopy, nurturing a legacy to honour Her Majesty the Queen.
Jun
Earlier this year the Palace asked Heatherwick Studios to design a living sculpture to celebrate the Queens Green Canopy as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
I was commissioned to photograph and capture the sculptures design on the run up to the Jubilee celebration weekend.
Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the sculpture is one part of a national community campaign to plant more trees and inspire the next generation of tree planters, led by the Queen’s Green Canopy.
The sculpture stands 21 metres high, made of reclaimed surplus steel. 350 British grown saplings rest in spun aluminium pots set along its 80 branches. It has been created by a team of welders, designers, fabricators and arborists from Cleveland and Ely to Halifax, Portslade and London.
"The Tree of Trees is here to highlight an incredible community campaign that's already planted more than a million saplings and celebrate a moment of national togetherness.
We all know we need more trees and nature in Britain's towns and cities. Our job as designers and all the other people who make and manage cities is to apply our creative energy and imagination to the task of making that happen.“ said Designer Thomas Heatherwick
After the Jubilee, the saplings will be taken to a nursery in Cambridgeshire and cared for in 20 litre pots until the planting season begins this October. They include nine different species so that the right tree can be planted in the right place. Each one will then be gifted to community groups to celebrate their work, help green our cities and renew the countryside.
A million trees have already been planted through the Queens Green Canopy, nurturing a legacy to honour Her Majesty the Queen.
#JubileeTree
www.queensgreencanopy.org
#JubileeTree
#PlantATree
Jun
When LinkedIn decided to move their London headquarters from Oxford Circus to Farringdon, they worked with architects Gensler to convert the former offices of the Guardian into a space that is focussed on the use and enjoyment of their staff.
I was commissioned to photograph and capture the design of the space, to show the auditorium, open plan desking, meeting rooms, phone booth pods, executive offices and break out area.
The seven-storey building, “The Ray Farringdon” is a former RIBA Stirling Prize winner (2015) which was originally designed by AHMM Partners.
The building benefits from reflective windows that allow sunlight to fill the interior space with natural light. The natural light was a key factor of the office colour scheme set out by both LinkedIn and McLaren.
Exposed services, acoustic baffles, and slatted timber ceilings feature throughout. The state-of-the-art, practical partitioning by Optima Systems has a high acoustic rating and illuminates natural light across the entire floor.
Gensler, along with Project Managers, Gardiner+Theobald and fit out company, QOB, have created a vibrant and engaging work environment perfectly adapted to futureproof the safety and wellbeing of their staff while boasting an interior scheme and tech capabilities worthy of a global giant at the heart of 'Tech City.'
#photography #photographer #photo #interiordesign #architecture #architect #interiorphotography #archituralphotographer #lighting #lightingdesign #light #qualityoflight #tech #technology # wellbeing #office #officedesign
#photography #photographer #photo #interiordesign #architecture #architect #interiorphotography #archituralphotographer #lighting #lightingdesign #light #qualityoflight #tech #technology # wellbeing #office #officedesign
May
For my latest Microsoft assignment, I travelled to Northumbria to photograph Justin Green and Mike Reed, two NHS orthopedic surgeons who are using Azure AI to spot patients facing increased risks during surgery.
More than 6 million people in England are waiting for treatment by the National Health Service. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this situation worse, with staff shortages and the suspension of non-urgent operations resulting in another 2.3 million people being added to waiting lists since May 2020.
Justin and Mike are exploring how AI could help reduce waiting times, support recommendations from healthcare teams and provide patients with better information so they can make more informed decisions about their own care. The AI model is hosted in Microsoft’s Azure cloud and uses the Responsible AI dashboard in Azure Machine Learning, so that medical professionals are given a clearer understanding of why the AI has reached its conclusions.
Patients might not notice the changes when they visit a hospital or their GP, but they could soon be benefitting from a more personalized and informative care experience.
