After graduating in architecture in Rio de Janeiro, André Nazareth worked for a few years as an architect before deciding to move to London, where he focused on documentary photography. There he attended the Documentary Photography course at Westminster College for a year. Back in Brazil, the photographer started his professional career. He contributed to the magazine Veja Rio with diverse subjects on cultural itineraries of the city. Gradually Nazareth gathered knowledge in both areas to become one of the most sought-after architectural photographers in Brazil. Based in Rio de Janeiro, Nazareth is a frequent contributor to major Brazilian magazines. Nazareth also has essays published in art and design books about Brazilian culture. With Rio de Janeiro as the main setting for his work, he continues to develop a documentary and artistic vision of the city, its architecture and its people. Nazareth is a member of PhotoShelter, the leader in portfolio websites, photo sales, marketing, and archiving tools for photographers.
Why did you decide to switch from architecture to photography?
I love documentaries in general, and photography has always been a way of translating the stories I created into my own world. The interest in architecture came later, and when I realized that I could tell stories about this area through photography, I found my professional path.
What kind of buildings or places do you usually photograph?
For years I have been collaborating with magazines and architectural and interior design offices in Brazil and abroad, photographing residential architecture as much as corporate and commercial architecture.
In your opinion, what goes into making great architectural photography?
I always believe in trying to tell something through photography. In my work I find that being attentive to light, scales of furniture and human presence are always necessary for telling a good story in my work.
What are you currently working on?
At the moment I’m very involved in a book project about the centennial of the Brazilian designer and architect, José Zanine Caldas. He was a master of the construction of wooden houses and an environmental activist of great importance for Brazilian culture, and I am very happy to be able to document this chapter of our history.
