The Harmony of Raw and Refined...

There is a specific thrill in photographing a home that understands the balance of materials. In my latest architectural shoot, I had the opportunity to document a residence that perfectly marries the rugged, grounding presence of natural stone with the ethereal lightness of expansive glazing.

From the moment you approach the facade, the scale of the stone-clad gables sets a tone of permanence. Yet, as you move toward the pool deck, those heavy elements seem to float, interrupted by glass walls that dissolve the boundary between the interior lounge and the manicured gardens.

Chasing the Light

For an architectural photographer, this house is a playground of light. In the main dining hall, the double-volume ceiling and high windows create a "light box" effect. I wanted to capture how the midday sun emphasizes the grain in the wood finishes and the polished sheen of the floors without losing the softness of the interior palette.

Focusing on the Details

While the wide-angle "hero" shots of the pool and facade tell the story of the structure, the smaller details reveal the home's soul:

• The Textural Contrast: The rugged exterior stone transition into sleek, dark marble in the master ensuite.

• The Gilded Edge: A standout feature was the master bedroom’s gold-leaf textured wallpaper—a bold choice that adds an unexpected layer of warmth and luxury when hit by the afternoon sun.

• Indoor-Outdoor Flow: The seamless transition from the kitchen to the outdoor "braai" and lounge area highlights the modern lifestyle this home was built for.

Final Thoughts

Architecture is about more than just shelter; it’s about an experience. Capturing this project was about finding those angles where the architect's vision and the homeowner's lifestyle meet.

Photographed for architect Bruce Rowlands.

Are you an architect or developer with a recently completed project? I’d love to help you tell its story through professional imagery. [Click here to get in touch] and let’s discuss your next shoot.

The Art of Living: Capturing Contemporary Grandeur...

This recent shoot for Bruce Rowlands Architects was a fantastic exercise in capturing grand architectural scale without losing the "soul" of the home. As a photographer, my challenge was to translate the flow between the highly structured interiors and the organic beauty of the surrounding gardens.

Mastering the Light

The interiors of this estate featured a beautiful mix of high-contrast finishes—specifically the deep forest-green kitchen and the black-and-white checkered foyer. To do these justice, I focused on balancing the strong natural light flooding through the French doors with the ambient interior glow, ensuring the textures of the marble and timber remained crisp and true to life.

Composition & Connection

One of my favorite aspects of this project was the transition from the formal living spaces to the functional vegetable garden. I chose specific angles to emphasize this "indoor-outdoor" connection, using the garden's symmetry to lead the eye back toward the house.

The Final Frame

We wrapped the shoot at dusk to capture the estate’s "hero" shot. Utilizing the pool as a reflective surface allowed me to double the visual impact of the architecture against the evening sky—a perfect example of how the right timing can elevate a property’s presence.

Modern architecture with APS...

I have been working with Harare’s Architectural Planning Services for many many years now and I am always excited to get a call from them when a newly completed project is ready to be photographed. This was no exception when I got the call a few moths ago to photograph a newly completed private residence in one of Harares’ more hilly areas. Perched on the top of a rise with stunning views into the surrounding Msasa tress and valleys this modern take on a tuscan style home takes full advantage of the stunning views that surround it. You can read more about and see more of my images on the APS website as well as the images below, as usual I would love to hear your thoughts on the results!

Drilling down on KW Blasting..

Earlier this year I was contracted by KW Blasting, Zimbabwe’s premier drilling and blasting company, to cover a variety of their drilling operations across the country. These images where to be used on their website and social media accounts so I was asked to cover all aspects of their on-site operations from machinery to staff working. The visual geniuses at Marson design then worked their social media skills with the images. Check out some of the results below.

Chewore Lodge...

I was very lucky to be engaged by Chewore Lodge at the end of 2020 to photography their newly refurbished camp along the banks of the Zambezi River. It was a hectic 3 days of 4am starts and late nights, as you may well know its all about the right light!

We covered all aspects fo the lodge from the main boma area and fire pit to the rooms and food, some aerial images helped nicely to pout the lodges location right on the banks of the mighty Zambezi river into perspective.

Zimplats

I have been working closely with the communications team at Zimplats over the past few years creating content for a number of their marketing and online platforms. Earlier this year I was tasked with photographing their mining operations and CSR projects for their 2020 integrated annual report. The brief was centred around Zimplats core institutional values; the mining process, employees, shareholders and the community around the theme “we respect, we care, we deliver”. The scale of the Zimplats operations meant that I was never far away from some stunning visual opportunities and I am thrilled with the results!

Mouth-watering meals at Tiffany's...

I spent another afternoon with a rumbly-grumbling tummy at Tiffany’s restaurant in the Cresta Jameson Hotel recently in Harare, where I was tasked with photographing their mouth-watering menu for their imminent re-opening. The restaurant had just undergone some renovations so in addition to some gourmet food photography I was also tasked with capturing the restaurant space as well as a few lifestyle images for Cresta’s social media platforms. Can you get through the gallery without salivating?

Bespoke furniture by Elite Interiors...

I have been working with the talented bespoke furniture creators at Elite Interiors for quite a few years now and so I was obviously more than happy to help them photograph their new range of furniture earlier this year. Normally the furniture is brought into my studio to be photographed, this time however I went to their bustling factory with my portable backdrop and studio equipment to shoot on site. Who wouldn’t want any of these amazing pieces of furniture in their home?

Electrosales Chiredzi

I have been working closely with Electrosales Hardware this year and was recently tasked with photographing their branch in Chiredzi for their website and marketing activities. The brief was to capture general shots of the store as well as staff doing their thing, and I think the pictures speak for themselves!

Hot stuff in Harare - Cardamom Restaurant...

I have mentioned this before in some of my food photography blogs, and I am not ashamed to repeat it, my stomach does love a good food photography session! The appreciative grumbles and rumbles certainly did not stay away when I photographed some of the mouth watering dishes at Cardamom Restaurant in Harare recently!