Q:

Thanks for inviting us to your beautiful space here. It’s clear your home stands out from the rest in the neighbourhood. What is the story behind the houses along Walters Way and Segal Close?

A:

About 15 years ago at Open House, Celine and I were checking out some architecturally interesting houses. We wandered down Walters Way, which is just down the road. We walked in and immediately said, “Oh my god, I want to live in this house.” As fate would have it, I later found a Segal House on sale with on The Modern House”.

These houses were self-built in the late 70s, inspired by an architect called Walter Segal. The people who lived in and built them were just regular people that had to learn how to build a home. Can you imagine? All you need to do is buy the materials! It's a flatpack, so kind of like a prefab. But you could decide what you wanted to include or not, that’s what’s great. All the houses here are all a little bit different.

The configuration of the house from when we first bought it to now is completely different. In fact, we created the new studio space very recently. We also knocked down a wall in the kid’s bedroom to create one bedroom with a hammock all the way through because the boys  wanted to be together.

So it's like a kind of a house that's always evolving with us. As our family grows, the house grows as well. 

Q:

You must have seen many striking homes and buildings as an architectural and lifestyle photographer. What was your journey in becoming the photographer you are today?

A:

I’ve done career pivots many times. At first, I wanted to be a lawyer, then I got to the final years and realised, that’s not for me. I wanted to learn a new language and new culture instead and went to teach English in Japan. After a year there, I fell in love with the people and food. I found myself returning to London working in events for the fashion industry before finding myself working in finance. I was always angry wearing a suit and tie everyday. It’s not my scene. I was exhausted and I didn't feel happy. And Celine was like, ‘look I’ll back you, you just do what you got to do’. I wanted to do photography. Then I started setting my own goals, which led me to start my first personal project.

Q:

You’re traveling, you're publishing books - you’ve achieved a lot! What would you say is your greatest achievement to date?

A:

It might sound corny but I actually love being a dad. I’m Papa. If I had to put anything on top of my CV, it'd be that. It’s the best job in the world. I've only been a photographer for five years but I'm doing exactly what I want to do. It gives me the pace of life that I want. I can go and pick up my kids - and at the end of the day, that’s what's most important really.

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Occupation:

Architectural and Lifestyle Photographer

Wearing:

The 24 Overshirt and The 24 Trouser

Location:

London

Q:

There is so much light here, it’s hard to imagine what your favourite spot in the home would be. Do you have one?

A:

Yes, the studio. We used a beautiful material by Clay Works. It sort of changes in the light and you get a real sense of peace in the space.

Q:

Which is this book you have here, about Walters Way & Segal Close?

A:

I started with the home I live in and all the other houses along Walters Way and Segal Close. It’s such an architecturally interesting area but also an awesome way to meet my neighbours. One of them; Alice Graham was a journalist who lives on Walters Way and she suggested we do an article on the project. So I suggested a self-published book. We sold 200 copies. But then I decided to take it to Frankfurt World Book Fair. I showed this book to four or five different publishers and before one of the publishers agreed to 10,000 copies. This all happened within three months of being in the industry!

Q:

Was there a building that took your breath away?

A:

In my most recent book, The Sustainable City published by Hoxton Mini  Press, there’s a house called Mountain View, just about a mile down the road in Sydenham. From the front facade it looks like a typical Edwardian house. There are amazing recycled products that are used in that space. These worktops here are made of recycled plastic and the table is made of recycled tyres. It’s a phenomenal space that looks so unique - it’s a complete surprise.

However the only house that’s given me goosebumps was a house called the Klein House on the  Scottish Borders. It's a modernist mid century house set in the woodland. It’s called Klein House because it was built by a Scottish textile designer named Klein and designed by architect Peter Womersley in the 50s.  I love geometry and any kind of spatial, modular buildings and it was all in this mid-century home! It honestly made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. It's like a snapshot of the 1950s, with all the original furniture. I’ve never had that initial reaction anywhere else. 

A:

Matt  Gibberd, co-founder at The Modern House. I met him at a Walter Segal inspired exhibition at the AA School of Architecture, and the rest was history as I started freelancing for them and shot hundreds of beautiful homes. He gave me a vital platform in a very saturated industry.

Q:

Was there someone that played a pivotal role in your career?

Q:

What would you be if you weren't a photographer?

A:

I am truly grateful and happy to be a photographer right now.

Q:

It's refreshing to hear that. Nothing seems to be absolute. 

A:

It’s a bit like my house. My home grows, and I grow too. I honestly don't know if I want to be a photographer forever, and I’m cool with that. I will certainly enjoy the ride whilst I am here though.

Q:

Is there a building that is at the top of your list to photograph?

A:

There's a house in Palm Springs, California called Kaufmann Desert House, designed by architect Richard Neutra in 1946. The house was made infamous through Slim Aaron’s iconic photograph, ‘The Poolside Gossip’ which was shot at this stunning property in 1970.

Taran on:

Essentialism 

Essentialism to me is about "doing less, but better". It’s about challenging the core assumption of ‘I have to do everything’ and replacing it with the pursuit of ‘the right thing, in the right way, at the right time’. It’s about regaining control of our own choices, about where to spend our time and energy instead of giving others implicit permission to choose for us. For me, it’s about making connections, whether that’s with collaborators, family, friends, clients. Loneliness is the worst state of mind to be in. What I love about my role is I am constantly able to see different things, be in different places and work with different people. I feel so connected and it gives real meaning and fulfilment to my life.

When I was young, I’d probably shoot 120 images. I’d be shooting every corner. Now if you asked me to shoot this house, I'd shoot with an editorial eye and aim to create 15-20 great images. Quality over quantity!

Style 

For work, I wear all black. It’s kind of like a uniform. On shoots, I ask anyone working on set to wear black because we work in places where there's a lot of reflection. I’ve got about ten black t-shirts. It's more about functionality and comfort. If I’m dressing for a special occasion, I like block prints and colour. I’m not afraid of patterns.

Memories 

A smell that brings me back to my childhood is my mum’s curry.

Routine

In the morning, I like to go for a run and aim for 10,000 steps a day. I’ve not missed a single day for three and a half years now. Even on non shoot days, where all I do is wake up and edit, I’ll go for a run. I have Steps App  that keeps me on track and also ensure I do my daily routine of Yoga though my Asana Rebel app. To wind down, Celine and I always have a pot of Rooibos Tea every evening before bed.