Twitter… Facebook… LinkedIn… Instagram… Google+… Blog… Website…

The forms of marketing at our fingertips today are quickly becoming the digital Twelve Days of Christmas (its the Holidays right? So I had to make a connection). I’m wondering when the same analysts that price out the cost of the Twelve Days of Christmas will focus their sites on the total cost, both time and dollars, for businesses in todays marketing venues. Certainly it varies by size, type and goal of each individual company. As a small business, and I mean singular small, as in, well, it’s yours truly and yours truly alone, the time investment is often the gargantuan hurdle faced. Frankly, some of the venues for marketing I don’t break into an Irish jig for, but occasionally I’ll feel the music and bust a jig, or two. (Thankfully only my closest friends and family have ever witnessed my “sense” of rhythm)

I’d heard about Instagram, but didn’t completely grasp the concept until brought up to speed by my kids, isn’t that so often the case these days. Evolution of our society eh? There was a day when the kids helped sow and harvest the crops, now they train their parents on technology. So now the interesting, humorous, thoughtful and inspiring images I look to capture with my iPhone have a home and hopefully an audience to enjoy. If you’ve made it to this point of this blog post and so inclined to follow along on my Instagram journey, look me up at c_hatter_photo and catch a glimpse behind the scenes of the images on the website.

“So what type of work do you do?”, we all get the question, right? I generally responded, “I’m an architectural photographer.”, and then comes the look, the wheels grinding in the head of the questioner, and slowly the follow up question, often asked with a very careful choice of words and some times quite bluntly, “So what exactly do you take pictures of?”. After giving the schpeel on types of projects and type of clients, usually leads to the following question, “So why do they hire you, what do they do with the photos?”, my answer, among many things, “To win awards!”

When I receive emails or calls from clients ecstatic about an award, I’m equally charged and proud. So when I received word from Kevin Babb of Cockfield Jackson Architects that St John the Baptist Catholic Church was awarded a Louisiana AIA Honor Award I was thrilled. To learn that only two Honor Awards were awarded from the fifty submissions, I was even more thrilled.

The general contractor on the project, Faulk and Meek, also received well deserved accolades for the project. The Alliant Awards, known as the “Oscars of the construction industry, presented by the Associated General Contractors of America recognized the project in the under $10 Million category. The project was one of 15 presented nationally.

Congratulations to all the professionals that breather life back into the gem of a church.

The banks of the Mississippi River in South Louisiana are sprinkled with jewels of history. The plantation homes are often most noted and visited, holding stories and a legacy of a time long past in our country. They no longer operate in the same sense as they once did, rather providing tours, hosting guests as bed and breakfast’s and the ever popular Southern plantation wedding. However, amongst these plantations there are countless churches, some dating back to days when the plantations flourished, and unlike the plantations, they are still alive and breathing within the community today. I’ve been fortunate to visit a number of these churches and more so become lost within their creaks and filtered light photographing them. Most recently I was commissioned to photography the renovated St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Brusly, Louisiana for the architectural firm of Cockfield Jackson Architects and general contractor Faulk & Meek.

Entering the narthex I was immediately engulfed in the warmth and luminous space. The early morning light filtering into the sanctuary, bouncing amongst the light toned walls and drawing the warmth from the pine floors to welcome each new visitor. As I walked the project with the client I was amazed by the blend of new and old, a testament to the design and the talented craftsmen that spent countless hours breathing new life into this 176 year old church.

The opportunity to walk through a project with a client is always important as their insight and noting of details provide a story to a project. It’s like an introduction to someone you meet for the first time that builds the foundation for which your own relationship will grow. It adds depth to the story I work to write through images. I must be honest, I was a bit eager to get the walk through completed and have the church to myself, not because of the company, my clients were terrific, but rather, from the moment I stepped within the church doors I felt the life of the space and was energized to begin the photography.

