Creative Spotlight: KEY INTERIORS, INC. Debby Hill, Director of Design

 I absolutely love my job!  One specific thing that makes it so enjoyable is working with others in creative fields who are truly skilled in their craft.

During the past few years, I have had the privilege of working with one of my favorite interior designers, Debby Hill.  She is Director of Design at Key Interiors, Chicago-lands premier commercial interior design firm.

Debby is one of those rare professionals who successfully incorporate form, function and aesthetic into all of her projects.  She, along with her team, creates beautiful spaces that inspire, yet are comfortable and practical for the everyday work experience.   Working in such an artistic and pleasant atmosphere can really take the edge off of the long hours frequented by the office professional.   Additionally, her spaces are inviting place for office clientele to visit during the course of business.   One would be hard pressed to find a better design team.

Team is the operative word when describing Key Interiors. Their entire staff works together seamlessly and the results are always fantastic.  Our next Creative Spotlight will feature Dana Tatge, Senior Designer at Key Interiors.

Below are a few of my favorite images from one of Debby’s many projects.

  

 

 

 

 

Think of Something Pleasant!

The importance of a quality head shot or portrait when marketing oneself in business should never be underestimated.  In many instances, it is a client’s first look at who they are considering hiring or working with.

The ambiguous command made by many photographers just before pressing the shutter on their camera is ‘Smile!’  Yes, I use that too from time to time, but more often than not I will simply say ‘Think of something pleasant!’   Below are some of my favorites with a few out-takes included.

Can you guess which ones were shot with film?  Email me at n@normansizemore.com if you can.  The first one who guesses correctly gets a free 18x24 framed wall art or an additional image from your next photo shoot.   

 

  

 

 

What Was Old is New Again

Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of truth in the expression “what was old is new again”. For example, in the photography world many are experiencing the thrill of working with film, either for the first time or revisiting it like an old friend. Yes, film is still around, and gaining more and more popularity. Amazing. It’s similar to the resurgence we have seen in recent years regarding the return of vinyl records and the decline of the compact disc. Makes me smile. (I never got rid of my vinyl…)

So too, many of our clients are now discovering (or being reminded of) the impact of using a printed portfolio in addition to a digital one. There is something truly special that happens when you open a portfolio box and hand a prospective client a hand-mounted, archival-quality print of your work. The impact of a tangible photograph is certainly more exciting than swiping the screen on a digital device, and the “wow factor” that is achieved is a huge benefit!

There is also the advantage of being able to show more than one image at a time, laying them out in a stunning array and displaying a genuine storyboard of what you’re presenting to your client. While there is certainly still a place for digital concepts, photographs add another level of panache that is hard to rival.

I think these are some of the reasons that we have been seeing more orders for printed portfolios and wall art than we have in over a decade. As a result of this renewed interest in printed media, we are doing something special and bringing back our all inclusive photography package for a limited time. It includes location photography, 15 hand-mounted prints and an 18x24 framed wall art. Contact me for details. 

Spring is in the air

Today in the south suburbs it’s nearly 60 degrees, which has me thinking about the beautiful weather that is coming.  This lead me to think about some of the outdoor work we did last year.

First project that popped into my mind was a home landscaped by Kings Landscaping here in Illinois.  The weather was perfect, the project was beautiful. 

Below are a few of my favorite shots.

Small photo shoots? YES!

I often have the opportunity to chat with designers, architects and builders while working on projects.  I am surprised how many work on a space over time and then feel it’s necessary to wait until the entire project has been completed before scheduling a photo shoot.  But that isn’t always the wisest thing to do.

Case in point.  Below are three images photographed in December.  The homeowner has been slowly having her interior designer do the home, but at a leisurely pace.  One room at a time over the months that they ‘winter’ in Florida, which means it has taken several years to complete this home.  As a result, the designer has been having me photograph each room as it’s completed.  This ensures the project shots look fresh and that none of the finishes show any wear. 

It also allows her to start using her images in her marketing materials right away, which is a huge advantage.

Whenever I mention this, potential clients are amazed that we would shoot just one or two rooms at a time.  Of course!   Small photo shoots are fun, and since we are focusing on just a few areas, attention to staging and compositions can be done without rush.  Additionally, some might schedule one or two rooms and do a couple of locations at a time.  That is fine too.  It’s important to us to be flexible and work with our clients/homeowners schedules.

So all you who would like to add new work to your portfolio, but have only one or two rooms to shoot, give us call.  We even have a popular package rate for small projects.

Prepping for a Shoot

A recent project involved shooting the interior of a bank for a commercial builder.  Now, we have photographed several banks in past years but this one particular bank was special. 

Banks are busy places, so immediately we know that the shoot will take place either before or after hours.  I also mentally tax myself when I think of how much cleanup the photos will require.  After all, who wants to see miles of computer and telephone cords?  Or all of the personal items that employees bring to their work stations to remind them of home?

Usually, we arrive somewhere between 3:30 and 4:30 am to ‘stage’ (read clean up) as much as possible.  Removing the above-mentioned clutter pre-shoot saves hours of time in post-production work.  The results for all the effort are always rewarding.

Another benefit of the early arrival time is being able to photograph the space during dawn.  This often provides dramatic painted sky views through the windows.  However, with this one particular bank getting in super early wasn’t going to be possible.  We had about one hour before the bank opened to clean up/stage AND get all of our shots in.  So the pressure was definitely on. 

Even more pressure was applied when the bank manager ran a little late.  The second the doors were opened we hurried inside to get the biggest surprise of all.  THE BANK WAS CLEAN, STAGED,  AND DESKS CLEARED OF ALL PERSONAL ITEMS.  We were shocked!  Even superfluous telephone and computer cords were carefully put away.  Never in our wildest imagination did we ever think that the bank staff would be so thoughtful.  As it turns out, they love their remodeled space and were flattered that it was being photographed, so they all took time the night before to have their offices and lobby tidied up for the photo shoot. 

Than you Colette!  We sincerely appreciate all the hard work.  Below are a few shots.

 

 

 

Creative Spotlight: Gander Builders

Steve Lecas of Gander Builders is one of the most conscientious builders I have ever met.  When you look at the homes he builds you find first-rate craftsmanship, spectacular designs and superb building materials.  Steve builds homes.  Real homes.  Homes that are designed to be enjoyed by families, spacious, comfortable and practical.  Homes that will stand the test of time. 

I have been photographing for Steve over 16 years now, and I can honestly say that the houses I shot back then still look outstanding today.  Here in the Midwest, that’s saying something. 

Steve also always seems to take the extra step for his clients.  I recall more than one occasion when I met with Steve at a new home to photograph.  There always seemed to be one or two other homes in the neighborhood that he constructed in prior years and here is the extra step:  I have seen him walk around the other homes and look at how the finishes are wearing.  Often he will check in with the homeowner to inquire if everything is okay long after the project is finished.  His clients love the attention and it comes as no surprise that the majority of Steve’s work is referral based.

If you are looking for that ‘special’ builder… Steve Lecas of Gander Builders is just what you need.  Below are a few samples of recent work.