To read the full article check out
May
“Portraits of Resilience” is a collaboration with the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC) and is a series of portraits that are currently being exhibited at the Phillips Collection @TheARC in Washington DC. On the 27th of April the Phillips Collection organised a panel discussion about the photographs including myself as the artist and Hagir Elsheikh, who is on the TASSC International board and is a survivor of torture from Sudan.
Hagir Elsheikh – “As a torture survivor, the first thing that you lose is your voice, and getting that back requires a lot of courage. You are never really the same but you get to cope with help from organisations such as TASSC”.
Of course, if you would like to watch the whole film it is now available on YouTube at
P.S. – Please forgive my delivery … I am a photographer not an orator!
May
“Portraits of Resilience” is a collaboration with the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC) and is a series of portraits that are currently being exhibited at the Phillips Collection @TheARC in Washington DC. On the 27th of April the Phillips Collection organised a panel discussion about the photographs including myself as the artist and Alysha Tagert, the acting director of TASSC International.
Alysha Tagert – Dennis Saleebey said “All humans, somewhere within, have the urge to be heroic; to transcend circumstances, to develop one’s powers, to overcome adversity, to stand up and be counted.” Where torture has sort to destroy, take away dignity and humanity and to keep these amazing survivors hidden. These photos say, “here I am, I am not silent, I have overcome, I am a survivor”.
Of course, if you would like to watch the whole film it is now available on YouTube at
P.S. – Please forgive my delivery … I am a photographer not an orator!
May
On Wednesday 27th of April my solo exhibition of “Portraits of Resilience “, in collaboration with TASSC International, at the Phillips Collection @TheARC in Washington DC launched with a reception and panel discussion artist talk. Over the course of the next week, I will share some of the highlights from the talk starting with
Survivors are the strongest and most effective voice in the campaign to abolish torture.
When I talk to people about the work, their initial reaction is usually the same, as they imagine gritty black and white portraits that show harrowing faces that are worn and downtrodden.
I wanted to capture a series of beautiful and powerful portraits that each person would be proud of.
Of course, if you would like to watch the whole film it is now available on YouTube at
P.S. – Please forgive my delivery … I am a photographer not an orator!
May
On Wednesday 27th of April my solo exhibition of “Portraits of Resilience “, in collaboration with TASSC International, at the Phillips Collection @TheARC in Washington DC launched with a reception and panel discussion artist talk. Over the course of the next week, I will share some of the highlights from the talk starting with
Survivors are the strongest and most effective voice in the campaign to abolish torture.
When I talk to people about the work, their initial reaction is usually the same, as they imagine gritty black and white portraits that show harrowing faces that are worn and downtrodden.
I wanted to capture a series of beautiful and powerful portraits that each person would be proud of.
Of course, if you would like to watch the whole film it is now available on YouTube at
P.S. – Please forgive my delivery … I am a photographer not an orator!
May
At the beginning of April 2022 Nando’s celebrated thirty years since opening its first restaurant in the United Kingdom, in Ealing.
Nando’s has evolved into a 458-restaurant cultural phenomenon, where everyone from musicians to young families, royalty to politicians and everyone in-between likes a “cheeky” Nando’s!
Nando’s has weathered the ever-changing restaurant landscape and soldiered on through the pandemic with plans to open 12 new restaurants in 2022. Part of the brands resilience has been their restaurants individuality whilst still being recognised as a Nando’s.
The new restaurant in Glasgow designed by Fusion dna is a masterclass in the Nando’s brand. Located in the St Enoch’s shopping centre, the restaurant is a complete departure from its surroundings with a canopy of plants, sculpted concrete walls, African fabrics, and wooden ceiling feature. The space has been designed with a variety of seating options from circular booths to single tables that can be arranged as required. The lighting is a mix of decorative pendants, atmospheric feature lights and functional spots. Splashes of colour come from the original art, authentic tiles, and furniture.
A happy belated birthday … still looking and tasting great!
