I am guessing everyone was going a bit crazy, but I missed the overt signs of all this.

This isn’t a post about astronomy. It’s about what happens when everyone’s looking the same way.

I was rather complacent and even though friends reminded me and organised groups to view it I still was a rather detached from the whole thing so…

The Glasses Panic

…when the penny dropped, I could not find the needed eclipse eclipse glasses anywhere. I tried every shop that seemed plausible.

Nothing.

I knew if I was with friends I would still get a glimpse but It still bugged me I was so disconnected from the whole spectacle, not to mention from actual… spectacles.

I mean it is August, it is hot and sweaty, and the days seem to go by in a haze, but still it feels like my brain is in its own state of partial eclipse irrespective of all this.

The Photography Debate

One of my other takes was that photographing the actual solar eclipse 2026 was pointless as within a day there will be a billion better images online.

Another take was that if you are watching the eclipse you are missing the surreal experience of the dramatic darkening (I saw the eclipse in the UK in the late 90s).

This seemed to me a fascinating thing to try and capture.

In the Land of the Blind

Something else I guessed and during the solar eclipse 2026 realised was true is that you would be surrounded by people who are effectively blind.

In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

Also great for pick-pockets and street photographers.

Montjuïc

The friends chose to go up Montjuïc by bus, I wanted some exercise and walked. The climate is debilitating but I felt I needed to fight it. I got to the Fuente de la Cerra and nearby viewing area quite early.

I was already regretting the ice cold beer that was in the fridge; why had I decided to save it for later!

The Reality of the Crowd

Eventually the gang appeared and we staked out a place near Saint George on his horse.

I thought we had chosen a decent spot avoiding the crowds… yeah… it turns out most people were in no hurry and by the time of the event there was a very large crowd, perhaps a little oppressive in the sticky heat but better for photos?

But I pretty much nailed it regarding the images; very surreal wandering amongst the temporarily blind.

Anyone else ever felt like the only person not on the hype train?

‘Solar Eclipse 2026: Watching the Crowd, Not the Sky’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.

Every corporate portrait session has its own pace, but some move faster than others. A recent shoot for Momenthesis at the Barcelona Princess Hotel was definitely one of those. With just an hour and a half available, we needed to create a strong set of executive portraits for the company’s three senior leaders across around a dozen different setups.

Fast-paced shoots like this rely on preparation as much as photography. Having a clear plan before the cameras come out means everyone can stay focused, the session flows naturally, and there’s still room to experiment with different lighting and compositions.

For this project I worked primarily with Godox flash lighting, using a large octagonal softbox for most of the portraits. It’s a setup I often use for corporate photography because it produces clean, flattering light while maintaining enough contrast to give portraits depth and character. Combined with the contemporary interiors of the Princess Hotel, it provided a professional backdrop that suited the company’s image perfectly.

One of the challenges with executive portrait photography is creating variety without wasting time. Small changes in angle, lighting direction, background and posing can produce a completely different feel, allowing a business to build a consistent library of images for websites, LinkedIn profiles, press releases, presentations and marketing material.

Although the schedule was tight, the atmosphere remained relaxed throughout the session. Everyone was engaged, happy to move quickly between setups, and that energy always translates into stronger photographs. It’s often the difference between portraits that simply document a person and portraits that communicate confidence, approachability and professionalism.

Corporate photography in Barcelona continues to evolve as businesses place greater value on authentic, high-quality visual branding. Whether photographing a leadership team, individual headshots or company-wide portraits, the goal is always the same: create images that reflect the people behind the business while giving them versatile assets they can use across every platform.

‘Corporate Portrait Shoot, Barcelona Princess Hotel’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.

A high-end co-working space in Barcelona

This architectural photography project took place at Gran Via 639, a newly opened luxury co-working space in the centre of Barcelona. Spanning five floors, the building combines contemporary design, open-plan workspaces, and refined architectural details. At the time of the shoot, the property had not yet reached full occupancy, creating an almost showroom-like environment that was ideal for professional interior and architectural photography.

