Tell us about the five projects you’ve chosen as your favourites. I’m sure it’s tough to choose between projects, but what stood out about these in particular? 

1. The Cabin, Red Architecture. Designed by Red Architecture and built by the homeowner, The Cabin has a special place in my heart because it is such a perfectly formed small home (90 sqm). Situated on a leafy section in Tamahere in the Waikato (where I grew up) it has such a nice feel to the space. The exterior walls and roof are dark-stained cedar and the interior is Siberian larch which lines the walls, floors and ceiling to give a Scandi log cabin feel. I don’t often get home envy, but I would live there.

2. Hobbiton for Airbnb. Airbnb ran a campaign competition for the 10th anniversary of the film The Hobbit, where people could win a weekend stay at The Millhouse in Hobbiton. Builders had spent months getting the accommodation ready and these images were pivotal to the international media campaign so, you know, no pressure! I’m a massive Lord of the Rings fan (nerd) and I also grew up not too far from Hobbiton, so I was super excited for the opportunity to see behind the scenes.

Airbnb had a tight shot list, all of which had to get done in two days. It was a technically and physically challenging shoot, involving a team of producers, stylists, builders — plus me and the client — all working long hours in a dark and confined space. Thankfully we got two beautifully sunny days in a week of rain and captured some beautiful shots. The client was super happy with the final images (they took care of the post work) and I was proud to be part of such an iconic campaign.

3. Davey Home by Annique and Josh Davey. I photographed Annique and Josh’s home for Homestyle. Annique is an interior designer (Gezellig Interiors) and her husband is a builder, so it was a very collaborative partnership. Two containers arranged side by side and a third sitting perpendicular blend nicely into the rural landscape. It’s a beautiful example of what can be done with a smaller budget restriction and some creativity.

4. Ripiro Beach by Jackie Sue Architect. The owners of this bach based the original design on a series of tramping hut forms that fitted in with the landscape. Designed by architect Jackie Sue and featuring interiors by Tomi Williams of At.Space, one of the dwellings is clad in Scoria Colorsteel which is a nod to red barns that are often found on rural farms. It’s a rugged coastal environment and this design was thoughtfully sympathetic to that.

After the shoot the homeowner took me for a blast in his dune buggy along Ripiro beach which definitely perked me up after a long day shooting. It’s a stunning part of the country.

5. Gucci Auckland by by Dimension Shopfitters. This shoot stands out because it was my first time working with a globally recognised brand. As a very detail-orientated photographer, I appreciated working with a company with such high standards — everything had to be perfect — from which garments were at the front of the rack to having the coat hangers perfectly spaced.

We started after-hours at 8:30 pm and finished around 1 am with representatives from Italy and Sydney present. Throughout the shoot, we were also emailing shots through to Gucci in Italy who signed off the images to make sure they were on-brand before we moved to the next setup.

It was technically challenging with all the reflective lighting but I loved the high-end materials, paint colours and plants used. The client was very happy with the shots, and on the back of this project, I was commissioned to shoot Gucci’s, recently opened, Newmarket store. 

How did you get started with photography? Did you always have an interest in architecture and buildings or has that evolved?

I took photography electives when I was studying graphic design in my 20s and found I particularly loved the freedom and observation of photography. After that, I did the classic OE and while travelling, it became apparent that taking pictures was something I loved and wanted to pursue. So five years later, I came home and completed a degree in photography at Wintec.

I think there’s a relationship between graphic design and architecture in terms of form, line and composition which might have been why I moved in that direction. I also think it’s important to photograph what lights you up, which is why I photograph interiors, architecture and lifestyle rather than weddings for example. 

What is your approach to capturing a space? What is the secret to conveying the feeling of being there?

When I’m first talking to the client, I’ll look at the orientation of the building to figure out when might be the best time to shoot. Ideally, I like to do a recce of the site first if possible. A lot of photography is about understanding light. I favour overcast days for my interior shoots because it’s a softer light (New Zealand light can be so harsh) and exteriors are often shot at either end of the day.

Once I’m at the shoot I do a full initial walk around the project and while I do that I’m taking in what areas are interesting, visualising compositions, where the light falls and talking to the architect or client to see what they want to capture or convey — it’s a very collaborative process.

If I’m shooting a home for a magazine I’ll ask the homeowner where their favourite areas or views are as they know the space a lot better than me. And if there’s an animal or pet you can be sure I will try and get them in the shot somehow. I often get someone to interact within the space. It could be opening a sliding door or walking through the room, so that can help the viewer to imagine the scale and detail of the area. It’s these little touches that make a house feel like a home.

How do you stay inspired outside of work?

By travelling. Seeing new places inspires me. It could be a road trip and a hike somewhere local, or a trip overseas. I’m curious by nature but I think most photographers are hyper-aware of their surroundings and maybe see things differently from most people.

I’m about to take a two-month trip to Europe (a month of that is just living by myself in Barcelona) and I can’t wait! This is what inspires me in my photography practice.

I also like visiting art galleries. I always have. Seeing other artists’ work inspires me with my own projects. But even watching movies can plant the seed of an idea. 

Are there any projects or types of projects that you would love to photograph?

More travel projects would be great! I can photograph spaces, people and lifestyle so travel is a natural fit for a photographer like me.

A dream would be to photograph US designer Kelly Wearstler’s interior projects.

IG: @larnie.nicolson
www.larnienicolson.com