I often envision projects as alive, possibly because I spend a lot of time alone with them, searching for just the right angle or light to best portray or tell their story. Certainly the people within them bring life to them, but even when it is just the two of us I sense it. The way they evolve throughout a day as the light changes, the way they reveal a different view even though you’ve walked the space countless times, there is life. With a renovation project the history lives within the walls as well. Before anyone gets concerned, I don’t hear voices and I don’t talk to buildings…..often.

I must admit, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church certainly did speak to me. The history, the mighty Mississippi, swollen above flood levels and tempting to breach the levee, just outside its doors, the spirit, the presence, yes, it had it all. Everyone hears it differently, but I heard a soul thanking all that entered its doors for the new life that has been breathed back into it as it prepares for its next century.

The initial communications with a new prospective client usually leaves me with a feeling, a gut feeling you could say. That gut feeling doesn’t always pan out as you hope or envision and sometimes you realize you were way off course, but those that do hold true are filed away in the old hard drive of the brain. I recall speaking with Andrea Browning of Model Design on a late afternoon in November, clicking the phone off and thinking, “I want to work with Model Design”. Andrea an interior designer and her husband, Jeff Browning, an architect; reminded me of my wife, Jennifer, and I, both photographers. Married and working together, to me always seemed like a perfect fit. I was surprised when people inquired how we could manage to handle that situation? I learned not everyone sees it as a perfect fit, so its refreshing when you do meet a prospective client you share something so integral in your professional and personal life. Andrea and I agreed to follow up again in the new year after the hectic holiday season was complete.

In January we reconnected to discuss the photography needs for Model Design, the new architecture and design company created by Andrea and Jeff. I made a trip north to scout and discuss projects so that I could produce an estimate for the scope of work. The three of us hit it off, a number of commonalities, from surfing to husband and wife work team to the kicker, Jeff has an Uncle Chip, yep, thanks Mom and Dad, the name seals the deal. As they were really beginning their marketing as a company, there was a substantial volume of work in need of documentation. Their work is outstanding, their projects illustrate their creativity as artists and their passion for their work. Once again the voice in my head, “I want to work with Model Design”.

There was one particular project that grabbed my attention. A renovation in San Pedro, a typical 1950’s ranch style home turned into a comfortable modern interior with sparkling iridescent glass tile. I have another client, Oceanside Glasstile, and I inquired with Andrea about her source for the glass tile, sure enough, Oceanside. Oceanside Glasstile is another client that is just tremendous, wonderful to work with and their glass tiles are exquisite. A perfect opportunity arose for Oceanside Glasstile, Model Design and myself, the opportunity to co-op on the photography of this unique project. I love to bring clients together for cooperative efforts for a number of reasons, one, why wouldn’t you want to improve your team by adding another star player and secondly, its a terrific opportunity to provide my clients with an even greater return on their photography investment. Shared costs and increased marketing exposure, its a no brainer. All the estimates approved and photography scheduled, I was looking forward to working with a talented creative team and capturing images.

This project was scheduled to be the final project on the first day of photography as it lent itself to the late afternoon and evening. The project held some challenges due to the financial meltdown and frozen lending markets. As a result, the project was not 100% complete, but the focus of photography, master bathroom and kitchen were 90% there, the remaining 10% would be completed by the construction company Adobe, aka Photoshop. They provide some terrific tools, but the end result is determined by the individual holding the tools. The other challenge confronted was the need for some elbow grease cleanup. The entire team, photographer, assistant, designer all rolled up the sleeves and went to work. I have tremendous respect for clients that dive into the malaise of cleanup and prep when the project requires, its all about a team, which is stronger than an individual. Once the focus turned to capturing the imagery, everything went as planned, the perfect project to complete the first day of Model Design photography.

The completed images represent the team, it begins with Oceanside Glasstile producing the finest glass tile available, the design vision of Model Design implementing the tile into their overall design and lastly the photographer brings their vision to an photographic image encompassing all the talent and artistry involved. That gut feeling, yep, it was nails on this assessment. I think the question/statement by my assistant after a long 12 hour day says it all, “How do you find these types of client? Because you’ve got the coolest clients”. My response, “I absolutely do”.

