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by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 19th of May 2025
Anita Martin is an excellent fine art architecture photographer. Her love for modern architecture is continiously growing. She is drawn to straight lines, and minimalism. She quotes: "I am quite a perfectionist, and I think most architectural photographers are."
Read this interview to learn more about this charming lady and talented artist.
'Red and Yellow'
For many of us, photography is either a hobby or a way of life. So, how would you describe your relationship with photography, dear Anita?
Hello! I'm Anita Martin (AnnaPileaFotografie), born in Maastricht in the Netherlands in 1967. I started taking photographs in 2016, and after a few years of hard work, I am proud to say that I am an award-winning photographer on 1x.
Photography is a total relaxation for me. When I see the lines in a modern architectural building, I am excited first of all, and then I become completely absorbed in taking photos. I get into all kinds of positions to photograph the entire building or part of it (abstract), and I take great care to ensure the photos come out exactly as I want them to.
'A Little Green'
What has been the most important experience so far that has influenced your journey in photography?
From 2018 to 2022, I worked for a music magazine, taking photos at pop concerts, music festivals, and interviews with bands. During that time, I learnt a lot about exposure using existing light without a flash, and experimenting with my camera in different circumstances. I experimented with using a flash during interviews indoors and outdoors. It was a great experience. I stood next to the stage, enjoyed the pop concert and relaxed while taking photos that showed those who stayed at home what they had missed: captivating moments and the emotions of the musicians playing their instruments. After these four years, I decided to spend more time processing modern wall art. While photos for magazines had a deadline of 24–48 hours, I can leave post-processing my architectural photography until I feel inspired and have time.
'Green/Orange Grandstand'
If you are interested having a look at my concert photos, please use the following link:
https://instagram.com/anitamartin_concert
How do you nurture and develop your passion for photography?
I started out taking pictures with my mobile phone. I edited photos in different styles with Snapseed. The results looked super nice on Instagram on my phone. My husband pointed out the Canon EOS 6D in the closet, but I thought my phone was good enough. It's always with you, unlike that heavy camera. Nevertheless, I decided to take a basic Photoshop course. There, the teacher showed me my heavily edited photos on a TV screen, and I was shocked. I had never seen them on such a large screen before! They were full of noise and pixels caused by the extreme processing! Oh my God!
I learned to work with Photoshop and to use the contrast and sharpness sliders more carefully. While I was taking photos, my love for modern architecture grew and grew. I like straight lines, perfection, and undisturbed photography. Unlike nature, modern architecture doesn't change every season, and you don't have to give it directions like you do with portrait photography.
'Passing By'
Could you please describe your photographic philosophy in a few words?
What draws you to architecture and abstract photography?
I am quite a perfectionist, and I think most architectural photographers are too. The ones I have spoken to certainly are. I like modern architecture; I have no interest in history. I also like minimalism. The few nature photos I took were of the sea. I used a long shutter speed to make the water look smooth and minimalist. There is just one subject in the picture. It's also very fun and relaxing to do, and the results are nice.
'Breaking the waves'
Which is more important to you: the mood or story behind your images, or technical perfection?
Do you carefully prepare the locations where you intend to take photographs?
For me, as a photographer of modern architecture, technical perfection is very important. This is especially important when editing, for example when straightening buildings and making the architecture stand out perfectly. Nothing around the subject should be a distraction. I also carefully remove stains on the building and any rubbish lying around.
'Under The Parking Deck'
I create the mood through my use of colour. I love it when a building lends itself to colourful depiction.
'Number 25/27'
For example, on my way to Munich, I came across an orange bicycle shed made up of sleek, beautifully plastered blocks. I was so happy to come across this contrasting building! The orange colour really stood out against the dark black!
'Orange Details'
Indeed, I prepare the location before going to a place or town for photography. I walk from location to location in the hope of coming across something that hasn't been photographed before. Sometimes, before I visit, I take a look at Google Maps and walk through the streets to observe.
'The Black Corner'
'Eight In A Row'
What equipment do you use, such as cameras, lenses and bags?
I have a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV now and I usually use my Canon 24-70 f/2.8 lens. For abstract photography, such as a part of a building, I use my Canon 70-200 f/2.8. I especially use my Canon 16-35 2.8 for spiral stairs.
'Yelloo'
What software do you use to process your images?
I use Photoshop.
What is the most important advice you would give to a beginner in architecture and abstract photography, and how would you get started?