May
It is great to announce my affiliation with Influx Gallery as a featured artist.
I was honoured to be asked by the amazing team at Influx, of Jack Savage, Dylan Storey, Mohamed Mokcheh, and Dominic Abbey.
Influx is an award-winning international art gallery based in Notting Hill, London. The team has assembled a “family” of experienced artists, curators, and gallerists. Their objective is to support artists by organising international online and physical art exhibitions and contests.
It is great to be part of the family and I look forward to collaborating with team on future projects.
May
My photography currently features on the Designerati website, the digital home and website for “Designer Magazine”.
The article is part of a new series featuring designers and architects speaking about future-proof design. The photographs are from a recent assignment for Tetris DB of the new Wise offices in the Tea Building in Shoreditch, London. Great interior design understands the end user’s requirements, respects the interior space, and produces an environment which is reflective of the brand. The offices have been designed as a flexible working environment with collaborative spaces that utilise a multitude of different options of furniture to enhance creativity.
The article looks at how furniture should not be an afterthought and that we should recognise its vital role as a key driver of a holistic sustainability approach that can extend and enhance the lifecycle of workplaces.
Apr
The Phillips Collection (Phillips@THEARC) presents Portraits of Resilience, featuring photographs by Jonathan Banks that share the stories of survivors of torture. Alongside the exhibition The Phillips Collection produced a book with the portraits and stories.
The exhibition is held in collaboration with the artist, the survivors, and Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC). The exhibition is on view from April 27 to July 29, 2022.
Apr
Yesterday evening was the reception and artist talk for “Portraits of Resilience”, an exhibition organised by The Phillips Collection, @THEARC in Washington DC f featuring photographs of torture survivors by myself in collaboration with Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC International) which now runs until July 29 2022.
Thanks to Nehemiah Dixon and the team at the Phillips Collection for the amazing reception and artist talk that they organised. A recording of the event will be available on YouTube shortly and I will update you with links to this as soon as possible.
Thanks to Ryan Welch and Nando’s for generously supplying an incredible spread of food for the event. Everyone truly appreciated the contribution and loved the food. It is great to be able to bring together a socially responsible company like Nando’s and a charity such as TASSC International - especially when it involves ‘breaking bread’ over great food!
Thanks to TASSC International for all your amazing work and support that you give to survivors. Everyone on the team is so valuable and has been invaluable to our collaboration.
Thanks to the survivors that attended in person and online. You are the purpose for these photographs, and I only hope that my portraits do your stories justice.
Apr
Register and join us for a discussion on APRIL 27, 2022, 6:30-7:30 PM with panellists including Jonathan Banks, Alysha Tagert, Interim Director of TASSC, and survivors that work with TASSC.
“Portraits of Resilience”, featuring photographs of torture survivors by Jonathan Banks in collaboration with Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC International) is an exhibition organized by The Phillips Collection , @THEARC in Washington DC APRIL 27-JULY 29, 2022.
IMAGE: Jonathan Banks, Hagir Elsheikh, Sudan, 2019, Photograph, 31 ¾ x 44 in.
Apr
The Phillips Collection (Phillips@THEARC) presents Portraits of Resilience, featuring photographs by Jonathan Banks that share the stories of survivors of torture
The exhibition is held in collaboration with the artist, the survivors, and Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC). The exhibition is on view from April 27 to July 29, 2022.
Apr
I received an honourable mention in the 2022 Annual Photo Contest from Whalebone Magazine. This is the third year of the competition with categories including “Water”, “Human”, “Joy”, “Travel”, and film.
My photograph of a Red Cross volunteer silhouetted behind a Red Cross Flag, will be featured in the “Photo” edition of the magazine.
The Whalebone magazine photo contest presented by B&H Photo is a way to celebrate photography around the world.
Apr
“Portraits of Resilience”, featuring photographs of torture survivors by Jonathan Banks in collaboration with Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC International) is an exhibition organized by The Phillips Collection, @THEARC in Washington DC APRIL 27-JULY 29, 2022.
