1040's Make Over:

We photographed this charming older home in Northern Illinois a couple of years ago. Situated in a mature neighborhood filled with larger ranch and Cape Cod homes dating back to the late 1940s, this particular residence started as a modest single-story unit with a footprint of less than 1,200 square feet. Over time, as was common in that era, the homeowners expanded the home with additional rooms and additions to accommodate their evolving family needs. This thoughtful evolution gave the house a unique and spacious character all its own.

When it was time for a contemporary update, the homeowners enlisted Orren Pickell Builders to transform the space. The kitchen and family room areas were opened up, creating a seamless flow between living spaces. The introduction of a vaulted ceiling in the kitchen brought an airy openness, while custom cabinetry added both style and functionality, dramatically changing the space’s ambiance.

The dining room entrance also saw a stylish addition with the construction of a wine bar, perfect for entertaining guests or mixing cocktails. Below are a few of our favorite images from this beautifully reimagined home.

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









Poolside Gathering:

One of the standout features of this multi-level patio and pool area is the collection of thoughtfully designed gathering nooks. These inviting spaces provide the perfect setting to enjoy sports, movies, or music videos while basking in the sunshine and sharing refreshments with friends and family. These nooks are strategically placed  complementing the upper and lower decks that provide seamless access to the house. This well-crafted outdoor environment offers a balance of relaxation and entertainment, making it an ideal spot for socializing or unwinding. More highlights from this remarkable space will be shared soon.

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










Shooting Forest:

We recently had the opportunity to photograph Forest Brown of Silver Line Construction in Chicago. Forest has been a long-time client and consistently one of the most pleasant and professional collaborators we’ve worked with. Her impressive work has been featured in several Chicago-area publications, and she is soon to be highlighted in Forbes. Well done, Forest!  

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




Contemporary Luxury Estate Multi-Level Patio:

Continuing with the Contemporary Luxury Estate by Orren Pickell, we moved to the patio area to capture some views of the multi sectional patio.  We loved all the separate enclosed nooks for social gathering and taking a break from the sun, which we will showcase in the next post.  The upper level deck with lounging furniture and  a high top table perfect for looking over the pool area and enjoy refreshments.  More to come.

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






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.


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







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.  

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



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.

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