Look at lots of photos taken by other photographers and ask yourself what makes this photo so fascinating, or why it is not good or leaves you with an incomplete feeling. You can do this at photo exhibitions in museums, on different websites or here on 1X. It does not necessarily have to be an architectural photo. Learn how to compose a photo, make a subject stand out, how to expose correctly and the different perspectives you can use with different subjects. When photographing architecture, it is important to first frame your photo to see what the end result will be, but leave a lot of space around the subject because buildings still need to be straightened in post-processing. Buildings always appear diagonally in photos.
'Tunnel Vision'
Which photo from the last year is your favourite? Please tell us the story behind it.
I have a canvas print of 'Blue Swirl' hanging on my wall at home. I took this photo in a building in Maastricht and I have never seen it anywhere else, taken by another photographer. It's a very special staircase and a wonderful wall decoration.
'Blue Swirl'
The second canvas I have on my wall is 'Meeting Point', which was created in Munich. I got the most beautiful compositions by lying on my back and looking up at the high building located just outside Munich.
'Meeting Point'
And another one taken from this building, which isn't on my wall (I had to choose because I also try to keep my living room minimalistic)
'High End'
Furthermore, I actually prefer my colour photos. As I have been using fine art editing in recent years, and the results are usually shown in black and white by other fine art photographers, I try to distance myself from that approach. But also because I think colours stand out beautifully when I use good lighting to create a beautiful contrast.
I also started out with colour photography in 2016. However, some buildings simply do not have beautiful colours that can be used in my photos, and sometimes they are better suited to being edited in black and white, so I simply cannot avoid it.
One more favourite photo of mine is 'Colorful Facade', which is in fine art style but keeps the colours of the building and makes them stand out well in the whole image. It was taken in Eindhoven.
'Colourful Facade'
Actually, all the photos I post on 1X are my favourite ones. I don't say this out of arrogance; I only post photos that I think are award-worthy. If I post a photo that I don't fully support and it is published or even awarded, I won't be happy with the result purely because I don't think the photo deserves it. I don't gain anything from it if I don't like the photo myself.
'The Facade'
We're almost at the end of this interview, so I'd like to ask you about your future plans.
My future plans? I just want to keep taking photographs and visiting cities. You're never done learning. Not even with post-processing.
What do you think about using 1X as a home base for your work?
When I was starting out in photography, I used to look at the front page of 1X for inspiration. Now, many of my photos have been awarded recognition here, which gives me great satisfaction. I also sell my work through 1X, which is of course a testament to my hard work over the years. I taught myself photography by doing it a lot, looking up questions I had on the internet, and simply asking other photographers who were more advanced than me. When curating on 1X, you always wonder whether a photo is good enough to make the front page. You consider the composition, depth, light and mood. This helps you to look better at photos and to apply it to your own photography.
'Characteristic'
![]() | Write |
![]() | Greetje van Son PRO Een prachtig interview Anita! Al de getoonde foto's zijn subliem. Gefeliciteerd! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Dankjewel Greetje! Blij mee! Warme groetjes! |
![]() | Eiji Yamamoto PRO Thank you so much for a very interesting interview with great photography! Very inspiring! Congratulations! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you very much for reading it Eiji! Much appreciated! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Wanghan Li PRO Absolutely gorgeous works with the wonderful article! Great! Learning! Congratulations! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you very much! Much appreciated dear Wanghan! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Pang Teng Lin PRO Spectacular. Thank you for sharing. |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you very much! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Patrick Compagnucci PRO Love your work Anita, Keep the images coming! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you very much Patrick! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Miro Susta CREW Dear Anita longer time I'm following your wonderful architectural photos, really an excellent well executed and presented photo work, allow me to congratulate you and accept my thanks for the interesting interview, and I wish not forget our Yvette for editing and publishing it. |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you very much Miro! Much appreciated! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Gian Corrado DONATI PRO Great creativity and stunning quality work ! Thanks for the superb article and my compliments for your perfect work, dear Anita !!! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you very much! Much appreciated dear Gian! Warm greetings! |
![]() | garyholman PRO Wonderful! photos Anita and a very interesting read. Congratulations! and thank you! Yvette. |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you very much! Much appreciated dear Gary! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Saskia Dingemans PRO Proficiat met je mooie werk , Anita en bedankt Yvette voor dit mooie interview . |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Dankjewel Saskia! Warme groetjes! |
![]() | YaChin Li PRO Amazingly stunning, truly outstanding photography. |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you very much! Much appreciated dear Yachin! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Caroline Bomers PRO Wow..prachtige foto's. Technische perfectie en heel mooi kleurgebruik en editing. Leuk om je interview te lezen. Gefeliciteerd! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Dankjewel Caroline! Fijn om te lezen! Warme groetjes! |
![]() | Linda Lu PRO Perfect and creative photos, congratulation Anita!
