by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 19^th 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'

'Colours inside'