Join us for a discussion on APRIL 27, 2022, 6:30-7:30 PM with panellists including Jonathan Banks, Alysha Tagert, Interim Director of TASSC, and survivors that work with TASSC.
IMAGE: Jonathan Banks, Hagir Elsheikh, Sudan, 2019, Photograph, 31 ¾ x 44 in.
Apr
I was a Winner at the 15th Annual “International Color Awards” with three Honourable mentions and four nominations in various categories. The awards took place on Saturday 27th March 2021 in the annual online Photoshow.
The live online gala was attended by industry leaders and the photography community from around the globe who logged on to watch the climax of the world's premier event for colour photography. This year the competition received 6,786 entries from 78 countries.
I received honourable mentions for, “Tbilisi Shop” vendor in the Portrait category photographed for International Alert, “Education in Rwanda” in the Children of the World category photographed for DelAgua, and “Sustainable wood pellet Mill” in the Silhouette category photographed for DRAX. The nominations were for “Tubular Sky” in the Abstract category photographed for Nando’s, “To ‘stair at the light for too long” in the Architecture category photographed for Tetris DB, “Office Colour Creative Space” in the People category photographed for Squaredot, and “Lockdown Haircut Portrait” in the Portrait category which was a funny family portrait when all the hairdressers were closed during the pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL COLOR AWARDS is the leading international award honouring excellence in colour photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers worldwide and honours the finest images with the highest achievements in colour photography. www.colorawards.com
Apr
Phillips@THEARC Presents Portraits of Resilience, Featuring Photographs by Jonathan Banks That Share the Stories of Survivors of Torture
The exhibition is held in collaboration with the artist, the survivors, and Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC)
WASHINGTON, DC—The Phillips Collection presents Portraits of Resilience at Phillips@THEARC, the museum’s satellite campus in Southeast DC. The ongoing photo series by British photographer Jonathan Banks features images of survivors of torture from around the world who fled their home countries seeking safety, recovery, and political asylum. Portraits of Resilience incorporates voices from countries such as the Republic of Congo, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The exhibition is on view from April 27 to July 29, 2022.
“TASSC International is the only organization founded by survivors of torture for survivors of torture, in order to bring healing and ending torture worldwide,” explains TASSC’s Acting Executive Director Alysha Tagert. “These portraits give the survivors an opportunity to share their stories in a unique way, visually representing the beauty of their resilience in overcoming their torture experience. We are thrilled that the community can join as a witness to survivor stories and connect with these incredible people. Thank you to The Phillips Collection and Jonathan for joining with survivors in their journey.”
Jonathan Banks began the project in 2018 to educate the public about the practice of torture and allow survivors to share their stories in an exploratory and creative fashion—with the ethos that survivors are the strongest and most effective voice in the campaign to abolish torture. To center the voices and stories of the survivors, Banks asks the survivors to select a photograph of significance to them to then be projected onto their portrait. Whether a serene landscape or a vibrant street scene, the projected images show familiar places lost to the individuals. The portraits speak to their past aspirations, hopes, and dreams. At Phillips@THEARC, visitors will be invited to write letters to survivors and take photos with Polaroid cameras to share their own stories of resilience.
“As we watch Ukrainian refugees flee violent attacks and integrate Afghan refugees into our DC community following the fall of Kabul, these portraits humanize the people at the heart of such enormous conflicts,” says Vradenburg Director and CEO Dorothy Kosinski. “The exhibition continues our work to address important global issues that were also the focus of our summer 2019 exhibition The Warmth of Other Suns: Stories of Global Displacement.”
Most participating survivors were tortured by repressive governments for reasons varying from joining oppositional political parties to being persecuted for their religion or sexual orientation, or for exposing government corruption. Not all survivors want to be recognized for fear of repercussions to their friends and family, so some names have been changed to protect identities. The series poses questions about place, home, and humanity in the midst of the growing global refugee crisis.
