Interview with Architectural and Interior Photographer Fabrice Dunou

Lifestyle - Interview

by Melisa Kaya

First, he discovered his passion for photography, then he decided to be an architectural and interior photographer. Prior to shaping his photography career, he wanted to make his viewpoint more flawless with advanced photographic techniques, and he studied at the Speos International Photographic School in Paris. After his graduation, he established Fabrice Dunou Photography, specialized in architectural and interior photography. I asked Fabrice Dunou about the Importance of Photography in Architecture, the basics of photography, and his career.

L'HEMISPHERIC, VALENCE - ARCHITECTE : SANTIAGO CALATRAVA

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

I did graduate studies in industrial computer science. My first job was computer maintenance. For a US company, I was then responsible for the customer support center in France and then in an international environment, responsible for Europe projects.

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

I practiced photography for many years during my free time. I have always been interested in people within the urban environment. The different returns of the photographs I was doing at this time were unanimous: "it's architectural photography".

It was only then that I really realized that I was doing architectural photography. That's why I often say "I did not choose architecture, it's the architecture that chose me! ".

After a few years, I then decided to become a professional photographer.

MÉDIATHÈQUE DU KREMLIN-BICÊTRE. ARCHITECTE : AGENCE K ARCHITECTURES

Could you tell us about Fabrice Dunou Photography?

Before starting a career as a professional photographer, I wanted to master the different techniques of photography. For this, I followed a training at Speos International Photographic School in Paris. Beyond the technical aspect, this school allowed me to keep a link with the international.

At the end of this school, I created Fabrice Dunou Photography, specialized in architectural and interior photography. I work mainly in Paris, throughout France and, depending on requests, in Europe.

MÉDIATHÈQUE DU KREMLIN-BICÊTRE. ARCHITECTE : AGENCE K ARCHITECTURES

How would you describe your photographic approach?

The first thing and, from my point of view, one of the most important things is to take time to talk with the client about his project. This allows me to understand as much as possible his expectations and to identify potential constraints.

Depending on the project, it may be considered to go on the site before the shooting day to identify the relevant point of views. In many cases, the search of points of view is a very important step that consists of identifying volumes, shapes, lines, perspectives and curves in order to "stage" them for a good image composition. For each point of view, I then have to define what would be the best light. Based on this information I can define my shooting schedule.

What type of services do you offer to architecture firms?

As an architectural and interior photographer, I work with architectural firms but also with companies which wish to highlight their building and/or their interior spaces such as business real estate, hospitality, and retail companies.

I propose a customized photography service according to customer expectations.

DOMAINE DES FONTAINES - CAPGEMINI - ARCHITECTE : VALODE & PISTRE

How long does it take to complete an average architectural project's full photo work?

There is no real rule, every project is different. The duration is very variable, it depends on the size of the project and the expectations of the client. It can last one day like many days.

Which factors determine the project budget?

The project budget varies according to customer expectations. The main factors are the number and type of photos desired, granted rights and travel costs.

LA GARE D'ORLÉANS

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

In my opinion, there is no component more important than another. It is more of a relevant combination of subject, composition, and light.

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

From my point of view, the architectural photographer brings an external eye to the project. He makes the photos from his own discovery, according to his sensitivity, and finally brings another view.

What I consider to be the best compliment is when an architect tells me that he rediscovers his project through my photos.

EXTENSION DE L'ÉCOLE PRIMAISE JEAN JAURÈS 1 DE LIVRY GARGAN (93) - ARCHITECTE : YOONSEUX

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

A good photo always has a positive effect on the decision of a buyer but it is not the only element. I think a buyer also looks at the photographer's ability to complete the project by meeting customer expectations.

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

You can find some of my projects on my blog http://fabricedunou-blog.com and on my website http://www.photographe-architecture.fr

MAXXI ROME - ARCHITECTE : ZAHA HADID

Do your equipment and project plan vary depending on the size of the building? What type of works do you prefer most, is it interior or exterior?

The project plan is always redefined according to the building and how the client wants to communicate. This makes it possible to best meet his expectations.

The equipment is not particularly related to the size of the building. It is more defined according to the type of photographs to be made.

What are your expectations from your clients for a suitable shooting environment?

The exteriors must be clean and it must be ensured that there is no work planned that day. For the interiors, they must be tidy and clean. It is important that the floors are not washed the same day of shooting.

For me, a good collaboration between the client and the photographer is a key element to obtain beautiful photos.

TOUR CMA-CGM MARSEILLE - ARCHITECTE : ZAHA HADID � 1

Could your clients use the photographs in any publication, catalog, website, ad or other platforms in the future?

The photos delivered can be used according to the points defined in the assignment of rights and defined jointly with the customer at the time of the order: beneficiary, type of use, duration and geographical area.

If in the future, the customer wants uses that have not been provided for the order, he comes back to me to redefine a new assignment of law, including new uses.

Smartphones and affordably priced DSLR cams made everyone is more enthusiastic about photography. How did this affect the professional photography industry?

I think this has made people more sensitive to photography which is a good point. Unfortunately, many people thought they could become photographers. This saturated the market a little more and brought down prices for basic projects.

From my point of view, it is not the camera that makes the photographer and fortunately some clients know it well. Indeed, the camera does not replace the personal view and the project management (technical and timeline).

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

It is always difficult to give advice especially in a field where competition is very important and the market saturated. The photographer must, of course, be able to deliver beautiful photos but also make him visible to prospects.

PALAIS DES ARTS, VALENCE ARCHITECTE : SANTIAGO CALATRAVA

What is your favorite photograph that you have ever taken?

I do not have a favorite picture but several. I like some more than others, not always because they are more beautiful but because they remind me of the atmosphere of the place, my feelings, at the time of the shooting. Since I have to choose one, I choose a photo made during a personal work in Valencia, Spain: The City of Science. This place is particularly interesting for its size and its volumes, allowing to compose with the forms, the lines, the perspectives and the curves.

What do you think about social media? How do you use it for your profession?

For me, Social media is a real opportunity to communicate to make my work known. Even if posting articles is very time-consuming, it allows me to find new clients but also to maintain links with my clients.

RDC BEAUME ET PERCIER. ARCHITECTE : MO2 CONCEPT

How can our readers follow Fabrice Dunou?

Website: http://www.photographe-architecture.fr
Blog : http://fabricedunou-blog.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FabriceDunouPhotographe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabricedunou/
Behance: https://www.behance.net/fabricedunou

Thank you Fabrice for this informative and enjoyable interview.

For more information, please visit website of Fabrice Dunou

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Monday, August 6, 2018. All photos are the property of their respective owners.