Q&A | Hazel Redmond

I was introduced to architectural photography through my cousin Phil Redmond, an architect based in Christchurch. I vividly remember the first shoot I did for him – it was a real turning point. I was in the middle of shooting and remember saying, “I think I’ve found what I love… this is where I want to be.”

From that moment I knew this was the direction I wanted to go in, but it didn’t happen overnight. It’s been years of hard work, building relationships and constantly refining my craft, but that first experience really sparked something and set me the path I’m on today.

I’d say my work is clean and considered. I’m always trying to create images that feel true to the space – where you can almost step into the room. My images lean into a natural sense of light, scale, and flow, with a focus on simplicity, strong composition, and letting the materials and architecture speak for themselves.

I love it when the architect or designer is on site, it makes such a difference. Relationships are a big part of what I do, and direct collaboration means we’re all aligned on the vision.

Before even picking up the camera I like to walk through the space together and talk about key moments or details that are important to them. My role is to translate their design into a feeling. Not only capturing the overall space, but also the smaller details that tell the story of how it’s lived in. It’s very collaborative – we’re all working towards creating imagery that represents the project in the best possible light.

Light and lines are the foundation of a strong image. The way light moves through a space, how it hits a surface, and how lines guide your eye all play a huge role.

For me, a great architectural photograph feels balanced with a real sense of feeling to it. I try to keep things true to how the space feels while still enhancing its best qualities. It’s about knowing when to simplify, what to highlight, and creating something that feels calm and considered.

And honestly, sometimes it comes down to timing – being in the right place at the right moment.

I love a well-styled home, but I also really appreciate when a space feels authentic and lived in. Personal pieces add so much character and warmth and help tell a more genuine story.

Layering is key but it’s really about balance – editing where needed without stripping the space of personality. Styling that complements the architecture, rather than competes with it, always translates best on camera.

Light is everything – I’m constantly chasing it. That usually means early starts and late finishes to get the best of it. If possible, I’ll do a site recce beforehand to understand how the light moves across the space throughout the day, if not I’ll use tools like Sun Seeker to help plan it out.

I love how light creates depth and mood, especially when it hits different materials and textures. Whether it’s soft morning light or that warm late afternoon glow, it really shapes the final image.

It’s always hard to pick just one, but The River Barn house definitely stands out. There’s such a beautiful balance of natural textures and tones, and it sits so perfectly within the landscape.

The client also has an incredible eye for mixing contemporary pieces with antiques, which is a real art. It was one of those shoots where I walked in and didn’t need to move a thing, the space already had such a strong feeling – I just had to frame it.