Summer Reflections:

With summer ending, I can’t help but reflect on some of our favorite outdoor shoots from past years. One that stands out is this project for Noel King of King’s Landscaping. The landscaping embellishments are nothing short of stellar, and this property truly wouldn’t be the same without the detailed artistic work brought to life by King’s team.

Their meticulous attention to detail and creative design elevate the outdoor spaces, creating a seamless blend of architecture and nature. Capturing these elements through the lens highlights how landscape design plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic and appeal of high-end properties.

Here are some favorites from that shoot, showcasing the intricate textures, lush greenery, and harmonious compositions that make the space exceptional.

Shot on Film: School Girls:

We did an extended session back in 2005 with the Chicago cover group Cat Fight.  Cat Fight has endured over the years and you can still catch their powerful shows here in the Midwest.  I can attest to the incredible camaraderie that exists between the four girls.  They work hard, really hard, which is even evident during this photo shoot.  Custom changes, set changes and well choreographed poses, let to material that they could use for years to come.

Individually, and collectively, they are incredibly professional and knew exactly what they wanted to achieve during the shoot.  Here are just a quick look at a set that they named ’School Girls”. These shots were done using a Minolta XE-7, loaded with Fuji Asia 100 Color Reveal Film. Studio lighting was by Photo Genic Machine Studio Master II’s, firing into two 48” Calumet Soft Boxes, and one 13” Overhead Modeling light.

Contemporary Exterior at Dusk:

We spent the day photographing the exterior of this home for Orren Pickell Builders and Michelle’s Interiors.  Michelle had asked if we could shoot a few exteriors during dusk.  It was the right call.  I was positioned on a ladder out front, and my business partner Mary Price was shooting the pool and deck area.  The cobalt blue against the white plaster of this contemporary home made for some incredible images.  Good call Michelle!  Some favorites below.

 

Exterior Photo Shoot - Driveway Clean - without AI:

When we scheduled the shoot for this recently built home, we planned to photograph it first thing in the morning to take advantage of its Eastern exposure. However, unexpected factors such as falling leaves and the sprinkler system running left the otherwise pristine driveway looking wet and messy.

We captured the images as planned and later cleaned up the driveway by hand during post-processing. No Artificial Intelligence (AI) was used in this process. Every image we produce is meticulously retouched by hand, ensuring results that are both clean and accurate.

Relying on AI often introduces softness or misalignment in the edited areas, which diminishes the precision we strive for. Manual retouching requires considerable time, patience, and skill, but the outcome justifies the effort.

Below are some images after clean up and before, showcasing the careful hand retouching applied to this shoot.

Four Seasons Room Addition:

Sometimes a simple assignment reveals its complexity once on-site. We were tasked with photographing a home to highlight how an addition was seamlessly integrated with the existing structure. The craftsmanship was so precise that it’s nearly impossible to tell the addition was built years later—the finishes match perfectly.

To capture this, we focused on two primary exterior perspectives that best showcased the addition’s harmonious blend. Achieving this required a super wide-angle lens equipped with perspective control to maintain architectural accuracy and avoid distortion.

After completing the exterior shots, we moved inside to photograph the four seasons room addition. The builder wanted to highlight the custom hardwood vaulted ceiling—a defining feature that demanded careful attention. Here again, the super wide lens with perspective control was key to capturing the expansive interior without losing the integrity of the lines and proportions.

Below are some favorites from the shoot, illustrating the flawless integration and the striking interior details of this exceptional project.

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.

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.

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!  

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.

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.