The brief was straightforward: create a focused set of high-quality images for marketing and publicity purposes. However, the pace of the session quickly intensified. With limited time available, the entire shoot was completed handheld, moving efficiently between floors and spaces to maximise the available natural light. An unexpected request for professional headshots was added to the schedule, requiring a flexible and responsive approach while maintaining the overall visual consistency of the project.

Working with Natural Light in Interior Photography

Natural light played a central role throughout the shoot. While bright sunshine often appears desirable, it can be one of the most challenging conditions for interior photography, particularly in Barcelona, where strong Mediterranean light can create extreme contrast between highlights and shadows.

Careful exposure management was essential to preserve detail across the scene without relying on artificial lighting. By shooting in RAW format, it was possible to retain maximum image information, allowing for greater flexibility during post-processing and ensuring a balanced, natural representation of the space.

Photographing Contemporary Architecture

One of the strengths of Gran Via 639 is its clean architectural design. Uninterrupted sightlines, minimalist interiors, and pristine finishes provided an excellent opportunity to emphasise form, structure, and spatial flow. The goal was not only to document the building but also to communicate the experience of moving through the space.

Architectural photography is most effective when it highlights how light interacts with design. Throughout the session, attention was given to composition, symmetry, and perspective, creating images that showcase both the functionality and aesthetic quality of the workspace.

A Fast-Paced Architectural Photography Session

Unlike longer architectural and interior photography projects that allow for a slower, more immersive approach, this commission was condensed into just a few hours. Despite the time constraints, the core process remained unchanged: observing the relationship between light, space, and architecture to create images that feel both precise and effortless.

The result is a collection of photographs that capture the character of one of Barcelona’s newest premium co-working environments while reflecting the architectural vision behind the building itself.

‘Interior Photography in Barcelona: Gran Via 369’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.

Nestled in the heart of Barcelona, Casa Batlló stands as a vibrant testament to the unparalleled genius of Antoni Gaudí. More than just a building, it is a living sculpture, a symphony of light, color, and organic forms that continues to captivate visitors from around the globe. This blog post takes you on a virtual tour, exploring the intricate details and immersive experiences that make Casa Batlló a true Modernisme masterpiece.

The Iconic Windows of Passeig de Gràcia

This captivating image transports viewers inside Antoni Gaudí’s renowned Casa Batlló in Barcelona, showcasing the building’s extraordinary architectural details and the immersive experience it offers. Three individuals are pictured engaging in conversation, framed by one of Casa Batlló’s distinctive wooden windows. These organic, fluid forms are characteristic of Gaudí’s Modernisme style, designed to mimic natural elements and create a harmonious interior. Above the window, vibrant stained-glass circles in shades of blue, purple, and green filter the sunlight, casting a magical glow and adding to the building’s dreamlike ambiance. The clear blue sky and the elegant, classical architecture of Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia are visible through the window, providing a striking contrast between Gaudí’s innovative design and the city’s traditional urban fabric. This scene perfectly encapsulates the blend of historical context and avant-garde artistry that makes Casa Batlló a must-visit landmark for anyone interested in unique architecture, art nouveau, or cultural tourism in Catalonia. The interplay of light, color, and form within this UNESCO World Heritage site offers endless inspiration for design enthusiasts and travelers alike, highlighting Gaudí’s genius in creating spaces that are both functional and profoundly artistic.

Gaudí’s Furniture Exhibition: Form Meets Function

This image offers a glimpse into the captivating interior of Casa Batlló, specifically highlighting an exhibition space dedicated to Antoni Gaudí’s groundbreaking furniture designs. Three visitors are shown admiring the unique wooden chairs and tables, which exemplify Gaudí’s ergonomic and organic approach to design, often mirroring natural forms found in his architecture. The room itself is a testament to Gaudí’s innovative vision, featuring a distinctive textured ceiling that evokes a natural, almost cave-like, sensation, complemented by a large, elliptical light fixture that resembles a celestial body. A prominent neon sign spelling “LOVE” adds a contemporary artistic touch, while historical photographs on the wall provide context to Gaudí’s work and the original ambiance of Casa Batlló. This scene underscores the building’s dual role as both a historical landmark and a dynamic exhibition space, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Gaudí’s comprehensive artistic philosophy. It is a prime example of how Casa Batlló continues to engage and educate, making it an essential destination for those interested in art, design, and the rich cultural tapestry of Barcelona.

