Marco Petrini

Marco Petrini, founder of Petrini Studio, is an award-winning New York-based photographer specialized in architectural and interior photography. Trained as an architect, he studied and practiced in both Europe and the U.S. before transitioning to photography in 2016.

Marco’s work captures a broad spectrum of subjects, from cozy residential interiors to expansive commercial exteriors, with a portfolio that includes private homes, educational institutions, hotels, retail spaces, and museums.

In 2024, Marco’s work was recognized with three prestigious awards from the Architecture Photography Masterprize, celebrating his contribution to the field.

How did you first get started in architecture & interior photography?
I’ve loved architecture and photography for as long as I can remember, but as an architect, I was focused on design and never saw photography as a career. Still, I was constantly taking photos with my phone, thousands of them, mostly of buildings. While in architecture school, a professor once told me, “Always look up,” and that advice stayed with me, inspiring me to capture unique angles and details in architecture.

In 2016, my girlfriend (now my wife) encouraged me to dust off my old Canon camera and start using it. I was immediately captured by New York’s architecture. I realized how much I enjoyed photography and discovered I had an eye for it. I immersed myself in learning, taking countless online classes and attending the International Center of Photography (ICP). I built a very simple website and started sharing my work, and before long, clients began reaching out. That’s how my professional journey started.

What drew you to architecture & interiors over other genres of photography?
I studied and practiced architecture in Italy before moving to London and then New York in 2014, so design has been my passion for a long time. Architecture and interior photography came naturally. I’ve tried other genres, like working in a studio, but I missed the freedom of being out and exploring new places. Architecture photography lets me travel, discover, and there’s nothing like catching the sunrise or waiting for the perfect light at sunset, it’s something special. I also love working with designers. I understand their needs and speak their language, which makes the process even more enjoyable.

What do you aim to capture in a building or space, and how do you achieve that vision?
My goal is to capture the feeling I experience in a space and translate it into my photos. If I’m shooting a project on a sunny day in California, I want that warmth and light to shine through my photos. On a moody, overcast day in New York, I aim to convey that atmosphere so the viewer can almost feel it too. I let the unique conditions of each place, its time, weather, and atmosphere, guide my approach. This way, every project feels true to its moment and place.

Are there any types of architecture or buildings you particularly enjoy photographing?
I love Brutalist architecture. There’s something fascinating to me about concrete buildings: their bold shapes, heavy materials, and raw, unpolished look. They have an honesty to them.

Who is your favorite architect (dead or alive) and why?
That’s a hard choice, but I’d have to pick two: Louis Kahn and Aldo Rossi. These architects profoundly influenced me during my architecture studies in Milan, and their work remains my favorite.

Kahn’s buildings are monumental, with bold geometries and a commanding presence. He mastered the use of materials and light, creating spaces that feel both powerful and serene, with a sense of timelessness and spirituality.

With Aldo Rossi, the connection is more personal. I have a deep admiration for his vision, ideas, beliefs, and his remarkable drawings and projects. During architecture school, he felt like a mentor to me, and his principles had a strong influence on my studies and final thesis.

What are some emerging trends in architecture photography that excite you or worry you?
We’re in a moment of incredible advancement in the industry, with technology and Ai reshaping how architecture is visually represented. Renderings have become so realistic that it’s often hard to tell them apart from actual photographs. Because of this, I see photography moving in the opposite direction, embracing realism, authenticity, and imperfections. There’s a growing focus on capturing the true character of spaces, flaws and all, as a contrast to polished, perfect renderings.

Are there any specific buildings or projects you’re hoping to photograph in the future?
My lifelong goal is to photograph every building designed (and built) by Louis Kahn and Aldo Rossi around the world. I’ve started already, but the list is long…

What’s next for you in your photography journey?
I am currently focused on a few areas. First, aerial photography: it offers a unique perspective on architecture. While I’ve been using drones for a while, I’m now in the process of becoming certified to pilot larger drones. Second, videos: I’ve been working on architecture films, and I’m planning to expand further in that direction. And third, printing: I find it incredibly satisfying to bring an image to life on paper, so I’m learning the fine art printing process to get the best possible results from my photos.

To discover more, visit Petrini Studio and follow on Instagram @petrinistudio.