Street & reportage
Architecture & interiors
Studio & product
Max Burgess is a photographer and designer with a foundation in architecture, having graduated from the Cass School of Architecture in London. This multidisciplinary background informs his distinctive approach to photography, where structural precision meets creative expression.
Currently based in Krakow, Poland, Max has cultivated a portfolio that showcases his mastery of black-and-white street photography, capturing the raw energy and fleeting moments of urban life. His work transcends mere documentation, offering a profound and often poetic exploration of the human experience within the urban landscape.
Max's street photography is a testament to his sharp eye for contrast, texture, and composition. Each frame reflects a unique narrative, evoking emotion through stark monochromatic tones and evocative imagery. With a deep appreciation for form and light, Max creates striking visual stories that leave a lasting impression. His work continues to push the boundaries of contemporary street photography.
-
Twenty five years ago, I ventured into London's streets with my first camera, igniting a passion for capturing the city's dynamic energy. Over the years, this enthusiasm has evolved into a profound appreciation for the art of photography, leading me to explore diverse techniques and perspectives. Today, I continue to document the world around me, seeking to convey the beauty and complexity of everyday moments through my lens.
-
A love for hiking and spending time outside along with a passion for photography led to a focus on ‘slow photography’ and ‘light-chasing’. Taking the time to understand how to get the sharpest images using the equipment in hand.
-
Studied part-time at Cass School of Architecture in London while working in television. Grew to love ‘making’ in the workshop and using photography to convey ideas. Finished with 1st Class Degree and multiple work offers. Turned down Diploma place at Architecture Association to pursue a small business idea.
-
While carrying out the role of Part 1 Assistant at this award winning practice, I helped them to develop a strategy to communicate their ideas using alternative digital mediums such as video and animation.
-
‘Accidentally’ established as one of the youngest video editors in the industry after a ‘year out’ and going on to make editorial content for Channel 4 while leading a team of editors.
Commercial and music video work as a freelance ‘offline editor’. Developed industry relationships and presented at trade shows for leading post-production names.
-
Brief but influential period spent in the workshop helping this small but innovative design studio in London.
They have had gone on to create furniture pieces for numerous exhibitions alongside commercial pieces for Hay and Nest.
-
Created a cycling fashion brand, designing technical garments and sourcing producers.
Numerous location shoots as well as studio product work with heavy post production and retouching such as ‘ghost mannequins’.
-
A precursor to growing the brand Podia as a clothing brand was to build out an online magazine featuring content shot and written about bespoke bike frame makers from all over Europe.
Building industry contacts, with workshop visits to photograph and conduct interviews.
-
Using cycling experiences around Central Eastern Europe to write and photograph travel pieces about obscure locations, including photography for Lonely Planet’s Epic Bike Rides of Europe.
Interviewed and photographed a 90 year old cyclist who had ridden 1 million miies over his life, this was translated for a German magazine.
-
Bringing together a wealth of experiences to create a place where people can feel welcome to work and socialise.
Designing and building out spaces with a small team. From a twenty desk office to a facility that includes 500m2 of private offices, open plan coworking as well as event spaces and a speciality coffee shop.
-
Making the most of pandemic spare time to refind a passion for wood and making. Pushing my personal skills to create furniture for home and the shared workspace.
-
Studying architecture with a developed understanding of photography led to a natural and enjoyable period of shooting buildings.
-
A 3,500km self-supported bike race that I didn’t race because I was too busy enjoying the country and capturing some of my best images so far.
I have published words and images on the experience including industry-leading cycling website Radavist.