Interview Patrick Kasingsing
Images Carlos Almeida
Hello Carlos! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what pushed you to go into architectural photography?
I’m a Portuguese-American architect, born in Lisbon, Portugal. For me, photography is among the many means of expression that increase understanding of light, shade, texture and form. Most of the photos I take are detached from context and are geometric details, inspired by a passion for geometry (I taught Descriptive Geometry). Contrast is also part of my visual vocabulary in photography, stemming from an admiration of Michelangelo Merisi (Il Caravaggio) and his application of chiaroscuro.
Does being an architect make it easier to capture great architectural photos?
Being an architect certainly helps a lot in capturing the right details, as well as understanding the angle and lighting. An architect has a better understanding of proportions, contrast, forms and other elements that are fundamental to ‘read’ and ‘see’ in an architectural work.
What about a building stops you in your tracks and makes you whip up your camera to snap a photo? Any funny or memorable stories?
Usually, I’m not that quick to press the shutter. What I do first is walk around and get a feel of the place and the building. Sometimes, I just sit there to absorb the sounds, smells, the environment, etc. Then, when I could finally establish a ‘dialogue’ with the place, I start to walk around and study the angles, light, forms of the building, openings and walls and so on. Only then do I start to shoot. I had situations where no photos were taken simply because I did not connect with the building. That was not the day… maybe another there’ll come a time when a ‘conversation’ can be made. As for a funny story, here’s one: I made a visit to Washington D.C. to see the Hirshhorn Museum by noted SOM architect Gordon Bunshaft. When I entered the museum to see the exhibition on show, the security person at the door asked whether I was the architect of the building because he saw a photo of Bunshaft and I looked like him.
What for you makes good architectural photography? What characteristics/elements do you think make for a good architectural portrait?
A great architectural photo has to clearly convey its message with simplicity. I’m a minimalist by professional background, one that still believes that less is really more.
What is your camera of choice?
I’m a Nikon fanatic. My first camera was actually a Ricoh but I soon bought my Nikon F401 35mm film, the very first designed by the Italian design firm Pininfarina. I currently have three Nikon cameras. I often use my Nikon D50 SLR ID, though my iPhone 6 Plus has been quite a PLUS when it comes to taking photos.
You seem to be a well-traveled person. What places have you been to do you think have great architecture?
It is difficult to categorize the best place. Great architecture can be found anywhere, especially when it represents the cultural, social, economic and contextual value of its site. When I was in China, I like Steven Holl’s Horizontal Skyscraper, and the Beijing Opera House by Paul Andreu. I’m also a big fan of the Lisbon Expo ‘98 Portuguese Pavilion by Alvaro Siza (I’m a huge admirer of his work in general).
Favorite building that you photographed? Why?
The Salk Institute by Louis Kahn. For some reason, the buildings exerted some spiritual influence on me. I had goose bumps, which happens when I hear Pavarotti’s voice or any Beethoven symphony. What I experienced was something really out of this world.
How has architectural photography enhanced or affected your appreciation of architecture?
Because I don’t rush to take the shots, I am more aware of the building and its design purpose. As a result, my eyes are more trained, and I have a better understanding of the building from a general perspective down to its details, though I prefer to capture more detail photos.
Any piece of advice to offer budding architectural photographers reading this?
Look around. Do not rush to press the shutter. Understand first; register after.
Other hobbies that you indulge in?
As mentioned, I like to sketch a lot. It’s another medium where I can register moments, details and light-shade contrasts. I love watercolors as well, but usually with a two-tone approach, coming from my being partial to black and white photography. •
Follow Carlos’ travels through sketches on Instagram at @sketchviews.
Originally published in Kanto No. 2, 2016. Edits were made to update the article.
