An invitation for Architectural Photographers capturing South Asia’s Architecture!

Architecture is widely considered a visual field; especially, in the era of social media, where a photograph is widely accessible to critique or commend architecture without physically experiencing it. In this dynamic, Architectural Photography has become a medium for the viewer to derive their first impression of a space. 

The journey of architectural photography starts with the commissioned sketches used to document, analyse and understand architecture. Today, the artist’s eye has evolved into the photographer’s lens, while brushes have been replaced by camera-and just like its older counterpart, architectural photography has become a critical vertical in architecture for documentation, engagement, inspiration, research and education. 

In South Asia, this documentation of the built in the form of photographs goes back a couple of centuries when British photographers such as Samuel Bourne and Colin Murray would capture the region’s architecture. The former was active in India, Tibet and Nepal, while the latter was known for documenting the city of Mumbai. Raja Lala Deen Dayal was one of the first Indians (and perhaps, South Asians) to take up Architectural Photography when he received commissions to photograph temples and palaces of India in the late 1800s. Over the decades, Architectural Photography turned into a niche profession, with several formally trained architects choosing it as a career option and contributing to expanding the visibility of architecture across diverse regions. 

Maverick Shutterbugs 2.0, a continuation of its first part, ‘Maverick Shutterbugs’, is dedicated to this evolution in Architectural Photography. The series aims to bring forward the contribution of photography in experiencing, connecting with and understanding architecture.  It does not focus on polished photographs but on the essence of space reflected through them. In the coming weeks, we will present the works of photographers who have used photography to weave stories of spaces and architecture. Whether it is the intricate details of a worn-out heritage building or the usage of public space- the series will explore several themes revolving around photographing spaces and architecture. 

In search of such works, we invite professional architectural photographers engaged with South Asia’s built habitat to submit their entries, by April 10, 2023, under the following themes:

1. Tangible Heritage: Photographs that celebrate the rich history of architecture by showcasing heritage.
2. Abandoned spaces (and adaptive reuse): Spaces that have been/were left behind, including abandoned factories, warehouses, and other structures that have fallen into disrepair.
3. Rural Architecture: Architecture based in rural environments.
4. Multifunctional and/or Public Spaces- Architecture in Day and Night: Images of buildings and spaces that depict their use during different times of the day. Images that show how the architecture truly functions, adding a new element of authenticity and dynamism.
5. Photo Journalism and Architecture for Social Impact: A collection of images to tell a news story in architecture and to highlight the social impact of Architecture.
6. Buildings and Interiors: Architect-Commissioned work
7. Product Photography