MPB Meets: Architectural Photographer Simone Hutsch

Architectural photographer Simone Hutsch has developed her own angle for looking at buildings. Through her surrealistic approach, she transforms ordinary buildings into dream-like images that change our rational view of visual storytelling. Let’s hear from Simone about the kit she prefers, her approach and her inspirations.

MPB: As a trained graphic designer, when did you decide to combine this with photography?

SH: In my studies, we had a course on still-life photography. I quickly realised how much I enjoy this kind of photography. After graduation, I started working in architectural photography. Geometric shapes and colors are still the most exciting for me in graphic design, and I can easily find these in buildings.

MPB: What camera and equipment do you use? And how important is the equipment to you as a photographer? 

SH: At the moment, I use a Canon EOS 7D and Sony A7R II with fast zoom lenses. My equipment plays an important role, of course, but I don't think you always have to have the most expensive and best camera to take good photos. Something in the middle, I personally find perfectly adequate, but I think it’s far more important to have a keen eye and to be familiar with the camera/lens settings and possibly with image editing software.

MPB: Colour tones are the main component of your work. How do you decide on your color compositions?

SH: I always make sure that the colors are either coherent in themselves or in direct contrast to each other. For each series, I determine different shades and ideas in advance—blues, pastels, and dark gradients. Then, when I edit my photos, I make sure each building gets different color combinations yet they still fit together as a series. Mostly the colors of the building itself are the inspiration for each series.

MPB: What is the best lens for architectural photography?

SH: I think everyone has their own favorites, many love tilt-shift lenses. For me, it's a superzoom lens like the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS, because it gives me a lot of freedom on perspective.

MPB: Your works remind us of a surreal world. Why is that?

SH: I love to work on my buildings in such a way that you can't exactly tell whether or not the building exists like that in real life. Moreover, this style draws the full attention to the building.

MPB: What are the top three things to remember when shooting architecture?

SH: The most important thing for me is perspective. An interesting perspective can make the most boring building exciting. The right light also plays a big role. I find an interesting shadow cast, a reflection or red-orange light of a sunset very appealing. For my work, it is important to me to photograph the building as a whole so I can later adjust the detail.

MPB: What image editing programmes do you use? How long does it take from photographing to editing? 

SH: I use Adobe Photoshop exclusively. The photographing process is quite fast. I take a close look at the building from all possible angles and take photos from different perspectives. After that, I edit a photo for about 15 minutes to an hour on average. Here, too, I go into great detail and retouch, for example, street lamps, tree branches or lamps that have been left on. This can sometimes be very time-consuming. 

Thanks, Simone. You can see more of Simone Hutsch’s work on Instagram @heysupersimi

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