Joe Smith

Valletta must be one of the most photo-graphed locations in Malta. What makes it such an attractive subject?

Joe Smith: Valletta is steeped in history and rich in architectural heritage. There is something to discover in every corner and even for us local photographers, returning to the city with a fresh eye is a new experience.

Elisa von Brockdorff: Despite the regeneration of Valletta, it is still possible to come across elements that are particularly associated with the past such as certain design features, textures and typography found on buildings, retail outlets, streets, boathouses and bridges. This adds a romantic element to the location, making it attractive to many.

The few remaining dilapidated corners are also worth exploring- Joe Smith

It is easy to take obvious photos of Valletta. How do you scout new locations or take a different perspective of usedlocations?

JS: You just have to keep looking. Most of Valletta’s streets are quite narrow and looking up you can find inspiration. Finding a viewpoint that is not a cliché and framing the shot accordingly can reward you with a unique image.

EvB: In general, I am not that interested in shooting spaces from a wider perspective as I would rather look out for colour, texture, patterns and details instead. In Valletta, I tend to find many elements of interest near the sea.

Do you prefer Valletta in colour or in black and white?

JS: I tend to go for monochrome although under certain light conditions, the beautiful weathered stone and woodwork emanate unique hues. With a slight edit, you can give a soft, desaturated and faded effect which gives the images a delicate feel that is in tune with the message. In other circumstances, monochrome can add drama and accentuate architectural features. Street photography can also provide highly interesting candid shots of colourful residents, street vendors and the daily hustle and bustle.

EvB: Personally, I prefer shooting in colour: I believe it works better with the style I wish to achieve.

In Valletta, I tend to find many elements of interest near the sea- Elisa von Brockdorff

What quality does Valletta’s light have that makes it so photogenic?

JS: Malta is blessed with a gentle climate and the light during certain times of day is magical. You have to time the photography in Valletta as the sun shines down on the narrow streets. A bit of patience here can reward the photographer with richly textured images when the light picks up the architectural details or the weathering walls and woodwork.

Elisa von Brockdorff

EvB: Rather than attributing Valletta’s light to its photogenicity, I would say it is more a question of the type of weather and time of shooting that contributes to particular results.

What stories do your photos tell of Valletta?

JS: In my photos I try to stay as close to reality as possible. Valletta is a unique capital city and through my photos I try to impart this uniqueness and majesty. The few remaining dilapidated corners are also worth exploring because, apart being part of the city’s identity, they provide interesting studies in texture and colour. Valletta is also dotted with religious icons and niches and these are important signifiers of the island’s Christian fortitude.

EvB: All the images presented here are shot by the sea and devoid of any individuals. There is a particular attention to composition, colour and texture as they offer a more playful, at times abstract, take on Valletta.

Do you go in search of photos inValletta or do photographic moments just happen and take you by surprise?

JS: Most of the time I go in search for photographs. The surprise element affects mostly tourists or first-time visitors. Valletta, although not a large city, always seems to offer a myriad of visual possibilities and it is up to the trained eye to discover them and immortalise them in an image.

EvB: When I was younger I would go to Valletta mainly to look for areas to photograph. Nowadays I tend to photograph Valletta more as part of my job. When it comes to my own practice, I am interested in scouting locations as a backdrop to my staged photography or fashion shoots, rather than for the actual scene.