“Engaging the public through art is the focus of The Phillips Collection’s work at THEARC,” notes Director of Community Engagement Nehemiah Dixon III. “We hope that this exhibition leads to deeper conversations about the refugee crisis, and the role that race, national origin, and class play in impacting who we extend empathy and humanity to and how.”
Apr
My photographs taken for the organisation DelAgua feature in an article, “Building health and empowering women with cookstoves”, in The Upstream Journal.
The Upstream Journal is a magazine about human rights and social justice. Since its launch in January 1986, it has told the stories of people and communities facing poverty, oppression and marginalization with the goal of giving them, to the extent we could, a voice.
I documented DelAgua’s Tubeho Neza (“Live Well”) project in Rwanda, capturing how they are working in partnership with the Government of Rwanda, with the goal of providing innovative, high quality performance stoves to 2.3 million rural households. The project is one of the largest cookstove programmes of its kind in the world and is addressing critical climate and health challenges at scale and for the long term.
The photographs were published in a book and went on to win a number of awards including being shortlisted for the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards.
Mar
As a Winner at the 16th Annual Black & White Spider Awards my work has been published in the 2022 Winners Book.
I received an Honourable Mention in the Architecture category and two nominations in two other categories. My photograph “A Focal Point for a Stair” was captured at the new FORA offices in Shoreditch designed by Tetris DB and features the light ‘Bauhaus’ by Haberdashery Lighting.
The competition received 6,211 entries from 75 countries.
The BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS is the leading international award honouring excellence in black and white photography. www.thespiderawards.com
https://www.thespiderawards.com/winnersbook.php
Mar
Last year I took over Yamaha Music’s Flagship store in London for a day and a half advertising shoot, photographing a variety of instruments and music technology.
I worked with a set of portable studio lights, photography assistants, an art director, and the Yamaha team that helped source music stands and moved pianos whenever possible. There were a number of challenges throughout the day, but we were inspired by the space and the music in the store.
Whether it's for the one who plays, the one who listens or the one who's looking forward to a career in music, Yamaha Music London has the “Come together” selection of instruments and music technology.
Mar
I am featured all over Interior Design Magazine this month, thanks to the good people at Armourcoat. In the March edition of Interior Designer Magazine my photography is on the front cover, the inside cover, there are three photos used in an article on page 19 and then another photo for a feature on page 45.
Interior Designer Magazine is Britain's longest established magazine for professional interior designers. It is the premier source of inspiration for the interior’s community, working with the very best creatives who are influencing and shaping the industry. The magazine presents project features, articles about the people behind the project, product news, and general ideas.
I photographed the Long Barn, East Sussex, showcasing the incredibly beautiful Clime plaster work by Armourcoat. Made from natural minerals with low embodied carbon, Clime plasters contain no cement or volatile organic compounds and are available in a wide range of natural colours.
Clime plasters create healthy interiors, with beautiful finishes in tune with nature and engaging traditional decorative skills.
Feb
Once occupied by the Lipton Tea factory, the Tea Building was originally a block of early twentieth century warehouses that was revamped under plans drawn up by AHMM for developer Derwent London. The interior has been sympathetically refurbished, keeping many of the original features, to create a number of high-quality open spaces allowing companies to stamp their own distinctive mark on each unit.
Last year I photographed the new office space for the financial technology company, Wise. Fit-out specialist Tetris designed and built the London headquarters as a destination workplace that would attract and retain talent. The 49,000 sq ft of space covers three floors and has been designed to enable connections and communication between employees. There are traditional meeting rooms, “reflection spaces” and technology enhanced collaborative areas.
In my photography brief I was asked to capture how the design respected the original building and features whilst embracing the requirements of a creative financial technology company. The photography was to show how the headquarters has been designed as a flexible working environment with creative workspaces, a lecture theatre, a garden and terrace, and a variety of break out areas.
