Svetlana Fadeeva
PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris 2025 – Professional
First Place Winner in Architecture – Desert Crystal
What first drew you to the Qatar National Museum, considering it as a compelling photographic subject?
I was initially captivated by the building’s profound conceptual design. The architect didn’t just create a museum; he materialized a natural phenomenon – the “desert rose” crystal. This immediate, powerful connection between architecture and the desert landscape is what first drew me in. I saw it as an organic part of the landscape and wanted to capture its unique essence and architectural narrative, which eventually became “Desert Crystal.”
Did you make multiple visits on different days, or at different times, to capture variant lighting moods?
Absolutely. Planning was crucial, especially in an extreme hot environment like Qatar. While the challenging climate limited my shooting to the early morning hours to protect my equipment from overheating, I dedicated time to studying the sun’s trajectory across the site on different days. This preparation allowed me to pinpoint the perfect moment when the light would graze the facade, emphasizing the disk-like structures and creating the dramatic shadows that give the “desert rose” its three-dimensional, crystalline quality.
What gear and techniques did you employ to render both the monumental scale and fine detail?
My main tool was the Leica Q3 camera with its 28mm lens, which allowed me to capture the grandeur of the entire structure. Even in the early morning, the Qatari sun is dazzlingly bright, creating challenging lighting conditions. To control the light and achieve the desired shutter speed, I used a ND filter. In terms of technique, I looked for angles where the wide angle would advantageously emphasize the building’s shape, and also took close-up shots to convey the play of light and shadow on its surface.
Winning the Architecture Photographer of the Year title at PX3 is a major honor. What does this recognition mean to you?
This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me. It signifies that architectural photography is not just about documenting a building, but about capturing its soul and its dialogue with the environment. This award validates that artistic approach. It’s a tremendous honor that my personal vision, my ability to see and interpret a structure’s unique character, has been recognized on such a prestigious international platform.
What advice would you give to emerging architectural photographers aiming to shoot iconic or challenging buildings in extreme environments?
First, on a practical level, respect your environment and your tools. Research is your best friend—understand the weather, the light, and the physical challenges. For me, that meant shooting in the early morning to avoid the heat that could damage my camera. But more importantly, on a philosophical level, you must truly love what you do. There will be obstacles, from harsh conditions to technical limitations. It’s the passion for your craft and the unwavering determination to achieve your vision that will give you the resilience to never give up. Love your work, and it will reward you with images you can be proud of.