Tag: architectural photography

Posted on

New warehouse complex at Villawood

I do enjoy shooting large warehouses in industrial areas of Sydney, areas that I would normally not venture as I live close to the city centre and have few opportunities to visit. Admittedly, it a bit of drive each time as these logistical centres are perched more towards the out-lying, less residential suburbs.

Recently I captured a new build for ESR Australia, a complex of 3 separate warehouses at Villawood. I photographed the exterior and interior of warehouse 2 and 3, with warehouse 1 still receiving the finishing touches on the build, before being handed over to the tenants. So not yet ready to be photographed.

As I have mentioned before there is something very “zen” about photographing architecture and particularly these warehouse complexes. You are normally alone in this industrial landscape full of concrete and metal, walking exaggerated distances to circumnavigate these large structures from all angles and working, generally, up to dusk, hoping for the light to soften and illuminate your subject more sensually than in the stark midday sun.

One can never be sure of how the light will fall. Sometimes by chance or diving providence everything just falls into place….the light is pleasing, the shadows are right, the highlights are right, the sky is interesting enough to enhance the image the way you would like (for example I like a bit of cloud formation), may be a cloud obscures the direct sun at the right time, at the right place, for a great shot. Suffice to say you don’t always get what you would like with so many variables. Occasionally you do and it’s magic!

Posted on

Photographing ESR’s Wetherill Park Development

I was recently commissioned by ESR, a leading developer, owner, and manager of industrial and logistics real estate. With projects spanning across the Asia-Pacific region, ESR creates the kind of infrastructure that underpins how our cities function — from the warehouses that store goods to the distribution centres that keep supply chains moving.

My latest shoot for them took me to Wetherill Park, where ESR has completed a new warehouse complex made up of four distinct buildings. These immense structures rise from the western Sydney landscape, commanding attention not just through their size but through their purpose — serving as vital arteries in the logistics network of a growing city.

I began shooting in the afternoon and worked until dusk, when the light grew softer. The quiet transition from day to evening is one of my favourite times to photograph; the stillness of the outer west makes you pause and reflect on just how much infrastructure is required to sustain the concentrated population closer to the city’s centre. For most of us, this vast logistical framework remains invisible, yet it is essential to the way we live and work every day.

From a technical standpoint, photographing warehouses of this scale demands careful attention to form and structure. These buildings are geometric and monumental, so framing becomes about emphasising clean lines, proportions, and the relationship between the built form and the surrounding landscape. Light is another critical consideration — harsh midday sun can flatten the details, while late afternoon and evening light adds dimension and mood. Managing exposure is also key: balancing shadow and highlight to preserve detail across such expansive façades.

I enjoy photographing these structures which are neither decorative nor ornamental. They embody purpose, efficiency and scale – qualities that, when seen through the lens, reveal their own quiet beauty.

Posted on

Roberts & Co upgrades infrastructure at Cumberland High School

A recent commission was to photograph the completion of the latest stage of the development at Cumberland High School, by Roberts & Co. The project has delivered a series of new buildings and classrooms designed to provide state-of-the-art teaching facilities for students and staff.

The contemporary architecture, light-filled spaces, and innovative layouts reflect a strong focus on creating inspiring environments for learning. My aim was to capture the scale and detail of the design, from the expansive communal areas to the thoughtfully planned classrooms.

Projects like this demonstrate how modern educational spaces can foster creativity.  I am always reminded that things weren’t quite so spiffy and high-tech when I was attending my local high school in country Victoria. I could not have imagined how different school life would be in the contemporary setting of young students today –  with computers, internet, social media – all the bells and whistles of current technology. It was certainly a simpler time for me.

Posted on

New logistics facility at Prestons

A new logistics facility opened for inspection in Prestons, a suburb south-west of the Sydney CBD. I was commissioned to photograph the completed stages of the building, which has been constructed by Hansen Yuncken. I also covered an event at the same site, hosted by the developer, 151 Properties.

What is particularly impressive about this structure is the huge awning which stretches over the loading bays, spanning both warehouses. This is one of the largest dual-purpose awnings I have recently seen.

151 Properties held a presentation for agents who work in this industry, to show them around and to publicize that a new, state-of-the-art logistics facility was available for rent. Obviously by demonstrating innovation and by fielding potential customers for 151 Properties, it shows how layered the construction industry can be when many stakeholders are involved … from the lofty levels of financing and investment, to the actual build, project management and deployment. At any step of the way, you can be sure there are a number of people and interests involved.

The early morning presentation proceeded well. There were several speeches and then visitors were taken on tours of the facility. However, alongside the impressive structure itself, the best part for me was the hamburger stand and the accompanying coffee stand … breakfast was a welcome treat.

Warehouse at Prestons, Sydney