Contemporary Luxury Estate by Orren Pickell Builders:

Featured here is a recent photoshoot for Orren Pickell Builders. Last year, we captured the interior of this stunning modern contemporary home, and this time our focus shifted to the exterior. The home itself is a true statement in luxury and design, boasting an extensive and impressive footprint that presented unique challenges in capturing the full exterior elevation.

We carefully composed each shot to highlight the clean lines and architectural details that define this residence. The interplay of natural materials and sleek finishes is evident throughout, showcasing the builder’s commitment to quality and innovation.

Additionally, we had the opportunity to photograph the patio and pool areas, which will be highlighted in our upcoming feature. Below are a few selected favorites from the exterior shoot, illustrating the home’s bold presence and exquisite craftsmanship.

Shooting Maddie:

Maddie was one of the most professional models I have ever photographed.  The catch is, she wasn’t a model.  Maddie could strike pose and follow camera direction with the best of them, and she was a pleasure to work with.  Here’s one more.  

Chicago Area Library -

We photographed this Chicago area library for FBG Builders in Chicago. The space featured a vibrant interior design and included an unusual detail: high-polish, stainless steel drop-in ceiling tiles. These tiles were highly reflective, casting a hazy glare throughout the study room. It’s an unconventional choice for a library study area, where softer lighting typically creates a more comfortable atmosphere for reading and focus. Below are images showcasing the media studio, private conference area, and study hall, each highlighting different design elements and spatial qualities.

Custom Built Office / Design Center:

Continuing with what I feel is the finest custom home build/design center I’ve ever seen, we turn our focus to Schmidke Construction’s new office space. The entry and seating area, seamlessly connected to the conference room, stand out as exceptional examples of thoughtful design and immaculate execution.

Nestled within a wooded lot, this space takes full advantage of its natural surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame tranquil forest views, allowing the outdoors to become an integral part of the interior atmosphere. The abundant natural light and greenery create a calming ambiance, giving a true sense of what these spaces might feel like when incorporated into a custom home.

The seating area itself evokes the warmth and comfort of a great room in a newly built luxury home. Plush, yet understated furnishings invite relaxation and conversation, while carefully selected finishes and fixtures enhance a subtle, elegant aesthetic. This harmonious blend of nature, design, and function sets the tone for the rest of the office, blurring the line between workspace and living space.

More to come as we explore additional areas of this remarkable build.

Shot on Film - Molly:

We’ve received numerous requests over the past few months to share more images of the musicians and models we captured on film. To begin, we’re revisiting Molly.

Back in 2005, we photographed Molly and her band members at Bruce Starrenburg’s LightBox Studio in East Dundee, Illinois. Many of these photos have been featured over the years and remain some of our favorites. Each time we revisit them, we’re reminded of the enjoyable experience we had during the shoot.

Though none of these women were professional models, their confidence and clear vision for their looks made a lasting impression. We spent hours shooting with a variety of sets, backgrounds, and lighting setups to bring their ideas to life.

Here are some individual shots of Molly in plaid. Stay tuned for more images of the rest of the band.

Health Clinic Interior:

Recent photoshoot of Midwest Medical interior, completed just before the grand opening. It’s refreshing to step into a pristine commercial space for a shoot. After working extensively on high-end residential projects, it’s a different kind of challenge to capture a utilitarian environment and still make it feel welcoming and inviting.

The team at Midwest Medical put in a tremendous amount of effort to ensure the space was shoot-ready, which allowed the session to proceed smoothly with minimal downtime. Their attention to detail made a significant difference in the overall efficiency and outcome.

During post-processing, we focus on removing any elements that could detract from the clean, clinical aesthetics of the space, while enhancing the images so they truly 'pop'—whether viewed in print or on screen. Below are some of our favorite shots from this project.

Flawlessly Executed Kitchen by Lauren Coburn:

This bespoke kitchen by Lauren Coburn Interiors truly speaks for itself. While I often try to describe the spaces we feature, however, the photography here reveals every detail with clarity and precision that words alone can't match. As with all projects by Lauren, this kitchen is flawlessly executed—each element thoughtfully designed and impeccably styled. Stay tuned for more highlights from this shoot coming soon.

Midwest Health Clinic:

A recent exterior photoshoot of the Midwest Health clinic highlights the importance of careful composition and perspective when shooting commercial exteriors. Typically, showcasing the front facade is essential to provide a clear and direct view of the building. However, incorporating angled shots adds depth and dimension, making the images more dynamic and visually engaging.

Equally critical is choosing the proper time of day for the shoot. Capturing the building in its best natural light enhances architectural details and materials, while minimizing harsh shadows or overexposure. Early morning or late afternoon often provides the ideal lighting conditions, with softer, warmer tones that bring out the clinic’s character and presence within its environment. 

Schaumburg Leasing Center:

We photographed this community leasing center in Schaumburg, Illinois, capturing the blend of functionality and lifestyle amenities it offers. Residents can select from duplexes, townhomes, or single-family residences to lease, all within a welcoming environment. The leasing center also serves as a versatile meeting space, featuring a fully equipped neighborhood gym. Additional amenities coming soon include tennis courts and a full-sized swimming pool, enhancing recreational options for the community.

A standout feature is the community dog wash area, providing pet owners a convenient spot to care for their puppies. Overall, this leasing center is a well-integrated addition to the neighborhood, supporting both practical needs and leisure activities. Below are some of our favorite images showcasing the space.

Fabulous Contemporary Kitchen - Continued:

We photographed a contemporary home designed by Michelle Rohrer-Lauer last year, one of the most remarkable spaces we've encountered in nearly 30 years of architectural photography. In this kitchen, which we've featured before, we wanted to take a closer look at the mirror-like high gloss finish—something truly unique in our experience.

What stands out in Michelle’s work are the details. It's not just the overall design but the elements you appreciate when you get up close. The black and white high gloss finishes blend flawlessly with the stainless steel appliances and cabinetry, creating a sleek, cohesive look. The sculpted tiles, finished in high gloss white, add depth and dimension to the walls and cabinets, enriching the space’s texture and visual interest.

Below are just a few photos from the shoot that highlight these exceptional details.

 

Masterpiece Kitchen Design:

We continue to showcase the stunning first home recently photographed for Janet McCann, where her expertise truly shines in the kitchen design. This midcentury kitchen is a masterpiece of bespoke craftsmanship, featuring custom cabinetry with an exceptionally refined finish. The centerpiece is the elegant waterfall marble island, seamlessly blending form and function. Built-in pantry and appliances enhance the space's streamlined look, while bespoke bar stools and a breakfast table add both comfort and style.

This kitchen is not just beautiful but highly functional, perfectly suited for culinary preparation and entertaining. It is thoughtfully positioned between the dining room and family room, creating an open and inviting flow that complements the home’s midcentury charm. Every detail reflects careful attention to quality and design, making it a quintessential space for modern living. 

High-end Family Room by Janet McCann:

Recently, we spent an entire day shooting with Janet McCann, focusing on the exquisite family room from the first home we photographed. Janet and her team transformed this high-end residence with remarkable precision and creativity. Every element in the space was custom-made, including several furniture pieces and the beautifully crafted hardwood side cabinets, all designed by Janet herself.

The family room feels both comfortable and inviting while showcasing flawless execution in design. It serves as an ideal space for entertaining, seamlessly connecting to the bespoke kitchen, also a Janet McCann creation. Throughout the home, fine furniture, carefully selected wall art, and knotted rugs and carpets contribute to a rich, layered aesthetic. No detail has been overlooked, reflecting the high standard one expects from a designer of Janet’s caliber.