Illuminated River: A Photographer's Journey into London's Dazzling Nighttime Landscapes

Step into the realm of enchantment as we delve into the captivating world of the Illuminated River project. As a photographer commissioned by the brilliant artist Leo Villareal, I had the privilege of capturing the extraordinary beauty that unfolds when London's iconic bridges come alive with vibrant lights. Join me on this thrilling journey as we explore the artistry, challenges, and breathtaking moments that define this remarkable project.

When Leo Villareal's team reached out to me, I could hardly contain my excitement. The chance to photograph the main bridges of London for such a renowned artist was a privilege I couldn't have imagined. I knew this endeavor would be like no other, a visual spectacle that required a keen eye and an understanding of how to best capture the essence of the illuminated bridges.

To bring out the true magic of the illuminated bridges, I strategically planned my shoots during the twilight hours. As the sun gracefully bid farewell and the sky transformed into a dimmed blue backdrop, the bridges glowed with an otherworldly radiance. The vibrant colors intertwined with the fading daylight, creating a harmonious dance that I aimed to preserve forever through my lens.

Photographing grand-scale structures like bridges presents its own set of challenges. From finding the perfect angles to highlighting the intricate details of the lighting designs, precision was key. Armed with years of experience, I faced these challenges head-on, transforming them into opportunities to capture the perfect shots. Patience, persistence, and a deep understanding of the bridges' architectural nuances allowed me to achieve awe-inspiring results.

Before each shoot, I had the privilege of collaborating directly with Leo Villareal and his project team. Through personal meetings, we aligned our artistic visions to ensure my photographs would showcase the intended essence of the project. Their guidance and insights were invaluable, guiding my artistic approach and enabling me to capture the true spirit of Leo's mesmerizing vision.

While each bridge held its unique allure, the Southwark Bridge stood out among them all. Its majestic arches provided the perfect canvas for Leo Villareal's mesmerizing lighting designs. As the lights played upon the intricate structure, a sense of wonder and enchantment filled the air. Through my photographs, I sought to preserve these captivating moments and share them with the world.

The Illuminated River project has breathed new life into London's nighttime landscape, transforming it into a captivating wonderland. Previously overlooked, the Thames River now shines as the star of the city's nightscape. Visitors and residents alike are drawn to the ethereal beauty that dances upon the water, creating unforgettable memories and a renewed appreciation for this iconic river.

Through my lens, I sought to document and share the true essence of the Illuminated River project. My photographs serve as a visual narrative, immersing viewers in the magical world Leo Villareal has created. Each image captures the intricate interplay of lights and architecture, inviting viewers to experience the enchantment and emotion evoked by this transformative project.

As I reflect on my journey photographing the Illuminated River project, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to capture London's iconic bridges in their resplendent glory. The collaboration with Leo Villareal and his team allowed me to immerse myself in their artistic vision and bring it to life through my photographs. The Illuminated River project has not only enhanced London's nighttime landscape but has also ignited a sense of wonder and curiosity among its residents and visitors. May my images transport you to the realm of magic and ignite a deep appreciation for the beauty that emerges when art and architecture intertwine in perfect harmony.

Join me on this visual adventure and discover the luminous tapestry woven by Leo Villareal's masterful creation—the Illuminated River.

To view the complete collection of the photographs, please click HERE.

Capturing Sophistication: A Look Inside 101 New Cavendish Street

I recently had the opportunity to photograph another stunning high-end office floor in London's 101 New Cavendish Street for Edward Charles & Partners, and I'm thrilled with the results. As an architectural photographer, I love capturing the unique features and design elements of different spaces, and this project was no exception.

One of the first things that struck me about this space was its attention to detail. From the high-end finishes to the unique layout, every aspect of the design was thoughtfully executed. The space was also beautifully decorated, with sophisticated furnishings and eye-catching art pieces that added a touch of luxury to the overall ambiance.

