“After Friday prayers” by Madeni Jais with the Leica SL3.
Bringing together two iconic brands, RSP orchestrates a visual symphony with Leica camera to present a three-part architecture photography series. Three young architects from RSP, each equipped with a Leica camera that best suited their photography style went out and about to capture a set of photos to narrate their individual stories and experiences, marrying architecture and photography.
In the third and final part of the series, we speak to Madeni Jais, about his experience with the Leica SL3 and his take on capturing the theme of Subjects Within Architecture through the camera lenses.
An avid photographer, Madeni is the designated project photographer at RSP and have captured the hero images of most of RSP’s iconic projects, including CapitaSpring, Mecure ICON Singapore City Centre and Gaia, just to name a few.
Madeni Jais, Associate, RSP
Madeni Jais, Associate, RSP
During the pursuit of his diploma at Singapore Polytechnic, Madeni Jais developed a strong affinity and interest in architecture, which catapulted him to finish his academic training at the University of Western Australia.
Madeni’s architectural and aesthetic insights have also driven him to be an avid contributor of social media centred on architectural photography, where his work is often picked up by media influencers, corporations, and the likes. When time permits, he allows his passion in this arena to flourish by taking up commercial photography engagements for both private and corporate clients.
“The aesthetics of slanted glass” by Madeni Jais with the Leica SL3.
Could you share your journey and experience in photography?
My interest in photography grew from a hobby when I was a university student to a more professional level in my later adult years.
Nowadays, my photography work revolves around architecture and interior spaces. The insights I have gained from my experience as an architectural designer allows me to practise a more sensitive approach towards the buildings and materiality. This has resulted in a personalised style for all my images.
“We claim this icon as our own” by Madeni Jais with the Leica SL3.
What ignited your passion for photography and prompted you to begin experimenting with a camera?
I took up photography when I was overseas to document my life and share my experience with my family and friends back home. This was way before social media and triple-camera phones were a thing, and I wanted to keep the memories of this new and exciting phase of my life.
I remember walking around on a weekend to take snaps of street-life and the buildings in the heritage areas of the city. The obsession of walking around with a camera was brought back to Singapore when I was on my term breaks, and I realised I loved photography there and then and made it my hobby since.
“Passing by symmetry” by Madeni Jais with the Leica SL3.
Share your experience with the Leica SL3 camera and how it fits your photography style?
Coming from another mirrorless system, the Leica SL3, with its flexibility for interchangeable lenses and tiltable screen, fits like a glove when I began using it.
The touch screen UI helps with picking up and using and understanding the camera at a beginner level (this being my first LEICA experience). Pairing it with the wide-angle 16-35mm lens, the camera became a very strong companion in my pursuit of framing all things architecture over a weekend.
The fact that the full-frame sensor in the SL3 is capable of 60MP worth of imagery, design details can be easily captured with room to zoom in on the finer things. The USB-C connectivity that comes with the camera also reassures me that I can share my photos and charge the camera anywhere without having to worry about any battery issues when I am on the move.
Another great way of reviewing photos from the camera was via the Leica Fotos App. Wireless connectivity was quick and I was able to view and edit the photos for quick sharing on the social media platforms.
“Facade after six” by Madeni Jais with the Leica SL3.
Share your photography concept and inspirations for this set of photos you took with the Leica SL3.
I set out to primarily focus on architecture and how humans compare in scale to the largeness of buildings and space.
The intent was to let the design and form stand out in the photos and frame the subjects within the architecture itself. Geometry and lighting were the guiding points for this set of photos. I was keen on expressing a clean visual aesthetic that directs the viewer to a certain focal point, be it a person or a façade detail.
“A pop of orange” by Madeni Jais with the Leica SL3.
How do you feel when you see the results of your photography?
There is a certain satisfaction in seeing the sharp quality of the photos. Shadows and light turned out well-balanced even at default modes.
I also appreciate how even the human subjects are kept sharp even when they move. It really encapsulates a “poetry in motion” effect.
“Light and shadow” by Madeni Jais with the Leica SL3.
In what ways has your involvement in architecture shaped the subjects and style of your photographic work?
As I grow my craft, I tend to sharpen and perfect my skills in framing certain elements of design. This becomes more apparent in how I deal with my interior photography work, where details are the main focus, in the form of materiality or construction finish/detail.
This somehow informs my ideal framing of clean and minimal lines that accentuate certain points of views. And this, of course, strengthens the style of photography that I want to showcase out there.
The Leica SL3
Photo Credit: Leica
The SL3 is a source of inspiration and a trusted companion, elevating the art of visual storytelling to a whole new level. Ideal for those who aim to not only enhance their photography and videography skills, but also for those who want to own the moment, and fully immerse themselves in the joy of the creative process with a Leica.
This 60-megapixel mirrorless full-frame system camera is a testament to Made in Germany quality and precision, uniquely combining cutting-edge technology and a user-friendly design with the renowned craftsmanship synonymous with the Leica brand for more than 150 years.
