Interview with Architectural Photographer Hratch Arbach

Lifestyle - Interview

by Melisa Kaya

Hratch Arbach discovered his passion for photography when he was a child. After decided to pursue a professional career in photography he studied at l’Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. In 2011, he founded Atelier Arbach in Paris, and now he is working in both Paris and New York. I talked with Hratch Arbach about his career, photographic approach, and the importance of photography in architecture.

Arbach, before start talking about Architectural Photography, could you tell us about yourself? Who is Arbach?

My name is HRATCH ARBACH I work in different media of artistic expression, including photography, drawing, and installation, I studied at l’Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, I also hold a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Paris.

Cayan Tower Dubai - Skidmore, Owings and Merrill - Photo by Hratch Arbach

How did you decide to pursue a career in photography? What or who inspired you?

Photography is one my other art practices, I started photography as a profession after I stopped my scientific career. In the beginning, it was basically to insure a finical independence, but in time I discovered the importance of photography business to keep me grounded and to keep the balance between my personal conceptual art projects and real life.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai - Skidmore, Owings and Merrill - Photo by Hratch Arbach

Could you tell us about Atelier Arbach?

I founded Atelier Arbach in 2011 in Paris, as a photography studio specialized in architectural, interior and portrait.

How would you describe your photographic approach?

I practiced photography since I was a child, I still remember using my father camera, my first approach it’s always intuitive. At art school, I developed more my technical scale and knowledge, especially about architecture, design and art history, now I have more than 10 years of experience in the field which I believe it is the best school. Most importantly I’m intrigued by our human nature, that was the reason why during my studies I specialized in portrait photography, so I think my look to any form of an object is more about portrait approach, as I’m chasing traces of human touch in objects they have made.

432 Park Avenue, New York - Rafael Vinooly - Photo by Hratch Arbach

Which factors determine the project budget?

My policy is per image pricing, once I finish the photo-shooting, I build an album with the best images. My client buys images depending on their needs and budget, so I can fit any budget and I always take into consideration my clients' financial situation and the complexity of the project.

What is the most important component of a spectacular architectural photograph?

It is this magic moment where all physical elements cross-link together to find the best way to the invisible component in any images, which is: Emotion.

Icon, New York - Ismael Leyva Architects - Photo by Hratch Arbach

How does the work of a professional architectural photographer add value to the architectural project?

As a professional photographer, we have the experience of how to interpret an architectural project.

Not only by searching the best way to find the intention of the architect, but also to propose points of view where all the elements that build the image are combined in a dynamic way to reach other levels of reading. Somehow you are giving new possibilities of communication. I always consider the final images as a vector that helps the viewer to contemplate the architectural project.

Privat Residence, New York - RMBA Architects - Photo by Hratch Arbach

What do you think about the effect of a good photograph in the buyer’s decision?

It is very obvious that we live in an image centered communication society, where images have the power to control our brain and emotion which influence our decision.

It’s all about communication and esthetic, by creating a narrative image of any space, you stimulate the imagination of the buyer and help him to see the potential possibilities behind the space.

Karl Lagerfeld store, New York - Karl Lagerfeld Group - Photo by Hratch Arbach

Could you tell us about some of your architectural photography projects?

Each new commission for me is a new experience, as I’m going to meet and discover a new person, listen to their stories and share a moment.

I like this interaction between the architect, the building, people that live in the space, the environment and me, all this together are linked through my camera lens.

Pole culturel, Paris - Atelier Agopyan Architectes - Photo by Hratch Arbach

What advice would you give to photographers who want to pursue a career in architectural photography?

To study architectural history

What is your favorite photograph that you have ever taken?

It is the portrait of my childhood neighbor, his name is Hagop, a very humble and modest tailor.

Tailor Hagop - Photo by Hratch Arbach

How can our readers follow Arbach?

www.atelierarbach.com

@atelierarbach

Thank you Hratch.

For more information, please visit website of Hratch Arbach

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Friday, September 28, 2018. All photos are the property of their respective owners.