An interview with Gillian Hayes, founder of Dapple Photography

“I am drawn to details, textures, colour, proportions and light. It could be the textures & light on a tree bark or soft winter light hitting timber cladding next to the rough textures of hand cut stone.”

Hi Gillian, I hope all is safe and well with you and many thanks for taking the time to share with our community. 

Lets getting cracking shall we......

I suppose we should start at the here and now.....Can you tell us what has been keeping you occupied recently throughout 2020 and what your plans for the up-and-coming months in 2021?

Hi Pete, thanks so much for getting in touch, it’s only recently I’ve discovered or had time to explore the architectural photography community – one plus from the quieter months during lockdown. I caught most of the Zoomed In Festival which was really interesting and it’s great to see other platforms/resources like M-mode popping up.

It’s been an unusual year and like most people I’ve tried to adapt to the changing circumstances. Workwise I was able to catch up on the backlog of editing, I can’t remember the last time I could actually say that. My website also needed a major overhaul so that kept me busy during the first lockdown and it’s still not quite finished.  I’m also very slowly learning to play the guitar…

This year is already looking very busy with clients booking well in advance with some beautiful projects in remote Scottish locations. Hopefully I’ll be able to travel to them!

I only just discovered your work recently but it immediately struck a chord with me. I love the way you capture light, could you tell us what got you started and what your background is?

Thanks, I came to photography from an architectural background, previously working as an architect. I have always had an appreciation of photography and had a camera to hand.

I initially explored other genres of photography fashion, portraiture, and commercial before finding my way back to my love of the built environment. There are so many skills learnt in architectural training that are transferable to photography- movement of light, proportion, composition, materiality. I was also lucky to have connections in architecture to put opportunities my way.

Where do you see the future of photography heading, not only in our genre but as a whole?

A big question, photography is ever evolving in terms of gear, technology, how it’s being presented and absorbed, but the demand for quality creative storytelling through photography & film will always be there.

As a photography community we love a bit of gear talk, could you tell us what equipment you have in your bag and enlighten those who aren't familiar a little bit more about your process.

I try to keep as light and mobile as possible: tripod, large Think Tank kit bag and usually a ladder!  I tend to do a lot of walking and exploring to get to know the building and it’s surrounding when on a shoot it helps me absorb and bond with it. I do have extra back-up gear and other essentials like blackout cloths/boards etc. in the car if I require to pull out.

Canon is my main choice, 5D’s and an assortment of Canon tilt shift and L-Series lens; some come out only occasionally and others are my main work horses.

I love how effortless your compositions appear and the timelessness in the light you capture. Where did the inspiration come from in creating your stylised look and is it something that you work on?

My style has evolved from what I’m naturally drawn to, I love more graphical natural looking images. My architectural training and love of design has also been a big influence. It’s quite an intimate experience to visit, photograph and spend time in a building, you really get to know the design qualities and spaces through the changing light.

You have some beautiful and diverse work in you portfolio, do you have a favourite thing you like to shoot and why?

I don’t have a favourite, but I am drawn to details, textures, colour, proportions and light. It could be the textures & light on a tree bark or soft winter light hitting timber cladding next to the rough textures of hand cut stone. It’s hard for me to put into words.

What would you say is the highlight of your career to this point?

Getting to work with very talented people whose work I admire, is humbling.

Do you have any favourite photographers that inspire you and anyone you think we should be keeping an eye out for?

There are so many great photographers. I discovered Helene Binet’s work through my favourite architect Peter Zumthor, I follow and admire both their work. Henri Cartier-Bresson’s work always stands out for me and his quote ‘To take a photograph is to align the head, the eye and the heart. It’s a way of life’.

I’m love discovering new photographers on instagram but a few photographer’s work I enjoy at the moment are Double Space, Andy MacPherson, Jack Lovel and Sharyn Cairns.

Lastly, what has been your favourite takeaway in all the lockdowns?

To slow down, appreciate connections and explore nature more.

Thanks Gillan, a big thanks for taking some time out to answer my questions. Keep up the with the excellent work, I’m certainly a fan.

If you’d like to see more of Gillian’s work visit here website - www.dapplephotography.co.uk