The Mesmerizing Blue Lightwell: An Underwater World

This striking image captures the awe-inspiring beauty of Casa Batlló’s central lightwell, a testament to Antoni Gaudí’s innovative use of light, color, and natural forms. Three visitors are seen immersed in the space, gazing upwards at the walls adorned with a mosaic of blue tiles that transition from darker shades at the bottom to lighter ones at the top. This gradient, combined with the reflective quality of the tiles, masterfully simulates the feeling of being submerged underwater, a deliberate design choice by Gaudí to distribute natural light evenly throughout the building. The organic, undulating wooden window frames further enhance this aquatic illusion, while the intricate marble flooring with its geometric patterns provides a grounding contrast to the fluid walls. This architectural marvel is a prime example of Modernisme, showcasing Gaudí’s profound understanding of natural light and ventilation, and his ability to transform functional elements into breathtaking works of art. The Casa Batlló lightwell is not merely a shaft for light but an immersive sensory experience, making it a highlight for any visitor exploring Barcelona’s rich architectural heritage and Gaudí’s unparalleled genius.

Modernisme Conversations: Engaging with Gaudí’s Legacy

This vibrant image captures a moment of discovery inside the world-famous Casa Batlló in Barcelona. A group of visitors is seen discussing the architectural wonders surrounding them, framed by the building’s signature organic forms. To their right, the iconic lightwell wall is visible, adorned with light blue tiles that transition in shade to optimize natural light distribution—a hallmark of Antoni Gaudí’s functional genius. A unique wavy glass partition with horizontal wooden supports adds a layer of texture and movement to the scene, reflecting the “underwater” theme prevalent throughout the house. In the background, an elegantly curved wooden doorway leads to an adjacent exhibition space, where a warm neon sign provides a modern contrast to the historic Modernisme setting. This photograph perfectly illustrates the interactive and immersive nature of a visit to Casa Batlló, highlighting how Gaudí’s 20th-century masterpiece continues to inspire and engage contemporary audiences through its blend of art, nature, and innovative engineering. It is an essential visual for any travel blog or architectural study focusing on the rich cultural landscape of Catalonia and the enduring legacy of Art Nouveau.

Conclusion

Casa Batlló is more than just a landmark; it is an experience that transports you into the imaginative world of Antoni Gaudí. From its dragon-scaled roof to its marine-inspired interiors, every element tells a story of innovation, artistry, and a deep connection to nature. A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site is not just a tour; it’s an immersion into the heart of Catalan Modernisme, leaving an indelible impression on all who wander through its enchanting spaces. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, Casa Batlló promises a journey unlike any other in Barcelona.

‘Discovering Gaudí’s Masterpiece: A Journey Through Casa Batlló’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.

Out of the blue my friend Piper asked if I would like to visit her in Valencia.

I have been there once before, maybe 8 years ago, and liked it a lot.

To be honest I have been uninspired to travel much the last couple of years, but I decided to get motivated and booked tickets.

I have been there once before, maybe 8 years ago, and liked it a lot.

Arriving I had the distinct sensation that my senses had been supercharged.

The sky was a vivid blue; everything just looked sharper.

One realises Barcelona is almost always under a veil of something…

I arrived on a Sunday and it was the start of the Falas. The famous festival there.

The plan was to go out in the evening and see the opening ceremony.

I faked enthusiasm because it seems like every month there is a firework display of one kind on another in Barcelona and they always seems a bit half-hearted and… interminable?

