Photographing houses is about trying to capture the essence of a place called home. From grand mansions to humble cottages, each house carries a unique story within its walls. I can't help but think of the human lives – the dramas, the joys, the mundane, even – that occur behind the doors. And it's this tension between what is in the image and what it can represent that makes house photography such a fertile ground for image-makers.
Architectural style
Photographing houses allows us to capture the craftsmanship that goes into their construction. Houses serve as a tangible reflection of human creativity. Granted, not all houses burst with original features and cutting-edge design; but even the most humble abode, the most stock-in-trade new-build has something to explore. There is always something that gives character to a house, whether a telling detail or something that represents how it sits into the landscape or the local community.
Capturing personal histories
Beyond their architecture, houses are imbued with personal histories and memories. Every nook and cranny holds a story. It is the people that live in them that make houses into homes. Whether they appear in the images or not, the inhabitants of houses are always there, in some trace or other, in the image. As the philosopher Henri Lefebvre wrote, "Home is not only a place; it is also a space of imagination, memory and desires."
Revealing hidden details
It's often when you look beyond the facade that you start to really see what makes a house unique. Exploring and capturing details in house photography allows us to discover the hidden things that often go unnoticed. From intricate woodwork and ornate mouldings to an oddly obscure stained glass windowor garden nook, these details tell of craftsmanship, individuality and the homeowner's personal touch.
Conveying a sense of place
Houses are not mere structures; they are an integral part of the communities they sit in. Photographing houses enables us to capture essential aspects of a neighbourhood, town or city. From the urban to the rural, the architecture of houses helps define the character and ambience of a place. Through photographs, we can convey the sense of place that each house contributes to its surroundings.
Diverse styles
Houses come in a surprising array of styles. Once you start exploring you see that they come in all manner of shapes and forms. From sleek and modern to old and rustic, the diversity of house design offers lots of opportunities for creative exploration. Photographing houses is about bringing the unique characteristics of each house to the fore; using interesting composition in house photography helps reveal them.
Inspiring imagination
Photographing houses sparks our imagination and invites us to envision the stories and lives that unfold within their walls. Each house holds the potential for countless narratives—a backdrop for the dreams and memories and the ups and downs of every human life. Through images we may not be able to depict these stories if we are photographing houses, but we may be able to evoke them somehow.
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For me, photographing houses combines an appreciation of architecture, a sense of place, and an evocation of the personal, human narratives that houses hold. That's a heady combination that makes exterior house photography so compelling.
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