Great interior design understands the end user’s requirements, respects the interior space, and produces an environment which is reflective of the brand. The Wise Headquarters at the Tea Building brews up it’s unique creative workspace with a blend of humour (with some of the signage), wellness (in the biophilia) and comfort (in the various options for seating from hammocks to hanging chairs) … oh and it is also a dog friendly office.
Jan
Much has changed in Ukraine during 27 years of independence. As a former Soviet republic, it borders both Russia and the EU. Whilst there was once a majority wanting a neutral status, it is now leaning towards European integration and NATO accession.
It is considered a NATO "partner country" meaning there is an understanding that it may be allowed to join the alliance sometime in the future.
Russia wants assurances from Western powers that this will never happen - something the West is not prepared to offer. Members of NATO are weighing up how far they should go to help Ukraine, in the face of a possible Russian invasion. It is Europe’s greatest threat of war in 30 years.
In 2005 I travelled to the Ukraine on assignment to capture the “Children of Chernobyl” for a charity. I photographed at the Chernigov Polyclinic covering the health program monitoring the effects of the Chernobyl disaster of 1986.
The people that I met and photographed were extremely welcoming, wanted to show me their beautiful culture, and proud of who they were as a nation.
“Communication is the key to education, understanding and peace”. James Bryce
Jan
My photography is currently featured in the January edition of the Interior Designer Magazine as an article featuring the Long Barn, and as a back cover advert.
Interior Designer Magazine is Britain's longest established magazine for professional interior designers. It is the premier source of inspiration for the interior’s community, working with the very best creatives who are influencing and shaping the industry. The magazine presents project features, articles about the people behind the project, product news, and general ideas.
I photographed the Long Barn in High Hurstwood, showcasing the incredibly beautiful Clime plaster work by Armourcoat. Made from natural minerals with low embodied carbon, Clime plasters contain no cement or volatile organic compounds and are available in a wide range of natural colours.
Clime plasters create healthy interiors, with beautiful finishes in tune with nature and engaging traditional decorative skills.
Jan
A change from one year to the next often makes us look back and reflect. CRTKL architects recently released a film to celebrate their 75th anniversary which charts their evolution as a global firm.
This is my film and story which showcases the projects that I have photographed for CallisonRTKL since 2010. It is a celebration of collaborating with CRTKL on projects ranging from offices to shopping malls, residential buildings, hotels, and airports across three different continents.
These projects have been published in magazines around the world and won numerous prestigious architecture awards, plus photography awards.
I have also photographed the people / creatives at CRTKL.
Jan
In 2021 I posted 68 articles on my website blog and social media feeds. These ranged from awards that I received, to exhibitions and festivals that my work featured in, publications in magazines and books, celebrations of awards that my clients had won or their achievements, work that I was involved with and new photography that I had produced.
I believe it’s important to maintain your passion by challenging yourself to work on “personal projects”, enter competitions and showcase your work in exhibitions.
In 2021 my photography was
Awarded as a finalist in the Lucie Foundation “Portrait Project”, shortlisted in the World Press Photo Awards, as a finalist in the One Eyeland Awards, receiving 3 honourable mentions in the 16th Pollux Awards, as a finalist in the World Report Award for Documentary Photography, qualifying in the HIPA Humanity Awards, shortlisted in the British Photography Awards, 1 honourable mention and 3 nominations in the 14th Color Awards, honoured and nominated in the Black and White Spider Awards and honoured in the Tokyo International Photo Awards.
Exhibited at, the Venice International Art Fair : “Fragmented Identities”, 6th Biennial of Fine Art & Documentary Photography in Barcelona, and the Xposure International Photography Festival in Sharjah, UAE.
Published in Architects Journal, Space Magazine, Grand Designs Magazine, ARC Magazine, Rangefinder Magazine, The Lighting Journal, Interior Contracting & Design and Tech Talkers Magazine.
