People in the Frame: Bringing Architecture to Life

Focus Group Description

Architecture photography shifts the moment a person enters the scene. So this focus group looks closely at how people change scale, mood, story, and the viewer’s sense of space. We will work from images and observation, and then we will move into clear, practical choices photographers make on location.

First, we will compare photographs with people against photographs without people. Then we will unpack what each approach communicates, especially around scale and atmosphere. Next, we will discuss storytelling: a figure can activate a space, guide the eye, and hint at purpose or emotion. At the same time, we will challenge the opposite view: sometimes people distract, pull attention from form and light, or weaken the architectural intent. Finally, participants will share preferences and decision rules they already use, and we will test those ideas against the examples.

About the Mentor

Shoayb Khattab is an award winning architectural photographer, filmmaker, and practising architect with more than a decade of experience. He photographs landmark projects across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and international locations, and he collaborates with leading firms such as Foster + Partners and BIG. He focuses on translating architecture into strong visual stories, using both design knowledge and photographic craft.

Format
This is a 40 minute interactive roundtable discussion. Shoayb will introduce the theme using a curated set of images. Then the group will drive the conversation through questions, debate, and shared observations.