DPA, a globally renowned lighting design firm, has been at the forefront of innovative lighting solutions since its founding in 1958 by Derek Phillips. The company’s impressive portfolio includes early commissions for iconic projects such as The Mandarin Hotel in Hong Kong, Westminster Abbey, and the original P&O Cruise Liner, The Oriana. DPA’s impact on the lighting industry is far-reaching, with their designs bringing spaces to life across the globe and continuing to push the boundaries of light and space.

The Constellation project, completed in 2018, is undoubtedly one of DPA’s most iconic achievements. Located at the heart of The Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, this monumental public artwork serves as a tribute to the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The sculpture was conceptualised by acclaimed artist Ralph Helmick, whose works explore the intersections of human perception and large-scale public art. Helmick’s work invites viewers to engage with his installations in ways that encourage optical discovery. The Constellation is no exception—its intricate, dynamic design is illuminated by DPA’s expert lighting, transforming the sculpture into a visually captivating experience that changes as viewers move around it.

As a photographer who has lived in the UAE for over 15 years and witnessed the evolution of its architecture and cultural landmarks, I was incredibly honoured to be invited to photograph this extraordinary piece of art. Capturing a project of this magnitude was both a personal and professional highlight for me. The challenge, however, was not only to capture the scale and beauty of the sculpture but also to showcase the intricate lighting that DPA had so carefully designed, which brought the work to life in such a unique way.

Shooting this monumental installation, especially under the extreme conditions of the Middle East, was incredibly challenging. The project took place during the scorching summer months, where temperatures regularly soar above 45°C. This presented a huge difficulty, not only for the team and equipment but also in terms of the shoot’s timing. With the constantly changing light and the fast-moving sunsets, there was only a brief window in which to capture the perfect shot. The fleeting nature of the sunsets in the region made every moment crucial, and the window of opportunity to photograph the sculpture in its best light was incredibly small. The intense heat added to the pressure, demanding precision and speed to get the shots before the light faded.

Despite the extreme conditions, I was determined to create images that captured the soul of the sculpture and its lighting. The challenge of shooting in such a unique and harsh environment made it all the more rewarding. The resulting images not only showcased the Constellation’s striking design but also beautifully highlighted the lighting techniques that brought it to life, contributing to the overall impact of the installation.

The images captured during this shoot went on to earn significant recognition, including winning multiple prestigious awards, such as the LIT Lighting Design Awards. The success of these images underscored the collaborative efforts between Ralph Helmick, DPA, and the entire team behind the Constellation project. It also further cemented the sculpture as a landmark moment in public art and lighting design. For me, this project not only holds deep sentimental value as a long-time UAE resident but also represents the pinnacle of artistic and technical achievement, where lighting, architecture, and photography come together to create something truly unforgettable.