Thanks to Phaidon for this story on the relationship between architecture and photography, or rather architects and photographers:

By the time Edmund Sumner was given his first camera, at the age of eight, he was already surrounded by, and wholly obsessed with, design. Edmund’s father was an interior designer whose clients included the likes of The Rolling Stones; his sister took up the paternal profession, while his brother became an architect.

Sumner, for his part, decided to photograph buildings for a living, and working with his wife, the architectural journalist Yuki Sumner, has specialised in architectural photography, with particular emphasis placed on contemporary Japanese design.

“I look back now at the early years of my career in Japan as part of my education in both photography and architecture,” recalls the photographer, who has also worked closely with British architect, and Phaidon author John Pawson. “There is also something curiously liberating about working 5000 miles away from home.”

In 2005, Sumner met with the great architect Tadao Ando. The Pritzker laureate, best-known for his minimalist, concrete buildings, was, in person, Sumner says, “sharp and forthright, with a keen sense of humour”.

“I had just shot a small boutique furniture store designed by Ando near Omotesando in Tokyo, so I showed Ando some of the shots when we met,” Sumner says. “He had strong opinions about certain images but he also seemed genuinely impressed by my work. He mentioned some other projects completing soon and suggested we stay in touch.”…

Read the whole story here.