My goal as the photographer was to capture the unique features of the space while also providing potential buyers or tenants with a clear sense of its size and layout. To do this, I used a combination of natural and artificial light to highlight the unique features of the space. I also used a variety of angles and perspectives to showcase its size, scale, and layout.

One of the challenges of this shoot was ensuring that the images accurately reflected the space while also showcasing its beauty and sophistication. I wanted to provide viewers with a sense of the space's ambiance and atmosphere, and to do this, I used a variety of techniques to create images that were well-lit, well-composed, and technically sound.

Overall, I'm thrilled with the final results of this shoot. The images I captured showcase the unique features and design elements of the space, highlight its sophistication and attention to detail, and provide potential buyers or tenants with a clear sense of its size and layout. I'm proud to have been a part of this project, and I'm excited to see how the images will help the real estate agency attract potential buyers or tenants to this beautiful space.

Flannels’s New Liverpool Flagship

I've had the distinct pleasure of capturing stunning images of Flannels' major stores across the country, each one more remarkable than the last. With state-of-the-art design elements provided by EB Design, the interiors are nothing short of breathtaking. A particularly standout location was the Flannels' new flagship in Liverpool. This monumental project posed unique challenges, including its expansive size and the necessity to shoot in the late hours. Despite these hurdles, I was able to successfully capture the distinct essence of this flagship store from late evening to the early morning. Explore a selection of the resultant images below, with more readily available online.

Romain House - Portugal

Portugal, um dos meus países favoritos no mundo, onde espero que um dia venha a estabelecer-me. Entretanto, estou a captar novos clientes e a enriquecer o meu portefólio com a realização de belos projetos por lá. Desta vez, fotografei esta deslumbrante casa de praia, desenhada pelo arquiteto português Adérito Carvalho e construída pela Pascal Millasseau Construction, uma empresa de construção portuguesa sediada em Leiria. Fiz a cobertura completa, terrestre, aérea e em vídeo.

Para ver todas as imagens, por favor clique. here.

 
 

Real Estate Video - Noble Harris - 61 Queen Street

Another nice short promotional video for Noble Harris, this time the property was 61 Queen Street, which you can watch the video below. I’ve also got some nice photos to complete the marketing material. Happy client, happy days!

Real Estate Video - Noble Harris - Burdett House 15-16 Buckingham Street

Together with a good selection of photos, a short promotional video is becoming a key tool for commercial estate agencies. Here is the photos and a nice short promotional video that I produced for Noble Harris about Burdett House 15-16 Buckingham Street. They loved the results.

Harness the Power of Photos and Videos: Case Study - One Dean Street

In the realm of real estate, captivating potential buyers or renters at the very first glance is crucial. This principle was fully embraced in a project I recently executed for BNP Paribas Real Estate - the promotion of One Dean Street, a state-of-the-art building located in one of the most trendy parts of London, Soho.

High-quality photographs have long been a staple of real estate marketing, beautifully capturing the static features of properties. For One Dean Street, the brochure, designed by Sutton Young, was fully composed with my photographs, which provided striking visuals of the property's unique features and architectural brilliance. You can check the brochure by clicking on the button below.

However, for this project, we took the marketing strategy a step further by integrating dynamic video content, adding a new dimension to the property showcase. A well-produced video offers a virtual walkthrough that creates a fluid sense of space, layout, and scale that static images alone may not convey fully. The promotional video for One Dean Street did just that, bringing the property to life and making prospective buyers feel as if they are right there, exploring their potential new office space.

The powerful combination of photos and videos not only offers a more holistic view of the property but also enhances their individual strengths. While photographs grab immediate attention with striking visuals, videos sustain that interest, providing an immersive experience that static images alone cannot.

Moreover, the storytelling power of videos perfectly complements the snapshots provided by photographs. By using videos, real estate agents can highlight the lifestyle and unique features of the property, creating an emotional connection that often leads to quicker decisions and higher satisfaction rates.

