If you’re in the architecture, building, or construction industry, you know that showcasing your projects is critical. You need to highlight the design and functionality of the space and convey the expertise and care that went into its creation. That’s where building photography comes in.
Architectural photography is an art form that captures the essence of the building and brings it to life in a way that words alone can’t. And when it comes to this type of photography, few do it better than Leah Desborough, a specialist in architecture, building, and construction photography.
With a passion for this type of work, Leah has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Buildcorp, De Luca, Quadric, and Rycon Constructions, among others. Her attention to detail and purposeful composition make her the go-to photographer for many firms looking to showcase their work.
Whether it’s a display home, a shopping centre, a cinema, a childcare centre, an aged care home, or a commercial fit-out, Leah Desborough approaches each project with the same level of professionalism and care. She has even worked on large-scale projects like the multiple clients located in the same building at 300 George Street in Brisbane.
One thing that sets Leah apart is her use of specialised ‘painting with light’ techniques.
This technique is especially useful for high-end showcase spaces, which can light certain areas separately and then composite them together to create a final image that showcases the space with that real ‘WOW factor’. It’s a more time-consuming process, but the results are exceptional, as you can see from her work at the Villa Nova College in Coorparoo.
Of course, not every project requires this level of lighting or production. For smaller-scale locations like medical offices, communal workspaces, and shop fit-outs, Leah can often photograph the space in just an hour.
So, whether you’re a luxury home builder, an architectural firm, or a construction company, Leah has the skills and expertise to showcase your work in the best possible light. With her attention to detail , she can bring your projects to life in a way that will impress your clients and set you apart from the competition. Win that next tender with stunning imagery showing clients what you and your team are capable of – from start, progress and the final product.
A note from Leah
Capturing the beauty and essence of architectural and construction projects is a delicate and specialised art. Every building or structure is unique, with its own character and story to tell. A photographer must be able to capture the essence of the project while also paying attention to the smallest details that make it stand out. That’s where I come in – an architecture, building, and construction photographer who has a passion for bringing spaces to life through my lens.
I work with a diverse range of clients, including architectural firms, luxury home builders, and large building and construction companies, to name a few. My job is to capture the “before” and “after” shots of a project, showing the transformation from an idea on paper to a fully-realised building. It’s a rewarding process that requires attention to detail, patience, and a keen eye for composition.
My clients often choose me because of my unique approach to photography. I never overlook the finer details and am purposeful in my composition. I am patient and willing to wait for the perfect light, or create it myself, to achieve the desired effect. My goal is to create images that not only showcase the beauty of a space but also tell a story.
One of my specialisations is a technique called “painting with light.” This process involves taking multiple exposures of a space while lighting specific areas separately. Then, in post-production, I combine these images to create a final image that showcases the space in its best light. It’s a time-consuming process, but the results are exceptional. This technique is particularly effective for high-end showcase spaces, such as auditoriums, where lighting is critical to the overall effect.
For those who need commercial fit-outs photographed, I can capture these spaces in a short amount of time. Medical offices, communal workspaces, and shop fit-outs can be photographed in just an hour, thanks to my ability to work efficiently and cost-effectively.
Over the years, I have photographed a diverse range of projects, including display homes, shopping centers, cinemas, childcare centers, and aged care homes. I have also worked on major commercial fit-outs, university campuses, and new school buildings. In 2020, I worked on several large-scale projects, including Transurban, NTI, and Amazon, as well as multiple Dexus sites and Origin Energy’s new offices.
I am proud to say that many of my images have been submitted for Master Builders Awards. These awards recognise the best in Australian building and construction, and it is an honor to have my work recognised in this way.
Hotels are another area of specialisation for me. I often work on marketing photography for hotels that have been refurbished, capturing everything from the conference and event facilities to the hotel’s restaurants. It’s a challenging but rewarding process that requires me to work closely with the hotel staff to ensure that everything is perfect.
If you’re looking for an architecture, building, and construction photographer who can capture the essence of your project, I invite you to take a look at my portfolio pages. You’ll see the possibilities of what we can achieve together. With my unique approach to photography and my passion for bringing spaces to life, I’m confident that I can help you showcase your project in the best possible light.