James Retief is an architectural photographer based in London, working internationally at the intersection of architecture, design, and visual culture. With a foundation in design-led architectural practice, James brings an insider’s understanding of spatial composition and materiality to his work. Collaborating with leading architects, designers, and brands, he has developed a distinctive photographic voice; calm, precise, and attuned to the subtleties of light and atmosphere. Alongside his commercial commissions, James pursues research-driven, self-initiated projects that explore the emotional and cultural resonance of the built environment. His images, regularly published in leading architecture, design, and photography journals, seek to translate the lived experience of space into compelling, transportive narratives.

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