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Typological Approach in Photography

Systematic documentation: The Bechers photographed industrial architecture with the same composition, angle, and neutral light. This removed distraction and placed focus on the subtle variations between structures.

Overlooked subjects: Gas tanks and cooling towers were everyday parts of industrial landscapes rarely considered “art.” By presenting them in grids, they highlighted patterns, forms, and differences in design.

Archive as art: Their work sits between art, science, and history. It functions both as an aesthetic presentation and as an archive of disappearing industrial heritage.

Viewer engagement: Seeing the images together allows comparisons: shape, size, wear, engineering styles, regional variations. Individually, a single tank might feel mundane, but collectively, they reveal cultural and technological narratives.

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Exploring the Iconic Red:

Have you ever noticed the subtle differences in iconic objects when you look closely? That's the essence of typology photography, and it's what inspired my latest series focusing on Britain's beloved red phone boxes!

What is Typology Photography?

It's a powerful photographic approach where a series of related subjects are captured in a consistent, repetitive manner to highlight variations and similarities within a "type". Think of the renowned Bernd and Hilla Becher who meticulously documented industrial structures, revealing the unique character within common forms.

My Red Phone Box Series

Each image in this series captures a different K6 red telephone box, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1935. While instantly recognisable, each box possesses its own unique patina, surroundings, and subtle marks of history, from the worn paint in rural settings to the juxtaposition with modern life in towns. This series celebrates their enduring presence and individuality.

Beyond the Call: A Brief History & Cultural Icon

These crimson kiosks are more than just old phone booths; they are true British cultural icons! Designed to commemorate King George V's Silver Jubilee, the K6 became a nationwide standard, symbolising connectivity long before mobile phones. While their original purpose has faded, many have been creatively repurposed into mini-libraries, art galleries, and even defibrillator stations, ensuring their legacy lives on.

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Today I learned about something new in photography called typology photography. It’s when you photograph a series of the same type of object and present them together so you can see the differences and similarities.

For my first attempt, I chose fire extinguishers. At first, they all looked the same, but once I started photographing them, I noticed the variations, different shapes, sizes, placements, and even how they were mounted.

It’s interesting how something so ordinary becomes worth noticing when you look at it this way. I’m excited to try this approach again with other objects.

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When asked to create a typology of something “overlooked” in modern life, I'll take inspiration from the Bechers’ method:

Choose a subject: something common but underappreciated (e.g., vending machines, bus stops, CCTV cameras, fire alarms, public benches, drain covers).

1. Subject Choice

Focused on industrial architecture (water towers, blast furnaces, gas tanks, silos, cooling towers).

Chose things that were functional, overlooked, and often disappearing due to modernisation.

2. Systematic Approach

Treated their work like an archive or scientific study rather than “romantic” photography.

Built large collections of similar objects to emphasise typologies (types of structures).

3. Consistent Style

Black-and-white photography to avoid distraction from colour.

Neutral lighting (often overcast skies) to reduce shadows and keep details clear.

Frontal or central perspective so every subject is viewed comparably.

Medium/large format cameras for precision and detail.

4. Presentation

Created grids or panels, where each image is given equal weight.

Displayed images in series rather than individually, so viewers notice variation and repetition.

5. Outcome

Their work blurs the line between art, documentary, and historical record.

By removing artistic “flair,” the beauty lies in the patterns, shapes, and typologies revealed through comparison.

They influenced conceptual art and the Düsseldorf School of Photography (e.g., Andreas Gursky, Thomas Struth, Candida Höfer)

Be consistent: photograph each item in the same way (framing, lighting, perspective) so the differences and similarities become the focus.

Create a grid or sequence: present your images as a typology, not just as single shots.

Highlight patterns: final piece should invite viewers to compare and notice details they would normally ignore.

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1. Introduction

Title of project.

Brief description of aims/intention (what you wanted to explore or achieve).

Key themes (identity, place, narrative, etc.).

2. Initial Ideas & Influences

Brainstorm mind-maps, notes, or sketches.

Influences from practitioners (include annotated research: who, what, why relevant).

Links to your personal context or interests.

3. Planning & Preparation

Mood boards.

Test shots / sketches / location recces.

Equipment lists or lighting diagrams.

Risk assessments (if relevant).

4. Experimentation & Making

Visuals of test shoots, edits, mock-ups, or trial runs.

Notes on what you were trying.

Reflections: What worked? What didn’t? Why?

5. Development Stages

Show how you refined your ideas (comparing early vs later work).

Iterations of edits (contact sheets, before/after).

Decisions you made and why.

6. Challenges & Problem-Solving

What went wrong (technical or conceptual).

How you adapted or overcame it.

What you’d do differently next time.

7. Practitioner/Research Connections

How your process links to photographers, artists, or theories.

Short reflective notes tying back to your influences.

8. Final Outcome(s)

Finished work (photographs, video stills, prints, etc.).

Reflection: Why is this your final? How does it connect to your aims?

9. Evaluation & Next Steps

What you learned.

Strengths of your process and outcomes.

Weaknesses / areas for development.

How you’d push the project further if you had more time.

Tips for Presenting

Keep it visual-heavy:

screenshots,

photos,

sketches,

scans of notes.

Add short reflective captions under images rather than long essays

Use sections or tabs if making a Padlet or slides makes it easier to navigate.

Add voice notes or short video clips explaining thoughts.