We were with Piper’s daughter and her friend.

Everywhere we went we were pursued by local musical bands who hearts belonged in Baton Rouge. The kids were hyperactive and determined to torment us as well.

Mercifully the ceremony was short and actually not too bad.

The Point of The Post

Anyway the point of this probably pointless post is the afternoon I spent at la Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.

I have recently bought a new lens, it’s a very wide angle I got primarily for interiors but think it is also good for events.

I have avoided using them when travelling as I like to stick to one fixed focal length and wide angles make it easy to take dramatic images, sure, but they can start to look a little gimmicky after a while.

My choice for many years has been around the 40mm mark.

This new lens (Laowa) is also a manual focus which takes getting used to, as you tend to forget… to focus.

I have settled on the hyperlocal method and setting the aperture to f5.6. It is a very good idea to tape the lens to stop the focus ring from moving.

My Dutch friend Erik who happens to be living nearby in the hills (and I suspect slowly turning into  a mountain man) turned up.

He promised to be patient while I wandered around taking pictures. I never know why I believe anyone who says this.

Unless you are with another photographer the patience of any companion wears thin pretty quick.

I think the next time I will absolutely insist of being alone; I was photographing on the hoof once again.

Last time I was here I got to shoot at dusk, but Erik was obsessed with eating tacos and stocking up on booze because his one horse village had bugger all options.

At last I admitted defeat and we head off following his rumbling gut… at least the tacos were quite good and they even had Guinness. Weird.

On my last day Piper and I took bikes and cycled to the beaches.

Cycling around Valencia is a really good idea.

The weather was perfect, it was March and hitting 28 degrees, and the beaches? They seemed endless, hard to imagine they could ever be crowded, even in the summer.

And then it was time to go home. I should have stayed longer. Barcelona seemed dirty and chilly.

‘The Great (ish) Escape to Valencia’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.

Finding rhythm in Barcelona’s corporate event calendar can be a whirlwind.

My January suddenly filled with three major bookings over the same three days.

This included a large-scale exhibition at Fira de Barcelona for ICE Europe. Then, as often happens in this industry, schedules shifted. I was now focused on a single, standout evening: an after-hours client event for the innovative team at Odys.

(Luckily, a last-minute editorial sports assignment for The Sunday Times that afternoon kept the creative gears turning—but that’s a story for next time.)

This Odys event, held at the sleek Nuara restaurant in Port Vell. The day was a perfect example of the dynamic, hybrid logistics required of a Barcelona-based corporate photographer. It demanded a quick pivot. Rushing from the daytime shoot, managing files, and ensuring all gear was powered for a long evening. It’s this precise, professional orchestration behind the scenes that guarantees seamless coverage for clients.

The Venue & Vibe: Nuara’s Mood as a Photographic Asset

Odys hosted a curated buffet and networking event for their clients, and Nuara provided an ideal canvas. The space featured dramatic form and mood lighting—a dream for atmospheric shots, but a technical challenge requiring the right equipment and expertise to balance ambient warmth with crisp, professional-grade clarity.

This event also presented the perfect opportunity to debut a new, streamlined lighting setup. A constant pursuit in my work to deliver superior results with minimal intrusion.

Technical Insight: Innovating On-Location Lighting for Corporate Events

I have a strong preference for avoiding on-camera flash as a primary (key) light. It can feel harsh and disruptive. I typically use it subtly for fill light. A ring flash can create a distinctive, edgy look, it can become cumbersome for the fast-paced, mobile demands of a corporate event.

My solution comes from Godox, whose consistent innovation is a boon for working photographers. My new setup centers on their compact Godox IT30Pro Compact TTL Mini Speedlite. This powerful little unit acts as both an on-camera fill flash and a wireless controller for off-camera lights. It can even hold its own in sunlight a a fill-in unit.

