Enterprise Nation

Richard Foot has been described as “one of the most intriguing new faces in architectural photography.” He runs his business from a home office in Shrewsbury and it’s from there that he explains how it all began. 

When did you start Footprint Photography?

I set up Footprint Photography as a business in April 2007. I was in the process of setting up with a friend but they then decided they didn’t want a partnership so I decided to do it on my own and turn a hobby into a business.

What were you doing before then?

I left school with 3 GCSE’s and belatedly in my education found out I’m dyslexic. I struggled through college doing Engineering which is full of Maths and never really knowing what I wanted to do. After a few changes in direction I left Wolverhampton University back in 2000 with a degree in Computer Aided Design and War Studies with an aim to go into the defence industry. That never happened and I started a Christmas temping job at Boots which ended up lasting 4 ½ years! I worked in the photo lab there , it became monotonous, retail was just not inspiring me.

Did you study photography at school/Uni?

I decided to study photography part time whilst working. I took a HNC at Wolverhampton City College and finished in 2005 before heading to Australia to travel for a year which was just a great change.

Why did you specialise in taking photos of buildings?

It was during a college project that I took the image ‘Corrugated Corner’ and I was inspired to use the same technique on other buildings. I won a college competition and the Sponsors prize at the Three Counties Open Photography Exhibition at Keele University back in 2004. I wouldn’t say I had any real interest in buildings up till then but now I have a keen interest in modern design and architecture and have been lucky to travel and photograph some amazing buildings. I guess I just like buildings that are visually interesting and I try to photograph them in a different way.

Do you ever take photos of people?!

I have done people photography before - mostly family occasions and a couple of events including an office opening with an MP and a Rotary blood pressure health check where I got told off for taking a photo of the mayor without his jacket on, bureaucracy! I prefer working with buildings as they don’t move or need directing. The thought of doing weddings scares me to death so I’ll stick to what I enjoy best. 

What kit do you use to ready your photos for sale?

I have mainly shot my images on film and even though I now have Digital SLR which I was able to afford with help from the Prince’s Trust, I still prefer film based images. These I scan and edit using Photoshop. These can either be delivered to the client on C.D. or as a print. I have just started to get my prints mounted to Dibond an aluminium laminate board which is very rigid yet light weight and stronger than foam board. This creates a much more contemporary look which suits my work much better and has had some success for use in offices. 

How are you marketing & promoting yourself?

I have done most of my marketing work myself with a bit of help from others. I designed my own business cards and had help from my brother to design a website. I have also had a few exhibitions including one during Architecture Week last June at Birmingham’s Custard Factory.

I have had work shown through Homegrown at Shrewsbury’s Music Hall and also at Wolverhampton Science Park. There are a few more exhibitions in the pipeline later this year. I currently send out a newsletter to prospective clients around the country and other contacts I have made, which keeps them up to date with what I am doing. I have visited a few trade shows as well including The Thames Gateway Forum in London where I was able to show my portfolio book to people without struggling to get appointments.

How did the interview in Channel 4’s Grand Designs come about?

This was quite random as I approached a journalist through Facebook who I knew the name of through a group called Creative Shropshire. She managed to get the go ahead to do an interview which would feature on the 4Talent website which was really great exposure. I later did a commission for Ten4 magazine to photograph an architect down by the Thames Barrier in London which was a great opportunity.

Richard Foot talks to Emma Jones

Good luck to you, Richard, for ongoing success. 

• Footprint Photography
• Interview in Grand Designs