WHAT IS PLACEMAKING PHOTOGRAPHY?

MY TAKE IN THE CONTEXT OF
PROPERTY MARKETING PHOTOGRAPHY +
CREATIVE PLACEMAKING FOR REGENERATION PROJECTS

Montage of four placemaking photographs. Manchester urban streets. architecture and graffiti

I've worked on multiple placemaking projects now with various property clients over the last few years, as a property marketing photographer and city life photographer. This has introduced me to the concept of placemaking.

Now, I also refer to myself as a placemaking photographer. But I'm frequently asked to elaborate on this, so I wanted to write a post that answers the question:

PLACEMAKING IS ABOUT CREATING A VISION FOR A PUBLIC SPACE. OFTEN WITH A SPECIFIC AUDIENCE OR DEMOGRAPHIC IN MIND, THAT INSPIRES THEM TO VIEW A LOCATION IN A DIFFERENT WAY.

It inspires people to reimagine public spaces and see them from a new perspective.

Creative placemaking is often associated with projects that involve urban regeneration or the creation of a new destination within a familiar town or city. It involves strengthening the connection between a community and the places they share.

"More than just promoting better urban design, placemaking facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution."

With community participation at its heart, an effective urban placemaking project capitalises on local brands and amenities. This results in the creation of quality public spaces that contribute to people's health, happiness, and wellbeing.

Montage of placemaking photographs. Stockport, underbanks. Typical period architecture and local businesses

KEY ELEMENTS OF PLACEMAKING PHOTOGRAPHY

Placemaking photography is about capturing the essence of the project or concept and visualising it through engaging imagery. As a placemaking photographer I would look to understand what the plans involve in terms of the regeneration of a particular area, and who it is the project is trying to speak to. From that basis I would set out to create a portfolio of visually engaging photography that captures the desired aspirational mood that will appeal to that target audience.

This might include photographing local parks and green spaces, schools, hospitals, transport links and other practical amenities that people look for when considering a move to a new area. Often I will capture photographs of local retail and hospitality brands – specifically those that speak to that target audience.

In addition to photographing the practical elements, placemaking photography is also about capturing the environmental attributes of a location. Think of it as digital storytelling: as well as the physical elements of a location, you also want to convey what a lifestyle might look like in this location.

Showing real people in the space, and capturing a location at different times of day, are just a couple of ways of conveying a more holistic and authentic vision. I feel this is needed to spark that inspiration in an audience to start to see a location from a new perspective.

Placemaking photography plays a crucial role in shaping the perception and experience of public spaces. It is instrumental in the rejuvenation, helping foster a vibrant community spirit that appeals to a target audience.

Montage of four photos of placemaking photography from manchester northern quarter. A stylish man walks past a bar, a neon sign in window, diners sat in window of restaurant and shop fronts

PLACEMAKING PHOTOGRAPHY EXAMPLES

I have worked on several placemaking projects but here are just a couple of examples:

MANCHESTER | NORTHERN QUARTER | ANCOATS NEW ISLINGTON

As the city-centre sprawl continues in Manchester, new communities and properties are in development all the time. So it makes sense that parts of the city centre are given new identities or brands. Working on a project that was centred around the development of new apartments that would be adjacent to the thriving trendy Northern Quarter in Manchester, I looked to photograph some of the key brands and amenities already established and popular. And then show them alongside new businesses that were opening closer to the site of the new development.

Montage of four placemaking photographs. Manchester urban lifestyle and hospitality scenes

Montage of four placemaking photographs. Manchester urban streets. lifestyle and cyclists

Montage of placemaking photographs. Manchester urban streets. architecture and bar and restaurant signs in ancoats area

Montage of placemaking photographs. Manchester green spaces. urban lifestyle, shoppers and graffiti

Montage of placemaking photographs. Manchester bars and venues. Signage and diners in window

STOCKPORT | THE UNDERBANKS

Stockport is enjoying an exciting renaissance as more and more people realise the appeal of the city, and its proximity to its bigger brother, Manchester. The placemaking photography I shot around Stockport capitalised on the abundance of cool, independent shops and bars, against the backdrop of the classic architecture.

Montage of two photos of stockport showing the architecture and a cyclist passing by

examples of some of the period features in stockport architecture. including vintage signage and architecture

montage of four photos of stockport. the brick built viaduct over streams of car lights , the plaza theatre and cinema with customers outside at night, evening food market with family, the light cinema with diners in window

classic stockport cafe in period building

group of young people walking through stockport underbanks streets

a couple of customers enjoy a coffee inside a dining establishment

I'm keen to work with more clients in placemaking and property marketing. Especially those who prioritise sustainability in their practice and projects.