Jessica Gernat celebrates architecture through photography

It was in high school that Jessica Gernat first took an interest in photography – in the dark room, learning the science behind how an image could appear on a piece of paper.

“These days with all the technology that we have and the usability, that’s quite magic. At a time when digital was becoming the norm, to understand where an image comes from is special,” she shares.

Capturing her work digitally today for her business, Jessica Chloe Photography, Jessica says the same rules still apply: “A lot of the process behind a good image still happens from getting your basics right.”

While she no longer works in the dark room, she has all of the equipment ready to go.

“But I haven’t had the courage to blackout one of the rooms in my house,” she laughs. “It’s really beautiful to create something yourself from start to finish.

“You go into the dark room where it’s pitch black and you’re working without sight – which in a sensory way is really exciting. Then you’re in the red light room and make it all happen. I just think it’s really special.”

With her (digital) camera in hand, Jessica loves that she gets to collaborate with professionals and occasionally classmates from her architecture degree – capturing what they’ve achieved in her camera lens.

A big part of every project that she captures is the connection she builds with the clients and the story behind the build: “I’m there to capture their hard work. Maybe it helps from my studies to be able to read a site plan and to understand where the render would have been taken from. It’s quite neat to marry that up at the end and say, ‘Look, we did it.’”

This is why Jessica loves to understand the reason behind a project.

“With some of the smaller or more restricted briefs, it’s really exciting to talk to people about problem-solving,” she says. “To see a tighter budget or a complex site, or even just a solution that someone is really proud of, I want to hear those stories. I’m there to celebrate what’s happened.”

A key part of the projects, both small and large, is collaboration. Jessica reflects on photographing the Beachlands House – a day that was a team effort between herself, the architect, the videographer, the stylist and the homeowners. 

“There are two different ways to work – where you use what you have, or you craft something together. On that day we slowed down to tether up to the computer and make sure that everyone involved was happy with the hero images. It was a beautiful day, showing how teamwork is one of the best ways to get some incredible outcomes.”

Another highlight for Jessica has been photographing the art found inside Park Hyatt Auckland and PWC Tower at Commercial Bay.

“They’re massive projects, but I was there through the eyes of the people who installed the art,” she explains.

“That was really cool, because instead of having to be concerned about the entirety of the space and having to move quickly or focus on the architecture alone, it was about the objects within the building and how we can make that shine in a grand space. Your perspective isn’t necessarily about the space itself anymore – it’s about an object.”

Outside of architecture, Jessica enjoys capturing memories: a landscape enjoyed while travelling, the view at the end of a hike, textures and moments in time.

“I’ll occasionally work with controlled light in the studio. It’s nice to play with light and think about building an image differently. I took a pretty rad picture of my grandmother last year who will be 94 soon.”

A black and white image that captures and celebrates her grandmother’s “rockstar” personality, the shot has been exhibited and will be treasured by the family for years to come.

As for her photographs of buildings, it will also always be about celebration: “It’s neat to hear about a client’s story, it’s fulfilling. I’m very grateful to work in an industry that exposes you to inspiring people and creativity everyday.”

Words by Cassie Birrer