The shareability of photos and videos across various digital platforms also enhances your property's visibility, leading to a wider reach and increasing chances of quicker transactions. This combination also improves your agency's digital footprint and SEO performance, setting you apart from competitors who rely on traditional methods.

Investing in this powerful blend of photos and videos may indeed require a higher upfront cost compared to relying on photos alone, but the potential returns are well worth it. More engagements, quicker sales, higher prices, and heightened client satisfaction all contribute to a rewarding return on investment. As demonstrated by the successful promotion of One Dean Street, blending high-quality photographs and engaging videos can truly revolutionize your real estate marketing strategy.

Capturing the Grandeur: An Insight into Warehouse Interior Photography

As a seasoned photographer, there's a certain allure to shooting vast environments, particularly warehouse interiors—a delightful niche of industrial photography. These spaces, with their striking scale and complexity, offer a unique challenge that is incredibly rewarding to tackle.

Photographing the interiors of warehouses is an exploration of grandeur. These vast expanses often span hundreds of thousands of square feet, filled with towering racks and buzzing with the activity of forklifts. Capturing such scale requires specialized tools and techniques, such as a medium format camera paired with top-tier tilt-shift lenses. This combination produces crystal clear images with flawless straight lines, effectively capturing the awe-inspiring scale and depth of these industrial behemoths.

Beyond the physical dimensions, warehouse photography is about translating energy into visuals. By using slower shutter speeds, I'm able to slightly blur the movement of forklifts darting down the aisles. This technique imbues the static images with a sense of dynamism and action, encapsulating the hive of activity that is a warehouse in full operation.

In essence, the art of warehouse interior photography is not merely about documenting a space. It's about capturing the very essence of the industrial world—the scale, the dynamics, and the raw energy—and communicating it through vivid, high-quality images.

Aerial Photography and Promotional Video: Discover the Beauty of Industrial Parks and Logistic Centers

As an architectural photographer specializing in aerial imagery, I have had the privilege of capturing the breathtaking essence of industrial parks and logistic centers from above. These vast landscapes, often overlooked in their grandeur, are a testament to the intricate workings of global commerce. Today, I am excited to share not only my captivating aerial photographs but also a compelling promotional video that further showcases the remarkable beauty and significance of these industrial spaces.

Numbers can be impressive when it comes to massive warehouses, capable of accommodating at least 10 football pitches. However, it is the aerial perspective that truly unveils the full potential of these industrial marvels. With each photograph, I strive to capture the scale, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of these logistical powerhouses. The images themselves speak volumes, painting a vivid picture of the vastness and intricacy that lies within these industrial parks.

To complement the stunning aerial photography, I have also produced a promotional video that brings the industrial parks and logistic centers to life. Through expertly captured footage, this video immerses viewers in the heart of these bustling spaces, providing an up-close and dynamic visual experience. From the efficient movement of goods to the impressive infrastructure that supports it all, the video captures the essence of these industrial environments in a way that static images cannot.

Every frame of the video is carefully crafted to convey the significance and complexity of these industrial spaces. Smooth transitions, striking visuals, and engaging sequences draw viewers into a captivating journey above the logistic centers and industrial parks. Informative text overlays and a compelling voiceover provide insights into the scale, efficiency, and importance of these spaces, creating a cohesive narrative that educates and inspires.

With the combination of aerial photography and the promotional video, you can truly grasp the magnitude and beauty of these industrial landscapes. Whether you are a professional in the industry or simply curious about the inner workings of global logistics, this visual experience will leave you in awe of the intricate systems and impressive structures that drive international trade.

Immerse yourself in the world of industrial parks and logistic centers, and let the images and video ignite your curiosity and appreciation for these remarkable spaces. Should you have any inquiries or wish to discuss a project related to industrial photography, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, let's celebrate the artistry and significance of industrial parks and logistic centers from a whole new perspective.

