Long-term perspective
A long-standing relationship between photographer Peter Clarke and Callum Fraser, director of Elenberg Fraser, has resulted in a remarkable archive of images, which push the boundaries of architectural photography.
Photographer Peter Clarke and architect Callum Fraser, director of Elenberg Fraser, have a long-standing relationship that goes above and beyond purely documenting buildings. It is a relationship that challenges the creativity and craft of both Clarke and Fraser as they experiment with techniques to maximize the visual effect of the architectural and photographic work. “One of the great things about working in close collaboration with a partner is you can develop your voice through a series of investigations along a similar theme,” says Fraser.
Elenberg Fraser celebrates its twenty-first year in 2019 and Clarke has been recording the evolution of its work for fifteen of those years. Both Clarke and Fraser have strived to deliver more than the norm from day one, pushing the boundaries of architectural photography by adding another layer of artistry to Elenberg Fraser’s vision and intent. “Callum wants a photographer to bring something to the table and to look at his buildings in a creative manner,” says Clarke.
The collaboration began in 2004 when Clarke photographed Elenberg Fraser buildings in a way Fraser had not seen before. Clarke reduced the visual field to focus on form, details and vignettes, as if liberating the building from its surroundings or context. They have since experimented with idea-driven concepts, using new and different techniques, such as stop motion, models, video and photographic essays, to convey the architectural intent and vision. Drawing on Clarke’s arts and advertising background, and Fraser’s interest in fashion, film and literature, they produce work with a strong narrative, dramatic imagery and a sense of theatrics.
The photography continues to evolve with the architecture. It was stylized, desaturated and gritty when Elenberg Fraser used textured materials such as concrete and steel. With the shift towards glass, Clarke has focused on capturing how the building facade reacts to varying light and weather conditions and he uses digital technology to montage images.
This opportunity for experimentation enables Clarke and Fraser to demonstrate and develop their skills as creatives and storytellers. “It is gratifying to test ideas and techniques and embrace the medium of photography beyond the norm, and it’s the reason our relationship has endured,” Clarke says. Indeed, the work that has developed is remarkable, distinctive and, at times, startling, and both Clarke and Fraser enjoy creating work that exists in that realm.