The San Diego Harbor boasts views of the Pt. Loma peninsula, downtown skyline and Coronado, breathtaking 360º views in this idyllic amphitheater. It is understandable that when Cabrillo discovered the harbor and its safe haven from the rugged seas of the Pacific he decided to stay for a stretch. People have been following Cabrillo’s lead for centuries, making San Diego home and creating an unquenchable demand for housing in America’s Finest City. If the height of the price tag dictates the level of demand, and it certainly does in real estate, the closer to the water the more zeroes trailing the $ you will find. As the remaining grains of sand and soil are developed upon land, where can growth occur, how can the thirst for waterfront property be quenched. You can build vertically, but that can tarnish the views to the priceless living natural artwork everyone desires to hang in each window of their home, the Pacific Ocean. Ocean view is another buzzword in the real estate market that equals those zeroes trailing the $. So what is the solution?

Ahh, yes, what could be better than waterfront living, how about actually living on the water. I’m not speaking of the Dubai approach of man made islands, which seem to try and compete with the natural world rather than exist in unison. And from some recent reports, Dubai Island Falling into the Sea, I think the natural world is going to win that bout just about every time, sometimes it may take a few extra rounds, but its going to when by decision, TKO or straight up KO eventually. So how do you build in unison, in a sustainable, complementary manner to the existing waterfront, well you engage the services of an architect, you hire Miller Hull. The Miller Hull Partnership of Seattle, Washington is recognized for there ability to develop and design sustainable, harmonious projects that enhance the land it stands upon. The project on the San Diego waterfront, Wharf at America’s Cup Harbor, is a perfect example of the vision and talents of Miller Hull.

To discuss and scout the project I met Robert Hull and Norman Strong of Miller Hull on a rainy Seattle like afternoon. Yes it does rain in San Diego….occasionally. After I accused and they pled guilty to bringing the Seattle weather along, we set forth with reviewing the project and discussing the needs of the images for Miller Hull. Asking questions and listening are key skills to producing successful imagery for a client, its not always just about a beautiful image. The quality and beauty of imagery is expected and goes without saying, but the imagery must also fit the client needs, solving their needs just as they have their clients. This was my initial opportunity to work with Miller Hull which made this information gathering and scouting even more critical.

The project consists of retail, restaurants, office space, open space and the boat slips that provide the potential for housing. The restaurant, Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern occupies the ground floor of one of the tandem structures while the retail and offices fill the second level. The view from the harbor master office is certainly spectacular, taking in the boat masts rising vertically before the view of Pt. Loma and the open ocean and also enjoys the warmth and vibrance of the afternoon sun. As a photographer, an artist, I was equally drawn to the artist studio that occupies the second story of the street front facade. Facing due north, the soft filtered light illuminating the white walled single room studio compares to the NYC photo studios boasting of their northern exposure, not just prime real estate, but also primo light.

The majority of photography was completed in a single day, arriving on site at sunrise, only to be greeted by a thick marine layer and packing up equipment after the sun dipped below the horizon. An additional early morning trip took place to capture the northern facade in early morning, marine layer-less, sunlight. My “office” for the day, on the water, smelling the salty air, listening to the seagulls, the lapping water on the rocks provided the perfect multi sense inspiration for a days work. Before you chime in, “what a plush job”, let me remind you that not every project is located on the waterfront in 70º San Diego, I’ve got stories of minus temps in Chicago in January or 115º Dallas in August, working outside all day, that keep one even keeled. The visual stimulation of the Miller Hull designs and use of complementary materials, textures and tones fueled my own creative juices. These are the days where you hear your stomach bark at you and realize its 3PM and you’ve yet to even consider stopping for any lunch. As a photographer, I love these days and am extremely thankful for cliff bars and water.

