Be Inspired

Hi Guo Jie, can you tell us about the kind of photography that you do?
As a photographer, I use the medium for self-expression or to explore the world we are in. Photography is used as a tool to question why things are perceived in a certain way, or how a place ‘feels’ through imagery.

What was the journey or timeline like to you becoming an architectural/interior photographer?
I picked up photography at the end of 2011. In the beginning, I did a lot of wedding photography. But I really entered the industry of architectural photography by accident when I shot for a friend, whose husband is an architect. He asked if I was interested in doing some architectural and interior photography. I didn’t really know what it meant then, so I bought a lot of books and did my research. Later on, he introduced me to some of his peers who are established in the architecture industry and everything snowballed from there.

Why are you drawn to photographing space and architecture?
We spend a lot of time in these spaces. I think it feels natural for me to feel curious about the places we dwell in. My interest also stems from the awareness of how insane it is that spaces are translated into reality from the figments of our human minds. I think there is something magical about that.

How does space feel from behind the lens (versus seeing in without the camera)?
With a camera, you are actively trying to organise the chaos within the space and to focus on something we want to say. On the other hand, to view the space without a camera is to take everything in as a whole. Technically speaking, you would want to experience a space without the lens first, so that you can form opinions or consider what can be said about a space.

Perhaps we can see it like this: one tries to understand a space; then, you use a lens to show that understanding of the physical experience.

A challenge that you constantly face in your craft, regardless of your experience?
I think reduction is something that is extremely challenging. How does one tell the story of a space in sequence, with the economy of images (in the least number of photos possible) in mind? There should always be a reminder reduction is particular to the medium of photography. It is also a constant challenge to be very clear about your intentions with the images you take.

Has photography changed the way you look at the world, or taught you anything valuable?
I think it taught me to pay attention to the small and mundane things around us. It taught me to be appreciative of even the simplest door handle to the signage design — they have all gone through decades of thought process before they became something so common in our perception.

GOOD SPOTS FOR A GOOD SHOT

Guo Jie recommends getting a good vantage point of Guoco Tower’s expansive landscaped urban park from the public housing estates around the development — specifically, Tanjong Pagar Plaza HDB, Pinnacle @ Duxton or 333 Kreta Ayer Road.

“I think you can really sense what Guoco Tower is about by looking at this wide and open public space that is sheltered. From the bustling sight of the office workers transitioning through the space to the various activities that took place there (before covid), the energy is beautiful.”

Khoo Guo Jie is a photographer who specialises in architecture, interior and lifestyle imagery. Based in Singapore and commissioned globally, he has photographed for WAFF, Millet Architects, Group 8 Asia, Gabriel Tan Studio, Lanzavecchia + Wai, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, IPLI Architects, Park + Associates and others. You can also find his works in publications and platforms such as Cubes Magazine, Monocle Magazine, Habitus and WIRED UK.