Creative Spotlight: Benvenuti & Stein

Having worked with the team at Benvenuti & Stein for over a decade, we have seen them create some of the most stunning spaces we have ever photographed.  As mentioned here in our blog in times past Geno is meticulous and creative.  The photos below are of a mid-century home.  Mid-century homes have a certain charm about them and this character can easily be lost when wanting to update or remodel. 

This doesn’t happen when Benvenuti & Stein are doing the renovation.  I’ve seen them move walls, raise ceilings, lower floors and add space where you didn’t think it was possible.  The beauty is that the finished result seems to be what should have been done in the first place, and the update integrates perfectly with the original architecture.

 

In these images a second story common bathroom was updated as were the master suite and bath. Looking at them, they appear to be period correct, yet they are modern and functional as they can be. They also added a hallway powder room in a space I don’t think existed before, along with a walk in closet complete with custom cabinetry.   

 

Below are a few photos from the shoot.

 

For those curious, all images were photographed using a Sony A850, with a 20mm Minolta and a 24mm Zeiss lens.  The images were processed individually by hand. 

The Headshot:

Back in 2012 we were doing a series of headshots and lifestyle photos for Marietta Calas at her home.  We seem to do this every few years which keeps the images up-to-date, and provides a nice selection to pull from for her various marketing materials where a headshot and or other images might be needed.

This past weekend I was editing a recent video for Marietta and wanted to add in a few stills.  I keep a folder of outtakes from shoots for just such occasions when I need to use something that I know the client doesn’t already have.  

 

This was a test shot to verify the lighting I wanted, and I am sure I said something like ‘think of something pleasant’ just before I fired the shot. I think this photo caught Marietta off guard, which is why it made me smile.

 

This was photographed using a Canon 5DMkII and a EF100mm lens at f/4.  Lighting was one single Larson 22” soft-box mounted to a Photogenic Machine Studio Master II speedlight with a 48” gold reflector to add warmth to the shot.

Creative Spotlight: JMD Builders

We were photographing a few projects for Jerry Dardick last year in Chicago's Gold Coast.  We met Jerry on sight, and he took us through the challenges that had to be overcome in this particular remodel, which was overlooking Lake Michigan.  

The extensive redesign involved moving walls, opening spaces, re-routing HVAC, and updating all essential systems. JMD has extensive capabilities and are specialist when it comes to high-end custom projects.  The installations, finishes and furnishings are all of the finest quality.  The end result as always with JMD is superb. 

 

For those curious, these images were shot using a Sony A850, Sony 7RII, & Sony A700 cameras.  Minolta, Sony and Carl Zeiss lenses were used.  All images were individually hand processed.

 

Below are a few of our favorites.

Random 013 : Walter E. Smithe

Walter E. Smithe  called us December 23^rd 2016.  They were needing to book a photoshoot – right away.  Were we available?  For Walter E. Smithe… are you kidding?  Yes!  

The homeowner had used one of Walter E. Smithe’s designers to decorate and refurnished their home.  The look was beautiful and inviting.  We photographed several rooms but when it was time to shoot the dining room, Colleen Smithe-Parker insisted something was missing.  Then she said, ‘I know’, and invited the home owner’s daughter to sit in the scene.  Perfect!

 

This is my favorite shot from the photo shoot.  For those curious, this was photographed using a SONY 7s at 1/15 of a second f5.6 using a 24mm Carl Zeiss lens.  The lighting is by Photogenic Machine, Studio Master II, through a single Calumet 48” soft-box, mounted high and horizontally then angled down towards the scene.  The flash did not fire and only the modeling lamp was used to add warmth to photograph.

Creative Spotlight: Lenore Weiss Studios

I received a call from Lenore a couple of years ago asking if she could book a shoot for a Chicago condo overlooking Navy Pier.  I had been a fan of Lenore’s work for years and was excited to work with her.

 

Often, when someone is in need of an architect, they will also seek out a good interior designer to work with.  There is such an advantage to using an architect and an interior designer in the early stages of your project to make sure that the finished product comes together perfectly, as the two fields can’t help but intertwine.  But imagine if you will, working with an architect who is an interior designer?  That’s Lenore.  She is a master architect and a phenomenal interior designer.   When I asked Lenore about this, she told me “To be a good architect, you need to understand interior design, to be a good interior designer, you need to know architecture.  My mind just can’t separate the two.”  I was floored.