I was also inducted into the Siena Awards Hall of Fame, and had a photograph published in “The Best of the Best” Photo book by One Eyeland.
I hope that we have the opportunity of working together in 2022.
Happy New Year … and here’s to 2022 being a year for good health, success in whatever you do, increased business, exploring new ideas and places, spending more time with family and friends.
Dec
I was unable to attend the opening of the 6th Biennial of Fine Art & Documentary Photography, now renamed Barcelona Foto Biennale, on the 9th of December 2020 at the FotoNostrum gallery. I also won’t be able to visit the gallery to see my work, in the one month that the Biennial will be open for, closing on January 8.
I have three photographs included, which received Honourable Mentions for the categories, ‘Culture’, ‘Children’ and ‘Fine Art’, in this year’s Pollux Awards. The thoughtful marketing team from FotoNostrum gallery have sent me photos from the exhibition.
The Barcelona Foto Biennale is showing awarded works from the Pollux Awards and the 15th and 16th Julia Margaret Cameron, amongst other artworks and special invitees.
Dec
The 6th Biennial of Fine Art & Documentary Photography, now renamed Barcelona Foto Biennale, opened on the 9th of December 2020 at the FotoNostrum gallery. Here are some highlights taken from the live video stream at the opening reception.
This international event is showing awarded works from the Pollux Awards and the 15th and 16th Julia Margaret Cameron, amongst other artworks and special invitees. I have three photographs included, which received Honourable Mentions for the categories, ‘Culture’, ‘Children’ and ‘Fine Art’, in this year’s Pollux Awards.
The Biennial will remain open for one month and will close on January 8.
Dec
I was commissioned by the architects CallisonRTKL to photograph the new Thames Quarter residential building in late August. The brief was to capture the building with blue skies during the day and dramatic skies in the early evening. There was a concern that we had missed the summer and a dilemma as to whether we should wait till the spring of 2022.
Autumn can be one of the best times of the year for interesting skylines. I worked with the architect for vantage points and monitored the weather to achieve the set of photos required.
The Thames Quarter Building has 315 apartments spread across the building’s 12-storey and 23-storey sections, which provide a variety of amenity spaces. The residents have access to a gym / wellness studio, an in-house cinema, communal lounge areas, dining rooms, landscape upper-level terraces and a tech hub workspace area. CRTKL delivered the concept design and planning submission for a build-to-rent development in close proximity to Reading railway station.
Dec
The Christmas countdown has begun … although it actually started in July when Yamaha Music London commissioned me to photograph a series of photos for the festive period.
I took over Yamaha Music’s Flagship store in London for a day and a half shoot, photographing a variety of instruments and music technology with Christmas trees, decorations, and candles. I now know how difficult it is to get hold of a poinsettia and mince pies in the middle of the year!
I worked with a set of portable studio lights, photography assistants, an art director, and the Yamaha team that helped source music stands and moved pianos whenever possible. There were a number of challenges throughout the day, but we were inspired by the space and the music in the store.
Whether it's for the one who plays, the one who listens or the one who's looking forward to a career in music, Yamaha Music London has the “Come together” Christmas spirit in all its instruments and music technology.
Nov
The latest issue of Architects Journal, November 2021, features my photography.
I recently photographed the Long Barn in East Sussex. The barn conversion retains the full height of the building for the living room, dining, and kitchen area. The project has many stand out features but the one that connects every space is the use of Clime Natural Clay Lime Plaster. Armourcoat® Clime® natural clay lime plaster is beautiful, sustainable, and hard wearing.
Armourcoat is a market leading manufacturer and specialist contractor of decorative surface finishes. Developed over 35 years, the company works globally in 80 countries.
Nov
My photography is featured in this month’s Grand Designs Magazine for an article about designing spaces with better acoustics.
Grand Designs magazine is the official publication of the television show hosted by Kevin McCloud and broadcast on Channel 4 and All 4.
