Tom Ferguson, the photographer who swapped his life as an architect for one behind the camera

In-demand architectural photographer Tom Ferguson draws on his background as an architect when he’s shooting some of the most impressive new buildings in Australia and overseas.

We spoke with Tom about starting his own practice, his goal as an artist, and how he decorates his own walls at home.

Q: How did you make the switch from architect to architectural photographer?

A: I’d always had an interest in photography and started taking architectural photos while I was in my first architecture job out of university.

When I started my own practice, I photographed my work. Some got published, leading to a trickle of work.

The transition was reasonably gradual until a house I photographed for Vogue Living in 2014 was featured on the cover of Elle Decor Italia.

Q: How does your architectural experience give depth to your images?

A: As an architect, I was intimately involved in the creation of space. I believe this helps me capture it [and] convey the intention of the designer; how it is used, how it might be experienced and how the designer wants it to appear in an image.

I think it helps me understand the composition of built form, of materials and their qualities and of the importance of light in capturing the many moods of architecture and interior design.

Q: What are you trying to convey?

A: My goal is to tell the whole story of the building, from the most intimate interior details to the most heroic architectural statements.

I want to convey what it feels like to be in a space but also how buildings appear as inspiring objects and compositions.

Q: The most rewarding home to photograph?

A: It’s hard to choose, but if I had to single out any recent homes it would be the Tamarama House by Durbach Block Jaggers and House on the Coast by Sean Godsell. Apart from both being incredible works of architecture, I was also given an open brief and time to spend in the houses, being inspired by them and translating that into photos.

Q: Tell us about some of your recent overseas work.

A: I’ve been to Tokyo to shoot George Livissianis’ interiors for The Apollo Restaurant, London for Malcolm Fryer Architects and Qatar to shoot interiors by Koichi Takada Architects at the National Museum of Qatar.

It was also great to also be able to photograph the exterior of the building, designed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel.

Q: What’s hanging on the walls at your place?

A: I have a few works of my own at home. Being a photographer, it’s an easy way to fill wall space. I also have pieces by Tomislav Nikolic, Todd McMillan, Marisa Purcell and Coen Young, among others.

Not being an expert in that field, I’m lucky enough to have a friend in Mark Hughes of Mark Hughes Art Advisory to help with art selection.