 

We shot two projects nearly back-to-back.  Looking at the photographs, you will notice attention to detail that is out of this world.

 

Lenore was recently featured in the fall edition of Licensed Architect magazine.  An excellent read, and one that will have you reaching for the phone the next time you need an architect (and an interior designer).  One call to Lenore covers both fields.

There is so much to talk about with this project, but we will let the photography tell the story.  By the way, we could have easily added another 25 images or so.  Stay tuned as we select some highlights from another project by Lenore Weiss Studios. 

For those curious, all images are hand processed and were photographed using a SONY A850 and A700 cameras with Minolta and Carl Zeiss lenses.

Random 011 & 012 : Lauren Coburn

I was archiving some images today in our lab server and came across this kitchen shoot with Lauren Coburn from earlier this year.  I love the soft inviting colors, and the way the tones blend with the waterfall marble on the island.  These elegant pendent lights add a sparkle of warmth as the catch lights dance off of the superb cabinet finishes.  Truly a timeless design with Lauren at her best!  

 

These images were photographed using a SONY 7RMII and Carl Zeiss lenses. 

Shot on Film: A Bygone Era - Niagara Falls 1964

This charming shot of Niagara Falls in 1964 is among the hundreds of slides that were in a several sets of slides trays purchased years ago.   Look at all the families enjoying this spectacular site on a summer afternoon.   This photograph is taken from the Canadian side of the falls.  I can remember seeing all of those cars in my childhood.  From left to right: a 1959 Pontiac Bonneville, 1955 Ford Squire wagon, a 1964 Chevrolet Malibu, 1963 Pontiac Catalina, 1963 Dodge Polara and a 1963 Chevrolet Impala.  Makes me smile.

This image was shot on Kodachrome 64 and scanned full frame using a dedicated Minolta DiMage 5400 film scanner.  No adjustments applied.

Shot on Film: Bryce Canyon Utah 1997

Back in 1997, I loaded up my 1996 Ford Bronco with my family and headed West.  We didn’t take a map, we weren’t in hurry and leisurely drove wherever we thought would be of interest and fun for the kids.

The only camera I packed was my bullet proof Minolta x570 and three lenses.  A JC Penny 35-70, JC Penny 70-200, and a Minolta 50 1.7.  This image is shot handheld with the 50 1.7, probably a f8 or f11 on Fuji G film.

 

The JC Penny lenses I later learned were manufacturer by Vivitar and sold to JC Penny under private label. The quality of which was absolutely first rate.  I still have them.  Back in the day, JC Penny had an extensive professional camera department, as most department stores did in the late 70’s.  I miss that today.

 

My trip lasted about 6 weeks, covering Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, California, Oregon and Idaho.  I shot over 100 rolls of film, and have recently been scanning and printing them.  This one was just selected at random.  It’s not perfect, but not bad for a quick grab shot!  Makes me want to order some fresh 35mm film and head out West.

The image below was scanned full frame using a Minolta DiMage 5400 dedicated film scanner, no adjustments applied.

Shot on Film: A Bygone Era - St. Louis 1964

This was among a set of slides from the summer of 1964.  This particular family traveled South, then West that year for vacation.  I am certain that this was shot by the young man of the family, using his Argus 35HFM / half frame camera, which he is seen holding in many of the slides. 

I love the way one can flash back in time when you look at an old photograph. Imagine what the onlookers were thinking as the St. Louis Arch was being constructed.  It’s still considered and engineering feat and is truly a national landmark.  If you look closely, you can see a number of spectators in the background.  No one taking selfies, no one texting, and no one on a cell phone. The biggest distraction may have been someone with a transistor radio.  A bygone era indeed.

 

This image was scanned using a Minolta DiMage 5400.  The color reversal slide film is Kodachrome 64.  Stay tuned for hundreds more that were shot on film, in a bygone era.

Creative Spotlight: Kings Landscaping

With the first snow fall of the year, I thought I would reflect on warmer days.  We had the opportunity to work with Mark & Noel King, this past summer.  We love shooting for them.  Their team is amazing to work with and we always have a blast.

What you can expect on a Kings Project, is almost likened to landscape art.  The projects are always of the highest quality, the fit and finish are near perfect and every time I'm on sight I think, 'how could it be any better than this?'

 

The designs are practical, functional and beautiful.  Below are just a couple of highlights from one of our favorite shoots this year.