Integral to and is capturing the finished project through the lens and expert eye of the photographer. In the series The Photographers, we present those whose professional life involves photographing all manner of commercial and residential architecture and design.
The profiled are members of Image Makers Association Australia, an organisation that has partnered with the 2026 in two categories: The Photographer – Commercial and The Photographer – Residential.
We explore what makes these photographers tick, how they began their careers and why they chose to pursue architecture and design as their focus, as well as finding out a little more about them and their craft. Today, we profile Tanika Blair.
How did you come to photography?
I studied in the hope of becoming an interior stylist for photography. I kind of fell into the photography side when there was a need in my local area, as no one else was shooting interior photography on the at that time. I quickly became popular for having a really good understanding of architecture and interior design, combined with a love of photography. I style and photograph most of my shoots.
What do you most enjoy about your profession?
The flexibility it brings to my life with two young children. I have most school holidays off work to be with them and this does not hinder the ability to conduct my small business. The travel I have experienced has also been incredible.
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What drew you to focus on architecture and design?
I have always loved architecture and interior design and to be able to work with beautifully talented creatives in those fields and capture their work has been a joy. I didn’t know I would love it as much when I began to pursue interior design. Now, I much prefer to be on the photography side, marvelling at the work and doing my very best to capture it in its best light to showcase their .
How do you see the role of the photographer in architecture and design?
The role of the photographer is very important, but also it’s a team sport… you can’t have one without the other. Trying to credit everyone involved is impossible, but a beautiful interior photo definitely isn’t just the photographer’s doing.
What is the most important aspect for you in capturing a project through the lens?
is very important and adding that ‘feeling’ with styling, if the photo doesn’t already have it.
What is a usual day for you when you are on a shoot?
I start with preparation, looking over floor plans and the timeline for the day. Usually, there’s a lot of packing props and I arrive early to have a good chat with the homeowners, architect, builder etc., to get a really good feel for the project.
There are long days chasing sunlight and maybe a small break for a bit to eat, but I don’t stop for long as I lose momentum. There’s always music playing and lots of chatting through the shoot to keep vibes high. I finish the day with a big, yummy dinner and a glass of red wine.
What equipment do you use? What is the most important item?
Most important to me in my work is my tethered iPad for styling, and I use a Canon R5, mostly with 24–70mm and 10–20mm lenses.
Are there other areas of photography that you pursue in your spare time?
I am still trying to get the perfect underwater snorkelling shot of my family, on a clear water day in high tide at our favourite place, Kirra Beach, and when I do, I want to have a very large print to hang in our home.
What advice would you give to someone just starting in the profession as an architecture and design photographer?
Sunlight is your best friend. Learn to take notice of light everywhere you go. See how it changes everything.
Who has inspired you in your photography career and why?
Andy Macpherson is a local photographer in my area who was so kind to me when I was starting out. He has a beautiful aura about him and his work is wonderful.
The artist Jai Vasicek also gave me some great advice when I was looking to move to Sydney to start my career, and he said if I liked where I lived in the Northern Rivers, there was no need to move, there would be work in my local area and to look for it. Everyone else, wherever I looked at the time, told me that I needed to move to Sydney or Melbourne to be taken seriously. Obviously, times have changed now.
What is the most important thing that you have learnt so far on your journey as a photographer?
To take your time, it isn’t a race through the shoot day and your work will be better for it. The more time you take to get it right, the better the shots will be and the clients you want won’t mind you taking your time either. You aren’t, and shouldn’t be, expected to know exactly where to put a photography light every time. Play around with the light, move it around for every shot at every shoot until you find the right spot.
Do you have other pursuits or hobbies besides photography that you would like to share with us?
I also love the styling side of my work. Creating stories within a photograph has me dreaming of being a set designer for film. Aside from that, my young family spent four months living in our caravan in 2024, travelling to parts of Australia. I would love to do that again in the not-too-distant future while the kids still want to hang out with us. It would be great to continue our lap around Australia — we followed the coast and explored from Newcastle to Adelaide. 2026 sees us renovating a 100-year-old church into a three-bedroom home on an acre of land and I’m looking forward to capturing the progress of that this year.
Tanika Blair Photography
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