From restaurants, theatres, offices, classrooms, hotel receptions and private residences, the use of hard sound reflective surfaces such as glass, wood and stone can cause excessive sound reverberation.
The Armourcoat Acoustic® Plaster System offers a clean flat and smooth mineral surface that can be applied seamlessly over large expanses to both flat and curved surfaces. It offers excellent sound absorption - to class 'A' Noise Reduction Coefficient. The system consists of a special mineral wool composite panel that is bonded onto the substrate and finished with a seamless layer of acoustic plaster. The marble-based plaster finish appears smooth and even, but still allows sound energy to pass through the surface. This enables sound to be absorbed and attenuated in the layer of mineral wool beneath.
The mineral wool panels incorporate 70% recycled content, with the basecoat made from expanded glass with 85% recycled content, and the topcoat plaster made from 80% recycled marble. The system contains no VOCs and is resistant to bacteria, mould and mildew.
Nov
The 6th Biennial of Fine Art and Documentary Photography Opening will be on December 9, 2021.
I will be showing three photographs as part of the exhibition. The location is central, next to Plaza Espanya (Spain Square), and close to the Fira Barcelona, 15 minutes away from the airport.
After 5 successful editions (Madrid 2010, Buenos Aires 2012, Malaga 2014, Berlin 2016, and Barcelona 2018), the 6th Biennial will be hosted in the FotoNostrum gallery in Barcelona from December 9, 2021. In the last two editions, the respective special invitees were Steve McCurry and Julia Fullerton-Baten.
This 6th edition will be a consolidation of almost 12 years of constant work for photography appraisal.
This international event will show awarded works from the 15th and 16th Julia Margaret Cameron and Pollux Awards, amongst other artworks and special invitees.
The Biennial will remain open for one month and will close on January 8.
Nov
I was a winner at the 16th Annual Black and White Spider Awards announced at a prestigious Nomination and Winners Photoshow, streamed, Saturday 6th November 2021. The annual event was attended by industry leaders and the photography community from around the globe honouring the best in Black and White Photography.
6,211 entries were received from 75 countries, and I was awarded in three categories, with an honourable mention in Architecture, and nominations in the Children of the World and Nature categories.
A Focal Point for a stair was photographed for Tetris Design who refurbished Arnold House in London with a feature light that is designed to be both sculptural and practical, filling the seven-floor central void of the staircase.
The Human Connection was photographed for Farm Africa in Kenya when I was assigned to cover their work in the Nou Forest region of Tanzania.
Where the sky meets the sea was photographed for Microsoft when working in the Orkney Islands to cover Project Natick, a research project to determine the feasibility of underwater datacentres.
BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS is the leading international award honouring excellence in black and white photography. www.thespiderawards.com
Oct
It is always great to see my work in print … even more so when it is in a book of this calibre. Volume 10 of One Eyeland’s “The Best of The Best” annual book showcases the work of “89 of the world’s foremost photographers”.
I was commissioned to document DelAgua’s work in Rwanda of continued research and development in improving public health, with a focus on water quality. Rwanda is one of the world’s poorest countries, but its economy is growing. The government is committed to fairness, raising the prosperity of all levels of society. The photograph was a winning picture in the “People – children” category of the One Eyeland’s Awards.
One Eyeland is the biggest photo sharing site that allows users to submit their photos into a curated gallery. Only the best images make it into the gallery. Not all images on One Eyeland will make it to the book. The jury sifts through thousands of images and selects the top 2%.
Sep
Twenty years ago, I was in Yosemite National Park due to be in New York three days’ after. All flights were grounded.
I waited at San Francisco airport and managed to board a flight. I arrived in New York with a change of purpose, assigned to document the aftermath of 9/11.
I went with the intention of photographing the destruction of the twin towers and ground zero, but this quickly changed to documenting the emotionally charged atmosphere within the people of New York. Everyday for a week I walked the streets around ground zer