Words by Hannah Tapping
Exploring urban design and the organic environment through the lens of architectural and landscape photographer, Steve Brownhill.
Born in Tooting, Steve Brownhill began his journey south at the age of ten. A well-spent childhood in Devon resulted in a skate sponsorship and a profound love of surfing and the sea. With a camera in hand since the age of 14, it’s this combination of urban culture and ocean landscape that imbues Steve’s images.
Family generations, including his father and grandfather, who he helped as a child on building sites in London had a big influence on his first career choice. For Steve, the road to professional photographer was winding. Plumbing was the precursor to picture taking and working for years in the building trade gave him the knowledge to understand the processes involved in the thought and creation of buildings. His appreciation for architectural beauty is something that has grown with his skill as a professional photographer, resulting in a passion to capture the art within architecture.
It was a move to Cornwall that cemented Steve’s true passions. Both he and his young family love living by the ocean, hearing the sound of the swell, taking inspiration from its form and movement. Steve’s work now combines architectural and landscape photography, creating a diverse portfolio that allows him the freedom to mix the metropolitan with the environment. His collaborative work with architects and holiday home owners has helped them to portray buildings in a new light.
Architect project, Crackington Haven
Right: The Old Sunday School | Left: Lympstone Manor
Office building, Launceston
Left: Holiday home, Penzance | Right: Cabin Café, Crackington Haven
Architect project, Exeter
Homeless centre, Redruth
Tin mine ruin, near Tintagel
Nature’s flow at Golitha Falls
Calm within Bude