The Human Element: Capturing Authentic Connection

The crowd was a classic Barcelona tech cohort—think smart casual, a lot of grays and blacks, and that focused, slightly awkward energy that blossoms into genuine connection over great food and conversation. My goal is always to capture that authentic shift: the engaged listening during speeches, the laughter over cocktails, the moment of genuine rapport.

And yes, the food at Nuara was exceptional. In my professional (and personal) opinion, croquettes are the ultimate litmus test for a Barcelona venue—and theirs passed with flying colours.

Why This Approach Matters for Your Barcelona Event

This Odys event at Nuara encapsulates my core philosophy: Corporate photography must blend technical precision with an intuitive, human touch. It’s about understanding the unspoken rhythm of an evening, the brand narrative (Odys’s innovative spirit), and Barcelona’s unique aesthetic—all while operating with flawless, unseen professionalism.

Planning a corporate gathering, product launch, or executive retreat in Barcelona? Let’s discuss how to document your story with the same strategic approach and technical artistry.

Lee Harris
Barcelona Corporate Event Photographer

‘Balancing Corporate & Creative – An Evening with Odys at Nuara’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.

Yeah… not sure it means anything (at the beginning of a New Year that is shaping up to be disastrous) but…

My first job was supposed to be a corporate event thing. At the last moment I get a call for an editorial shoot the same day but earlier.

That makes me feel better. 

Corporate event stuff is fine. However the chance to have some fun getting creative with a celeb or sports star is usually going to be more fun.

As is usual with The Times guys, the call comes in last minute.

I would have to get over to the Espanyol training ground. I was to shoot a player called Tyrhys Dolan, who is from the UK.

I was working with a writer I have not met before. So the usual insistence on them remembering I would need my own time slot was paramount, they always get carried away and forget. 

Not an issue if you are dealing with flexible and sympathetic people (which Espanyol are)… 

…but if you are dealing with the other kind (yes you Barca FC) then you might find yourself left high and dry.

This why I avoid taking pics during the interview and instead look for other locations and get the lights set-up.

The tactic here is that they don’t see you taking photos and think “he must have enough by now.’

The other thing that concerned me was the weather.

What the bloody hell is going on!

December/January are, reliably, some of the nicest months in the year.

But the glorious year of 2026 has been a shit show.

Miserable in short.

I was hoping to get our guy outside and doing some fancy stuff with a ball, but if the skies opened up, that would be nixed.

I had set up a couple of flashes on one of the pitches and preyed the gray skies would give us a break.

The writer was actually doing the interview outside so I just paced around and waited for my moments to shine.

I was lucky.

I got the time, I got the shots. We even ended before someone started dropping heavy hints.

Tyrhys Dolan was game to mess around, so I got some fun shots and not a spot of rain fell… until later.

Fair enough.

‘Tyrhys Dolan at Espanyol’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.

Nou Barris, is every day really Sunday here?

I went on Saturday with my friend Tyg, he is leaving Barcelona, returning to Dublin, and wanted to visit his old haunts.

An excuse to wander around like eegits taking photos.

Nou Barris might not seem like the obvious choice, I definitely thought so. I was not keen on it, mostly because I avoid the metro like the plague. But in the end it was quite bearable and even productive.

But  then I have strong opinions about street  photography these days. Essentially what’s the point?

I reckon everyday these days more photos are taken than in the entire history of pre digital photography.

So, even it you take a great image and post it on-line, in a New York minute it will be buried and forgotten under a tsunami of shite.

And I have not even really factored in all the Ai crap starting to bury the tsunami of digital shite that proceeded it.

God we  are all fucked.

But anyway… Nou Barris!

Everyday is Sunday. Like I said.

That’s how it felt last Saturday. Kind of sleepy.

And though one of Barcelona’s more humble barrios, I think quite charming, definitely not run down, far from it.

The purveyors of civic works had a field day here with municipal art installations.

And they are actually quite cool, like giant wooden potato peelers.

The area around the central square was also quite elegant and well maintained. I was quite inspired.

There is also an area that really reminded me of places in Central/South America.

