Professional Post Processing Without AI:

 The skilled professional photographer doesn’t just employ excellent composition skills and camera control; he understands that post-processing is essential to achieve a polished final image. For an assignment from Patrick Falso, part of a portfolio of exteriors, I scouted the home in the afternoon. Observing its position, I determined that an early morning shoot would yield the best light conditions. 

What I did not anticipate weeks later was the onset of fall, which resulted in leaves blanketing the driveway, or that the sprinklers would activate just prior to my scheduled shoot. Given the tight timeline, I proceeded with capturing the property as originally planned. During post-processing, I addressed the leaves and the wet patches on the driveway, ensuring that the final images met the high standards expected.

Additionally, I undertook traditional retouching techniques to clean up a few other elements in the images, entirely without the use of AI. The results were well received by our client, Orren Pickell Builders, affirming the effectiveness of meticulous attention to both shooting and post-processing details.

Summer Shooting:

Our summer months are especially busy.  Here in the Midwest, contractors are eager to showcase their best work. It’s vital for these businesses to invest in quality photography that can be utilized for years to come in their marketing materials. Below are a few images that can effectively represent an architect, custom home builder, landscape designer, and swimming pool contractor.

Investing in high-quality photography allows these professionals to effectively communicate their brand and expertise, ensuring their work captures attention and leaves a lasting impression. Much more to come!

Luxury Master Bath by Michael Buss Architects:

Recently completed, this luxury master bath showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of Micheal Buss Architect. The stunning custom tile work is a focal point, harmonizing seamlessly with the contemporary soaking tub that invites relaxation. Adjacent to the tub, a spacious walk-through shower and sauna enhance the functionality and elegance of the space. Each element has been thoughtfully designed to create a serene retreat, ready for the new owners to enjoy.

Custom Interior by Benvenuit & Stein:

Benvenuti and Stein, renowned for their exquisite custom cabinetry, also excel as custom home remodelers. This living room, part of a stunning three-story residence in Chicago, highlights the exceptional design of the home. 

The large four balcony doors serve as beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows when closed, flooding the space with natural light. On warm summer days, these doors can be opened to invite the atmosphere of a park-like North Shore community, seamlessly transforming the formal living area into a gathering space ideal for entertaining. 

This seamless transition extends into the formal dining area, kitchen, and family room, creating a cohesive environment that encourages social interaction. Additionally, the family room connects to an indoor pool, accentuated by a vast ceiling skylight, further enhancing the home’s luxurious design and ambiance.

Contemporay Kitchen by JMD Builders:

You can always tell when a project was built by true craftsmen. Such is the case with this finely crafted kitchen, where superb cabinetry and meticulous assembly come together seamlessly. The finest hardware and top-tier appliances enhance the overall design, elevating both form and function. The striking waterfall countertop and center island serve as focal points, beautifully complemented by rich wood finishes.

This entire condo, constructed by Jerry Dardick of JMD Builders, showcases bespoke wood flooring and custom wall finishes that reflect the attention to detail inherent in every aspect of the project. This kitchen not only functions as a culinary space but also as an inviting heart of the home. We will highlight more from this exquisite space soon.

Commercial Fixturing:

Occasionally, assignments from commercial contractors require photographing retail spaces before they are stocked to emphasize the design and layout of shelves and displays. The process of installing the shelving and displays is known as ‘fixturing’ in the industry, allows builders to showcase the workmanship before it becomes obscured with product.

Capturing wide, clean shots of the overall area provides a comprehensive view of the retail environment, allowing potential clients and stakeholders to appreciate the spatial arrangement and design elements. 

These photographs serve multiple purposes: they can be used in marketing materials for the builder, and project portfolios.  By strategically composing both broad and detailed images, we can effectively convey the intended atmosphere and customer experience of the retail space before it opens to the public.

We Don 't Need No Stinking AI:

I received a request from the builder in 2018 to retouch an image we had shot of a home recently completed. The primary concerns were the circular drive, the pavement, the weak landscaping, and the lawn's appearance. I proceeded to enhance the photo by removing the circular drive and replacing it with a drive made of pavers. I also improved the landscaping and revitalized the lawn to create a more appealing and cohesive look. The builder was thrilled with the results, all achieved through traditional retouching techniques without the use of AI.