For more aerial photos of industrial parks, please visit my portfolio at https://www.joasphotographer.com/industrial-parks-aerial-photography

Photo Retouch - 6 St Cross Street using a 9 meters high mast.

Digital photography offers incredible flexibility, allowing us to remove unwanted elements from photos and enhance the overall look of the image. In this example, we took a photo of 6 St Cross Street in Leather Lane (Hatton Garden) and digitally removed all the stalls from the street market, as well as replaced the sky to add a touch of drama. The result is a splendid image that delighted our client. We captured this unique perspective using a 9-meter-high mast, providing a truly captivating view of the property.

Trinity Trading Estate from above

There is absolutely no better way to show a large asset like a trading or industrial estate than using aerial photographs, which can be done using an helicopter or a drone, depends of the airspace restriction and wind conditions. The results are always very pleasant and worth it every penny. The property below is the Trinity Trading Estate, located in Sittingbourne, owned by ARAX Properties.

CGI Tower - 17 Place des Reflets, Courbevoie, Paris

Recent commission by Arax Properties, an independent and established real estate operating partner targeting the UK, Germany and France. This time, the commission was to capture a hero external photograph of the CGI Tower in La Defence, Paris. The building is beautiful and quite tall, the space to go further back and frame it was very short, the image below was only possible using a very special gear combination, the medium format Fuji GFX50S with the Canon TS-E 17mm F/4.0, which once attached to the GFX body, it becomes 12mm TS-E, giving an extraordinary focal distance and tilt/shift adjustments. The final image is a combination of multiple images captured in a space of 3 hours. Of course, I could not resist to also get somem detail shots. Check below!

CGI Building - Paris ©JSP.jpg

Westside, Hemel Hempstead - Drone Photography

There is no better way to show the real dimensions of a property than using aerial photography, either using an helicopter or a drone. Not all the time a drone can be used due to the local air space restrictions, but when it is possible, it becomes a very affordable way to capture a project, a property or just a piece of land from a very interesting perspective.

Camden Works, 12 Oval Road - Shoot for EC&P

Some offices that I shoot really deserves to be post here in my blog, one of them is this lovely office in Camden Works that I photographed last week for Edward Charles & Partners. Very warehouse style, with a modern super clean interior designing, right by the heart of Camden Town! I loved it.

12-16 St James's Street for Suttonca | The Crown Estate

What an outstanding office space, brilliant work by Suttonca, shoot with the medium format camera Fuji GFX50s using the Fujifilm GF 23mm f4 R LM WR and the Canon TS-E 17mm F/4 lenses, the result is absolutely amazing. Ultra sharp images with the magical touch of the GFX sensor. Thank you Alex Kim for the opportunity to shoot another premium property owned by The Crown Estate.

Design by Chris Sutton & Rob Mills
MEP by Rabiul Siddique & Kevin Ainsworth (Watkins Payne)
Project Managed by Richard Turner & Jon Knowles (CogentBC LLP)
QS by Alex Jones, Oliver Hilder & Blake Turner (Quantem Consulting LLP)

73 Clifton Hill St John's Wood, London, NW8

Another lovely real estate photoshoot for Savills, a charming period home located in the heart of St John's Wood on a popular tree lined street, quickly sold for £4,950,000.

The Civic Trust Awards selects Centre Building as a 2021 Regional Finalist

Hello everyone!

I'm thrilled to share the exciting news that the Centre Building at the London School of Economics (LSE), designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP), has been selected as a 2021 Regional Finalist for the prestigious Civic Trust Awards. Congratulations to the entire team, especially Lorna Edwards, for their outstanding work on this project.

The Centre Building stands as one of the most captivating projects I have had the privilege of photographing. The building's accolades include the 2020 BREEAM Award for Public Sector Project - Post Construction, Winner of Client of the Year at the Education Estates Awards, Winner of the Social Infrastructure Project of the Year at the British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA), and more. Its recognition as a finalist in the Guardian University Awards and Planning Awards further highlights its architectural excellence.