A mini neighbourhood with rows of small houses, all single floor, bugger all activity on the street but secret lives in full swing behind the net curtains.

A kid’s birthday party that sounded it might be worth crashing. You just knew the adults had a stash of booze hidden somewhere.

There are also so pretty eccentric apartment blocks. Something soviet about them.

They could easily work in some low budget dystopian sci-fi film.

The weather was good but there autumn felt present in a much more tangible way than in the centre. There were quite a few trees with leaves turning red and this with the quiet feel of everything was kind of melancholic.

And then my camera battery died and once again I realised that taking photos with an iPhone just isn’t the same, no matter what people tell you.

So time to call it a day and take the underground railroad home.

‘Nou Barris, is every day really Sunday here?’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.

Living in Barcelona means I get the occasional job for newspapers wanting photos of football players.

I have photographed Pique quite recently anda while a go the legend Chapi, as well as Messi, Suarez, etc for sponsors.

For the Lewandowski shoot we ended up in Gava at a the Playa Grande hotel.

As usual we are told time is limited and then the game of how to make sure I get enough time because the writer who is your colleague becomes your mortal enemy.

I broke my cardinal rule which is shooting during the interview.. this leads the writer to think you have enough images.

When I shot Pique I refused to take interview pics and spent the time looking for locations.

Everyone knew no photos had been taken so they begrugingly gave me 15 mins.

If you have scouted a decent location and have tested lighting this can usually suffice.

Anyway back to the present.

Robert was a decent bloke and did not go all prima donna. He had a friend with him who was also a nice guy… and thats when I spotted my opportunity.

I got him to call time on the interview when it looked like the writer was never going to stop.

Whatever it takes to get the shot.

So the Magazine used one of the posed ones which were ok, but today looking through the images I found one shot during the interview that I really like.

A moment of contemplation and the composition caught my eye and so this is my personal favourite.

‘Photographing Robert Lewandowski’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.

It’s a safe bet when people think of Barcelona they think ‘beach.’

That is fine by me, knock yourself out.

Me? Montjuic every time.

Even before the happy years of archery up by the castle, I favoured the hill.

If I wanted to go out and read a book, loose myself for a few hours I would be very unlikely to  choose the beach.

Too many things to consider, too much crap to take with you. 

On Monjuic there is actual grass. 

And trees. 

Want some sun, no problem, need some shade? Roll a few metres left or right and you are under shade, you don’t even need a blanket.

Much more spontaneous. 

Far fewer drunken tourists as well.

The occasional South American birthday parties for kids. 

But they hardly impinges on the peace and quiet.

In the height of summer it always feels fresher up there, the indolent sounds of nature, the city for more distant than it actually is.

So, Montjuic…

…I felt I knew it quite well but lately I have realised ‘nope, not at all.’

I have a friend (Tyg) who does tours in the Botanic Garden, a place I had never been to! 

So I got a free tour. That was nice. 

Lots of new plants with spikes to avoid, new scents to enjoy and there was even honey suckle; that took me back to my silly-serious youth.

They even have a section with Bonsai trees, probably the main reason people go to the garden, I wonder what influencer made that famous… to be honest it’s a bit crap and personally Bonsai trees creep me out.

Whilst up there I said to Tyg we should try the cemetery next time, I had been a couple of times and thought ‘Next time I’ll be the expert guide!’

So the following week we went.

It was then that I realised I had somehow managed to miss a large chunk of it.

And by far the best part.

The new section is ok, if you like your cemeteries like condominiums, or council estates.

But the posh part of town is the best. More trees, more mausoleums, just more.

The rich just can’t help themselves.

Some fancy and some really grotesque places to finally lay down your hat and call home.

I wonder how long before some twat tries to park their yacht up there.

I felt inspired. My long running gripe with graveyards and how to make them work seemed solved.

I just need lots of statues and architecture… The photos basically took themselves.

‘Montjuic, The Gift That Keeps on Giving’ first appeared on the Lee Harris Photography website.