Architecture Awards 2020

71 2020 Architecture Awards BUILD Jul20201 Best Architecture & Interior Design Photographer – USA Alan Blakeley Architectural Photography has established himself as one of, if not the leader of architectural photography in the USA. Although residing in Utah, Alan travels across the US to take captivating architecture, interior and aerial photography. Founder of the Association of Independent Architectural Photographers, Real Estate Photographers of America & International and Aerial Drone Photographers of America, Alan is able to celebrate over two decades of success. lthough he began his career as a ‘generalist’ photographer with a large studio that offered product, food, corporate and architectural photography, Alan Blakely has since carved out a career that specialises in architectural photography spanning two decades. This career has bred many awards and appearances in major architecture and interior design magazines, as well as regular contributions to the New York Times and enabled him to establish three associations to support American architectural photographers. Based in Utah, but operating all across the US with the assistance of his wife, Colelyn, Alan accepts architectural, interior and aerial photography assignments for a clientele that consists primarily of architectural firms, interior design studios, construction companies, architectural product manufacturers, property developers and property-centred industries such as hotels. In Alan’s opinion, a great photographer is not someone who simply has a good camera, but someone with genuine skill. His philosophy is that ‘great work is the most powerful competitive advantage’, and it is confidence in his own skill that sets him apart from competitors. Alan’s kudos has been earned in the industry because of his ability to take exceptionally creative photos that fully encapsulate his subject. Alan has come a long way since the beginning of his career, when he would simply take photos to fulfil orders; now, he understands the creative engine required to take exceptional photos of unique and inspirational spaces. For him, it is about taking pictures in a way that is delightfully unexpected, while also working closely with the client to perfectly capture their creation. By learning about the entire architectural process and the designer or architect’s journey, as well as procuring a ‘must have’ list of things to capture, Alan is given a secure foundation from which he is able to take the photos the client needs as creatively as possible. While the high standards of photography are the principal attraction to Alan Berkeley Architectural Photography, Alan’s degree and early work experience in advertising communications sets his business apart from competing architectural photographers. He has successfully curated a brand, something that has been vital in maintaining market recognition. The firm’s marketing efforts have been stepped up as a result of the outbreak of Covid-19, which has largely caused a downturn in the US economy and required brands to consider how they stay relevant in consumer minds. Alan’s marketing strategies have paid off and business continues to flourish for the firm. With new measures in place A such as shooting in empty spaces and using PPE and regular disinfecting of equipment and architectural spaces to slow the spread of the virus, Alan has been able to face the challenges of operating during a pandemic head on. Having come through the recessions of 2008 and 2009, Alan remains confident that his firm will only continue to flourish after the current pandemic. Indeed, many of Alan’s clients have stated that they have a surplus of work coming in as a result of customers being at home and having more time to consider their architectural projects. As a result of the boost to the architecture industry, we can expect to see continued activity from Alan too. With almost thirty years of experience comes extensive expertise, Alan is well equipped as a leader of the architecture photography industry. Full awareness of proper licensing and copywriting laws means that he and his works are protected, and his establishment of the Association of Independent Architectural Photographers, Real Estate Photographers of America & International and Aerial Drone Photographers of America means that he is able to extend this knowledge and protection to others within his industry. Now, Alan has the luxury of choosing how much or little he works, using his time to focus instead on his personal photography projects, such as his film-based projects and black and white prints. Wherever Alan decides to next move within his photography career, we have no doubt that the outcomes will continue to be great. Company: Alan Blakely Architectural Photography Contact: Alan Blakely, AIAP Web Address: www.alanblakely.com