The design of the Centre Building is inspired by LSE's core values of Collaboration, Excellence, and Innovation. RSHP's vision goes beyond creating world-class architecture; it incorporates a public square at the heart of the campus, fostering connectivity and wayfinding throughout the site. The building offers flexible floor plans, providing a mix of academic and departmental spaces that encourage innovation and inspiration. The lower levels feature public facilities such as a restaurant, auditorium, and lecture theatres, creating a seamless interaction with the vibrant Houghton Street and the newly created LSE Square.

Ascending from the first and second floors, you'll find teaching spaces and access to a spacious external terraced garden. The atrium serves as a dynamic circulation route, connecting different levels and providing informal spaces for students to engage, explore, and collaborate.

The Centre Building's design triumphs were solidified by an overwhelming public vote during a public exhibition, where LSE staff, students, and visitors expressed their preference for RSHP's vision.

This architectural masterpiece showcases sustainability at its core. Achieving a BREEAM Outstanding rating, the building combines passive design elements with innovative MEP systems, allowing users to personalize their environments on the academic floors. The facade design incorporates stepped double-height voids, creating visual connections and dynamic views. The solar shading design maximizes daylight while offering different appearances when viewed from different angles.

Construction of the Centre Building was a complex endeavor, given the site's limited access and the need to coexist with daily university activities. Off-site manufacturing techniques were employed to enhance efficiency and ensure high build quality. The basement, which houses an auditorium, events space, and plant rooms, was constructed using modular elements, while the superstructure features prefabricated steelwork, precast concrete planks, and unitized cladding. This approach facilitated cost efficiency and accelerated the construction process.

The Centre Building at the London School of Economics is a testament to RSHP's commitment to excellence and innovation in architectural design. Its impact on education, urban connectivity, and sustainability is truly remarkable. I'm honored to have captured the essence of this outstanding project through my photography.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Centre Building, feel free to reach out to me.

Joás

So far they won the following awards:

2020 BREEAM Award winner - Public Sector Project – Post Construction Award
2020 Winner Client of the Year LSE - Education Estates Awards 
2020 Winner Social Infrastructure Project of the Year - British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA) 
2020 Highly Commended Project of the Year - Education Estates Awards 
2020 Highly Commended - Structural Steel Design Awards
2020 The Guardian University Awards' Finalist - Buildings that inspire category 
2020 Planning Awards' Finalist - Award for Design Excellence 
2020 Regional Finalist - RIBA Awards 
2020 Regional Finalist - Civic Trust Awards

Visit the full imagery here.

The Victoria Collection for Caddingtons

Last week I was contacted by Caddingtons for the first time, they are selling some beautiful high end properties in Brixton SW2, the The Victoria Collection. They were looking for a selection of outstanding photographs for the property, something that could match and translate to the public the quality of the project. It was a very close call but I managed to get the shots done on the same day. Huw Daveis, the Caddingtons founder, called me in the morning and at 2:30pm I was already there, capturing some beautiful images. The interior design was beautifully done, making every space in the house, extremely inviting and attractive. Well, here is some selected image of the day. Click in the image to see it in full.



Merano / Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

Very happy to know that Merano Residences was shortlisted by the RIBA as part of the 83 Best New Buildings in London. Although it was not the best period of the year to photograph, the results came out quite well. I will be back next summer to make the best out of it. Wishing RSH+P luck!

“Since 1996, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has hosted awards for exemplary buildings across the UK by RIBA Chartered Architects and RIBA International Fellows. This year, 83 projects have been shortlisted for the RIBA London Awards from a list of 200 entrants.

Each project will be visited by one of five London juries during the month of April. Winners will be announced at the award ceremony on May 20th at the RIBA headquarters at 66 Portland Place, London. News of the shortlist follows on from similar selections by RIBA South West, RIBA East, and RIBA North East.” (https://www.archdaily.com/913299/the-83-best-new-buildings-in-london-shortlisted-by-the-riba)