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![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much Linda! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Rawisyah Aditya PRO love your photos… architecural and angle was perfect |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much, much appreciated! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Nancy Lee PRO love the color tone! inspiring! Congratulation Anita! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you very much Nancy! |
![]() | Lou Urlings PRO De technische perfectie en het oogstrelende, in dit genre eerder zeldzame gebruik van kleur maken jouw creaties tot unieke beelden. Mooi dat je werk hier in de schijnwerpers staat! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Dankjewel Lou! Heel blij mee! Warme groet! |
![]() | Gabrielle van den Elshout PRO Oogstrelend, en ongelofelijk mooi werk en postprocessing van zeer hoog niveau! Gefeliciteerd Anita voor dit bijzondere interview! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Heel erg bedankt Gabrielle. Ben ik blij mee! Warme groet! |
![]() | Yanyan Gong PRO Absolutely stunning and perfection, congratulations dear Anita! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much! Much appreciated! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Desmet Patrick PRO Dikke proficiat met uw werk en dit zeer mooi interview Bravo hoor ! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Superbedankt Patrick! |
![]() | Molly Fu PRO Such an excellent photographer, stunning art pieces, admire your images for a long time…congrats dear Anita, you deserve it!!! Thanks dear Yvette! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much Molly! Much appreciated! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Ursula Reinke PRO Dear Anita, your photographs are always a great inspiration and I really admire the perfectly composed views and brillant colors! Thanks for sharing, looking forward to seeing more! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much Ursula! Much appreciated! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Rana Jabeen PRO Dear Anita..I am following your work since a long time and I have always been fascinated by your perfectly presented images.. Its great to read your interview and get to know the ideas and thought process. My compliments to you.
Thank you so much Yvette for sharing this |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much Rana! Much appreciated! Warm greetings! |
![]() | EMAN ABDELKADER fascinating. Just woow!!
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![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much Eman! I like woows very much, because it comes straight from the heart! Much appreciated! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Giampiero Maffulli PRO Fantastic and great work |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much Giampiero! Much appreciated! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Arnon Orbach CREW Mesmerizing modern architecture photography, so well composed and lighted with highly effective editing dear Anita. For me one of the finest architecture photographers. My warmest compliments. Thanks for sharing your story and works and thanks to Yvette for making it happen. |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much Arnon! Much appreciated! Warm greetings! |
![]() | MingLun Tsai PRO Stunning composition in attractive tones with a drawing-like appearance!! Congratulations! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much Minglun! Much appreciated! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Jef Van den Houte CREW Mede de processing maken je foto's zo uniek Anita. En ik ben ook volledig akkoord 'that most architectural photographers are pefectionists' |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Zonder processing zou ik ze ook graag afleveren, maar jammer genoeg draait het toch steeds meer om een beetje extra door Photoshop. Is het licht contrastvol, dan hoef ik er vrij weinig aan te bewerken. Maar valt het uitje in de regen, dan is het mooie licht ver te zoeken en zullen we zelf moeten gaan knutselen. |
![]() | Wilma Wijers Smeets PRO Complimenten Anita. Geweldig werk en perfect afgewerkt! Gefeliciteerd! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Dankjewel Wilma! Warme groetjes! |
![]() | sherry ma PRO Congratulations! Indeed, you are a perfectionist, and these amazing photographs are perfect! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much Sherry! Much appreciated! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Miguel Angel Vidal PRO Fantastic selection of captures in an interview as interesting as it is enriching... I really liked to know the path you have followed to achieve excellence... it is an example to follow for those who, like me, are beginners in architecture & abstract photography .... Blue Swirl and Colourful Facade are photographs with magic... impossible to look away from them...! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO You can learn a lot to look at other photographers photos, aspecially here on 1xcom. Thank you so much! Much appreciated Miguel! Warm greetings! |
![]() | Erhard Batzdorf PRO A fascinating presentation of your pictures, great architecture with extraordinary angles and fine colors. Congratulations and have fun with your photography, Anita! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much Erhard! Warm regards! |
![]() | jordiegeatorrent PRO I have enjoyed the beautiful images and the text. I feel identified with the message it conveys, because architectural photography has a universal and coinciding discourse among lovers of Fine Art Architecture photography. Congrats Anita. |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much Jordie! Warm regards! |
![]() | Eric Chatelain PRO What a fantastic collection of masterpieces! Truly excellent and inspiring work, congratulations and thank you for sharing all this beauty. |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Thank you so much Eric! Warm regards! |
![]() | Lus Joosten PRO Great Work ! |
![]() | Anita Martin AnnaPileaFotografie PRO Dankjewel Lus! Warme groeten! |