A chat with dion robeson

Photographer.

We’ve been working with Dion since the start of time (at least that’s how it feels). His incredible gift for capturing spaces is only rivalled by his natural, calm and relaxed presence on a shoot.

We have an incredible amount of respect not only for his work, but also for his perspective and knowledge within the industry. We thought it might be about time we took the chance to pick his brain and share his thoughts on our industry, his photography journey and his personal ethos and preferences when it comes to styling, other photographers…and to ask him about his Bin Study.

See more of Dion’s work here.

How did you first start out in this industry?
I started with the goal to photograph amazing architecture and interiors; the reality of that meant shooting real estate for 3-4 years in order to 'pay the bills' while I worked on obtaining the clients and projects I really wanted to work with/on. My sister is an architect also which meant I was surrounded by architecture and design from quite a young age.

Why would you say photography is important to architecture?

So much hard work goes into the design of physical spaces. Literally years of work, revisions, and adjustments to reach a final design and then there is the whole construction phase. 99% of people won't be able to visit a project or walk through it, this leaves us with photography and video. 

How do we show this work, how do we translate the feeling of being in the space? Photography, if done well, should do a decent job of this.

When you first walk into a space you are going to photograph, what are you looking for?

Where is the light coming from?
What spaces feel the best? Why? 
How can I show this with an image?

Personal preference - working with a stylist or clients own styling?
Or does it depend on the space?

I do have a preference for 'real-ness' - however styling definitely has its place. I think a mix of both wins.

For me, when looking at images of a home (for example) - I want to see things that mean something to the owner. Things they have collected along the way, stories relating to an image or object.

While we are talking about styling, we are interested to hear your perspective on 'less or more' when it comes to objects and furnishings on a residential shoot from a photographer's perspective?

Every photographer will have a different view on this but I am always less is more. That's me personally and how I try to live so it also comes through in the way I like to shoot.

There are many moments within a family home that tell the story of the people that live in them.
How do you choose what story to tell?

Rooms that feel most human I guess. It's hard to explain but some spaces feel warmer than others, more welcoming maybe. You can feel that this is where life happens. I get attracted to those spaces. 

Quirky objects also get my attention. If something has a story behind it, something I've never seen before, or just something completely random normally does it for me.

What do you wish people knew about this industry that they don’t?

The amount of thought, care and detail that goes into designing a space. Everything has been thought of, so many decisions have been made because of so many reasons. I think people outside of the industry miss that a little when walking into a new space or home.

Tell us about your ethos when it comes to mentoring other up and comers.

I was fortunate that a few people helped me early on; just fielding my stupid questions and helping a lot on the business side of photography. Because of this, I feel a duty to pass on what I know and what I have learned over the years doing this. So I am always open with other photographers and make a point to do what I can to help.

Now, tell us about the Bin Study.

Haaaa, you've seen my Bin Study?? It was my travel diary in Paris. I always take a camera when I am on holiday, however it rarely comes out of the bag. I made a point on my last trip to Paris to take it out everyday and just shoot what was interesting as I walked. I took a liking to their street bins, and how most were overflowed with rubbish. It really isn't that exciting but I thought images of rubbish in the most beautiful city had a nice theme to it. Interestingly enough, they are my favourite holiday photos. Who knows, I might exhibit them at some point. I do like the idea of clean gallery walls full of rubbish.