Meet Benjamin Norton

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Benjamin Norton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Benjamin, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

Keeping my creativity alive in architectural photography comes down to staying curious and giving myself room to explore. In my free time, I visit new builds internationally—projects I’m not hired to shoot but that let me study different styles and approaches. Stepping outside my usual workflow helps me avoid getting stuck in a rut and keeps my eye fresh for the work I do every day.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I began my photography career working for Nikon, where I built a technical foundation that still shapes the way I approach every project. From there, I moved on to commercial imaging, serving as a technical specialist in systems such as Leaf, Phase One and Hasselblad. Those years gave me a deep understanding of high-end imaging systems and the chance to collaborate with an extensive roster of high-profile photographers as a creative image retoucher, digital tech, operator, and assistant.
Over time, those experiences helped me develop a clear visual perspective and the confidence to focus on architectural photography—work I’ve been fortunate to create for some of today’s leading designers and creatives.
My approach is rooted in building strong, long-lasting professional relationships. I listen closely, pay attention to the details that matter, and prioritize delivering on each client’s objectives. Whether I’m working on set or remotely from a shoot location, I use digital capture workflows that keep communication open and ensure the final imagery reflects the client’s vision with accuracy and intention.
Professional retouching and post-production are integrated into every project, allowing me to carry the work from concept to final delivery with consistency, clarity, and a high technical standard.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Patience, composition, and conversation have shaped my journey as an architectural photographer more than anything else. Patience taught me to slow down—whether I’m waiting for the right light, walking a site to understand its rhythms, or giving a space time to reveal what actually makes it interesting. Composition became the language I use to translate a structure’s intent, and it’s something I still refine every time I pick up the camera. Conversation, though, may be the most underrated. Talking with architects, builders, designers, and even people who use the space has helped me understand the story behind the work, which always leads to better images.
For those early in their journey, my advice is simple:
Patience: Give yourself time on-site. Don’t rush to the first angle that “works.” Watch the light, walk the space, and let yourself be still long enough to notice the details that others overlook.
Composition: Study architecture as much as photography. Look at lines, weight, balance, and intent. Practice by shooting buildings you aren’t hired to photograph—no pressure, just exploration. Review your work critically and ask yourself what you’re really trying to communicate in each frame.
Conversation: Talk to people. Ask architects why they made certain choices. Ask builders what challenges they faced. Ask occupants how the space feels. The more you understand the design, the stronger—and more intentional—your images will become.
Developing these three skills is ongoing, but starting early with them will give you a foundation that supports your entire career.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents taught me the value of money in ways that still shape how I work and make decisions today. They showed me that money isn’t just something you earn. Growing up, they emphasized saving over spending, planning over impulse, and understanding the effort behind every pound. They never preached; they demonstrated. Whether it was encouraging me to work for the things I wanted, or reminding me to think long-term, their lessons were consistent and practical. Because of them, I learned early on that financial discipline gives you freedom—freedom to pursue your work, to invest in yourself, and to make choices that support the life you want to build.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.benjamin-norton.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminnorton/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminnortonphotography

Image Credits

All images ©Benjamin Norton Photography.