Creative Spotlight: Centaur Construction

I had the opportunity to photograph a spectacular beach house on the south side of Chicago, built by Centaur Construction. The day of the shoot, I met Centaur CEO Spiro Tsaparas, and marketing manager Christina Pascente at the location.  They took me around and pointed out to me the incredible attention to detail that was carried out during the construction process.  As I stood on the main floor looking at the Venetian plaster on the ceiling, Mr. Tsaparas explained that it was the objective to bring the 'feel' of the beach into the home.  Looking at the spectacular view, I was greatly impressed with how successful this execution was. 

Another photography firm had previously shot this project.  Though the images generally looked good, it was this high detail, such as that of the Venetian plaster ceiling that Mr. Tsaparas wanted accentuated.  It was his desire for those looking at the images to get the feel of what was accomplished. 

It was a challenge for us in many ways; first knowing that our images had to exceed what had already been photographed.  Secondly, we were shooting on one dreary January day, whereas the previous photographer shot during an optimal time of year and over the course of several days.

Christina stayed for the entire shoot, and assisted by walking through and staging each room to be photographed.  Working quickly, we were able to photograph the entire home during the daylight hours and also had time for a few dramatic dusk shots.

I was very happy with the results of the images.  I felt we accomplished exactly what our client was looking for.  Each image encompasses a solid composition, excellent lighting, detail and sharpness.  Given the circumstances I could not have wished for better results.

Centaur is among those rare companies that have a highly skilled staff of professionals. As a bonus to their clients, they also staff an in-house design team, Centaur Interiors, headed up by noted interior designer Michael Miller.  This provides their client the ability to take an idea from concept to completion and fully realize the potential of the architect, builder and designer. 

Here are a few highlights from that day.

Creative Spotlight: HJH Homes

Hank Haff, president of HJH Homes, Inc., is driven.  His homes are all distinctive masterpieces that cater to, and surpass, his clients' dreams.

Having worked with him for several years, I can say that his personality is reflected in his work.  Hank is a 'no compromise' type of guy - only the best, only the finest will do.  Browsing his vast portfolio of superlative estates, one can quickly surmise that if you are serious about building an upscale, high-end home HJH Builders should be at the top of your short list.

Creative Spotlight: Terri Weinstein Design

Today’s images come from a spectacular project by noted Chicago interior designer Terri Weinstein.  Her work is simply amazing!  

As soon as I met Terri on the day of the shoot, I knew that these images would be fantastic. Very often clients do not take into account the way a room looks from different angles.  Not Terri!  We made sure that each composition was free of obstruction, and that the arrangement of furniture and accents complimented the shots.

Since we had such a short time to photograph the beautiful condo, we had to work very quickly.  That was not a problem! Terri works fast, furious, and full of energy.  The efforts were worth it, though – the results were stunning. This ranks among my all-time favorite spaces I’ve photographed.  Terri, it was a pleasure working with you and I can’t wait to do it again!

View more of Terri's work here.

Creative Spotlight: Huber Homes

I began my working relationship with Dave Huber approximately eight years ago. I was walking through one of his beautiful homes listening to him describe the construction process to a writer, who was interviewing him for an architectural magazine. Something about Dave’s personality struck me that day. He was easy to listen to, had a very methodical description of his business, and the custom home building process. The manner in which he thought about everything that he was going to say...you knew without question that this man has a PASSION for his work.

Dave said something that day that I think about every time I pull up to one of his homes to photograph them. He smilingly said to the writer, “I hope I won’t have to say too much when it comes time to sell the home, but that the quality of the construction and the detail of the finish will say it all.” Having now photographed several projects for Dave, I can attest to this. He is a master custom home builder, and is as kind and courteous a professional as one could ever want to work with.

It is my pleasure to feature Dave Huber of Huber Homes as our Creative Spotlight this month. To see more of his work, please visit his website here.

Creative Spotlight: Interior Viewpoint

I met Paula a few years ago when we photographed some projects that she had completed in Chicago. I arrived on a crowded street and helped her unload her car so that she could complete staging the home. She greeted me with a wide smile and a huge burst of energy. Often times when I meet a designer, I find that their personality comes across in their designs…this was certainly the case with Paula.

When I walked into any of her projects, I felt like I could move right in. Spaces were beautifully furnished with extremely upscale quality pieces, many of which were antique. Peaceful, comfortable, serene, timeless were thoughts that came to mind as I toured the homes and began thinking of compositions. I listened as Paula described the families’ needs and how she achieved them.

The results were exquisite coordinations of color and functionality throughout. Paula more than met her clients’ expectations; her work, her glowing, positive personality left an indelible impression on me.

Here are just a few samples of Paula’s work. For more information please visit her website. Thank you Paula for being our February Creative Spotlight!

New Blog Feature: Creative Spotlight

This morning I am reflecting back on 2009 and looking forward to 2010. I feel different this year, can’t put my finger on ‘why’, but just different. Different in a good way, like everything is new again….

The recent years have been a struggle for many in the creative field. Last year nearly everyone we worked with updated their portfolios, and re-worked their websites. They changed their image, attitude and business, and to great effect.

For us it was a busy year to say the least, and a little unusual in the fact that we worked with more interior designers than architects, builders, artists etc, combined. We now know who has all the fun in our industry, or at least a good share of it!

This group of professionals as a whole impressed us. The consensus was apparent that everyone was working harder, more efficiently and turning out their best work. Some of which has been reflected in the images on our blog and website.

I have found that we in the creative field seem to do more networking than other professionals. Like, "We are all in this together let's make it work." A team effort sort of thing!

So, this year we are going to do something a little different on our blog. We are going to ‘spotlight’ those that we work with - architects, custom home builders, interior designers, artists, etc. along with a photo and a few words.

I know that personally, when I look at the work of other photographers in my field, I am almost always inspired. This is the objective, to be inspired. To look at others work objectively, creatively and positively. To sit back and say "Wow....well done!"

So stay tuned….our first Creative Spotlight begins February 1st! 

If You Keep Doing What You're Doing....

Someone once told me “If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting”.  How simple, yet how true. 

This year I have met many new clients… most of whom are tired of ‘getting what their getting’ so to speak and have taken aggressive steps to enhance, and reinvigorate their businesses.  Change can come in many forms....a fresh look, an updated website, professional photographs, pricing and policy reviews, etc..  Those that have taken these positive steps not only feel good about the changes but, are now beginning to see results from the fruits of their labors.

One client in particular really stands out in my mind.  Her new website and portfolio is consistently wowing those that take a peek.  I was in a meeting with her and a prominent magazine editor, who was visibly impressed by the beauty of her work.  The editor stood their stunned as she was handed image after image from the portfolio.  She remarked, “You should submit this for a feature editorial in our magazine." And so she did.

Custom home builders, architects, and even other designers are among those wanting to establish new relationships with this designer.  Why?  All because she was tired of getting what she was getting!  She changed what she was doing and is now enjoying the benefits.

So, if your business isn’t what you would like, keep in mind the simple truth above. Perhaps it's the perfect time to try something new.