Take Advantage of Summer Months!:

While it might be a bit overcast outside today, this is the perfect time to schedule your exterior photography. Spring and early summer yield the best results, offering vibrant colors, lush landscapes, and optimal lighting conditions for showcasing your residential properties. 

The homes featured here, designed by architect Michael Buss, exemplify the harmony between aesthetic appeal and functional design. Capturing their essence through photography not only highlights their architectural features but also creates an inviting atmosphere for prospective buyers and admirers alike. Reach out today to discuss how we can beautifully present your residential exteriors during this ideal season.

To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Secluded Getaway Home, by Peter Scherrer:

By popular demand, here are some exterior photos of the home designed by Peter Scherrer. The house is beautifully secluded, perched on a slight hill that enhances its striking design. To capture the ideal angles for these images, I had to climb atop my Bronco for many of the shots, with my business partner Mary Beth at the wheel. We photographed this back in 2013, so high quality drones were not yet available.  We made the most of what we could get with camera, tripod and Bronco. Despite the challenges, I am pleased with the results we achieved. In another post, I will highlight some specific exterior elements of this extraordinary home.

To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Shooting Velvet Taco, Chicago:

We often schedule several quick commercial assignments in a day. Usually the commercial client is looking for high quality images for their portfolio and usually require ten images or less.  If the space is shoot ready, we can set up, compose, light and photograph in under two hours.  When back at the studio, we fully process the compositions by hand, one at a time.  This includes technical corrections, cleanup to eliminate any distractions, and full image processing with color corrections to enhance the overall impact of each photograph. 

Below is one such example, a Chicago Velvet Taco, photographed just before opening.

To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Urban Cafe:

Indoor amusement parks have become increasingly popular during the winter months, providing a vibrant escape for families and friends. Urban Air stands out as a preferred destination, drawing both kids and adults eager for adventure. With its exciting array of attractions, visitors can easily lose track of time while having fun.

After all the excitement, hunger often follows. The Urban Cafe serves as the perfect solution, offering a diverse menu to satisfy appetites of all sizes. From refreshing snacks to hearty meals, the cafe ensures that guests can refuel for more fun.

The colorful shots of the cafe area, showcases both the essence of joy and excitement that Urban Air embodies.

To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

The One's We Haven't Seen :

Continuing in our blog series of the “Ones We Haven’t Seen”, are these shots from a restaurant shoot in Chicago late 2022.  This space was beautifully done.  

To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Mid Century Kitchen Remodel:

Interior photography presents its own unique challenges, particularly when it comes to blending various light sources, managing window light, and ensuring proper shadow detail while capturing the pleasing catch-light from the sun. The post-processing phase is crucial, as it allows the photographer to render the various light sources accurately, enabling viewers to envision themselves in the space.

This kitchen remodel by Geno Benvenuti was captured in the early morning light. The craftsman at Benvenuti & Stein opened up walls, added custom cabinets, and implemented beautifully selected surfaces, transforming this mid-century kitchen into a contemporary masterpiece. We were particularly drawn to how the space flows seamlessly from the breakfast nook through the kitchen and into the dining and family rooms. This open layout creates an ideal gathering place for entertaining.

A few favorite shots below.

To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Commercial Photo Shoot, Magic LIght:

A few a quick shots from a commercial shoot a few years back. I love it when you’re setting up a series of images, and waiting for that magic light to come through the windows. The interplay between the space and natural light creates a dynamic scene, often transforming the room in a manner that artificial light never could. It enhances the textures and brings warmth to the compositions.

To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Elegant Guest Bath:

We were photographing a guest suite for Geno Benvenuti, which had some beautiful builtin cabinetry, but it was the guest bath that really caught my attention. The space boasts a spacious open design, highlighted by a walk-in shower that embodies both luxury and functionality. 

The tiled shower wall elegantly cascades to the floor, creating a seamless look that extends throughout the entire bathroom. The incline of the shower floor is subtle yet expertly crafted to ensure efficient drainage via an inconspicuous linear floor drain.

At the heart of this sophisticated bath is the hand-built bespoke vanity, featuring a stunning marble top paired with vintage sink and fixtures. This attention to detail is precisely what one expects from Geno Benvenuti, showcasing a perfect blend of style and practicality in high-end design.

To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Smart Home Office:

We really enjoyed shooting this high-end Michigan condo. It’s clear that employing a quality builder and interior designer can elevate a space dramatically. A prime example is this smart home office, which boasts a stunning view of the lake and beach below. Custom-designed transitional bookcases flank a unique contemporary art piece, creating an ideal backdrop for the bespoke desk and office chair. The hand-woven carpet and leather couch add warmth and comfort to the room, while the custom window treatments beautifully frame the balcony overlooking the lake.

To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

 

We Photographed a Ten Year Old Kitchen! Wow!

This bespoke kitchen by Joshua Schmidke was part of a high-end condo build-out that we photographed last year. Remarkably, this project is ten years old, yet it looks absolutely new—a testament to exceptional design and construction. Below are a few favorite shots of the kitchen. 

The clean lines and high-quality materials enhance its timeless appeal, while the thoughtful layout optimizes functionality. 

Exquisite lighting further highlights the atmosphere, creating a warm, inviting space perfect for both cooking and entertaining. This kitchen exemplifies how fine design withstands the test of time, making it as relevant today as it was a decade ago.

To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com

Professional Exterior Photography - The Difference:

Shooting an exterior requires careful attention to the time of day. The ideal conditions typically occur during the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon—when the natural light enhances architectural features without harsh shadows. In most cases, additional external light sources are unnecessary, given the warmth and depth natural light provides.

However, the real artistry lies in post-processing. The digital darkroom is where images transform into stunning representations of the property's design. Professional post-processing not only corrects any minor flaws but also enhances colors, contrasts, and details, ensuring the final images maintain a polished, high-end aesthetic. These beautifully crafted images serve as vital assets for marketing portfolios, showcasing the property's best attributes for years to come.

If a photographer presents images that are unedited, it's crucial to reconsider your choice. A lack of professional processing can undermine the quality of the work and the integrity of the presentation. Quality photography is not just about capturing an image; it’s about delivering a meticulously refined representation that truly embodies the essence of the space. Always seek a photographer who prioritizes this level of professionalism.

To see more of our work, please visit our website. www.normansizemore.com