Bach Bach by Crosson Architects

Why did you select these houses in particular? What is it about them that has made them the most memorable/worth highlighting from your own portfolio?

Jason Mann (JM): This selection represents the best of the best in my portfolio. They are the sort of homes that leave you speechless.

The Black Rock House by Sheppard & Rout Architects is beautiful. Perhaps it’s my love of old war bunkers and brutalist architecture that does it. I have never seen a concrete roof before quite like this in New Zealand – particularly one with such an organic shape. Also impressive is the dramatic views and how the house is sunk into the impossibly steep site. 

The Governors Bay House is a simple form that integrates beautifully within the surrounding hills. The extensive use of timber inside and out, gabled roof and generous windows make it an inviting and warm house to be in. It is my favourite house by the First Light team to date.

The staircase in the Crosson Architects house is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favourites. The steel and timber combo viewed in profile through a double-height window is the first thing you see on approach and forms the entrance to the house. The surrounding interior is lined in vertical cedar battens of differing width and depth, creating a rhythmic pattern. At the right time of day, this space comes to life as the sun moves across its surface.

Scarborough House is a remarkable piece of architecture by MAP/Athfield Architects. So good, in fact, that I organised an extra day to photograph it to ensure I did it justice. I will leave the photos to do the talking for this one. A career highlight for sure.

Finally, the Landsdowne Terrace House by Sheppard & Rout/Nott Architects. I love the form of this house — terraced down a narrow site with its intriguing angular roof. Inside, the consideration for light, understated colour/material palette with views towards the hills and city made it fantastic to photograph.

Black Rock House by Sheppard & Rout Architects

How do you approach a home for photography, what are your initial processes before you actually step into the house?

JM: Architectural photography is a combination of careful planning and a little luck. I ask the architect to provide a plan, marked up with key features/angles, renders, existing photos and a brief outlining what they hope to achieve from the shoot. From there, I visualise how particular areas will photograph at different times of day and create a rough run sheet for the shoot. More often than not this is largely ignored on the day, but it is the thought process that is important.

Governors Bay House by First Light Studio

What are you looking for on that first visit? What is capturing your attention as you do the first walkthrough?

JM: My job is to curate a series of images that capture the essence of a space (not photograph it wall to wall). When I first enter a house, I am trying to tune into what makes it special and unique. I walk through considering light, details, and connections between spaces and then start visualising and selecting compositions. All of this is done with the client’s brief in mind. A good shoot is the result of these carefully considered photos and those unexpected moments.

Landsdowne Terrace House by Sheppard & Rout Architects and Nott Architects

Do you prefer detailed photography briefs or is it best to leave you to it?

JM: It is a combination of the two. A detailed brief provides the background info I need and ensures I don’t miss any of the narrative. But, my clients also expect me to interpret the space as I see fit and find those shots that perhaps they had not considered.

Scarborough House by MAP Architects and Athfield Architects 

You are taking photos of people’s private worlds, how do you make the owner’s comfortable about the photography process and their privacy?

JM: Clear communication and respect are even more critical than in other shoots, as I am entering the owner’s personal space. It is important to allow time to discuss any concerns the owners may have ensuring they know what I hope to achieve and are comfortable with the plan.

Privacy is a big concern and is often why homeowners are not in photos. Sometimes a client’s identity and location must be kept anonymous too and, of course, all licensing or publishing requests need to be run past the homeowner first. Basically, if in doubt, ask.