On the heels of projects like The Wharf at America’s Cup Harbor and Pier 32, Miller Hull is opening a San Diego office in April. They are currently working on the redesign of the US – Mexico bordering crossing at San Ysidro, a significant project and massive undertaking. I look forward to welcoming my friends, Miller Hull, to San Diego and am eager to witness more of their outstanding designs grace the San Diego landscape.

At the southern end of La Jolla, California, as La Jolla Blvd makes its track down into Pacific Beach there lies a jewel of a neighborhood, Bird Rock. The local flavor of the Bird Rock neighborhood is a relaxed contrast to the well known Prospect strip crowded with shoppers and visitors. It would make sense if you lived in this area that you’d love a view of the grand Pacific and an easy spot check of the surf at Bird Rock from your roof deck, right? Absolutely, and that is exactly what the homeowner had in mind when he searched out the talents of interior designer Kristianne Watts of KW Designs, contractor Paul Spadone of Streamline Development, architect John Rumsey of MPA Architects. In addition to the design team, the selection of Weiland Sliding Doors to bring the incredible outdoor setting right into the living room was critical. On this day in early November I had the privilege to capture in image the talents of these four parties.

It was truly going to be a full day to capture all the images the design team desired of this project. Arriving on site at 6:30AM, my assistant Zack Benson and I went right to work with this dawn exterior image. During scouting I determined we would begin with this image looking east into the rising sun. This would allow us to capture images looking out to the setting sun in the dramatic light of dusk. Along the coast there is always a risk of morning overcast skies, which in the summer is more affectionately referred to as “June Gloom”. I know, I know, us spoiled San Diegans referring to cloud cover in the summer until noon as “June Gloom” when many would jump for 65º and overcast in July, right? This morning there was not a hint of gloom, it was crystal clear, deep cobalt blue sky and a breath of wind, perfect.

Moving inside, I took advantage of the soft morning light filtering into the master bedroom to photograph this space. Lighting is so critical to any successful photograph. The ability to “see” light, to understand its movements throughout the day for a given project and also how to build along side it with professional lighting equipment is a defining factor in architectural and interior photography. In addition to the existing daylight, a nice large softbox was set up outside to increase the lighting moving into the space. Additional accent lights were utilized to enhance the artwork, linens and wood of the dresser. It is these accents that really bring an image to life and add depth to a two dimensional image.

Just outside the master bedroom, the entry hall included a couple of original “Blue Dogs” by famed artist George Rodrigue. Having spent a decade in Louisiana, I’ve had the privilege of viewing quite a few of Rodrique’s signature pieces, but rarely do I run across them this far west of the Mississippi River, a nice surprise and reminder of the Bayou, not to mention the rich pop of color was perfect against the neutral walls.

Moving to the second floor kitchen entailed a few trips up and down the stairs, five minutes of cardio-photography is always a good midday boost, Starbucks isn’t bad either, but today was a cardio day. The kitchen brought lighting challenges of deep toned cabinetry that was also highly reflective. The flexibility that working digitally brings me today is terrific, especially in such a situation. Utilizing multiple layers and position lighting in different locations allowed me to blend multiple image layers resulting in illuminated cabinetry minus reflection. All of which could have been achieved in the days of film, but in the same time and efficiency, I’ll argue not. For the record I was a diehard large format film photographer for the first twelve years of my career, so I definitely look at it from both sides, film vs. digital.

Opposite the kitchen, the Living Room and the afternoon light begins to arrive, filling the space, the whole second floor actually with warm afternoon Fall sunlight. Of all the seasons, I’ve always been quite a fan of the Fall. There are afternoons like these, clear, crystal blue skies, and then those afternoons the fog banks roll in and you can disappear along the waters edge, even the sounds of the passing cars become swallowed and disappear in the fog. As the afternoon moves forward, as an architectural photographer, you also realize that dusk is marching briskly toward you. While working on one image, your mind is organizing the remaining images, checking the time, estimating how much time each will require and where you need to be at that magic hour. Plain and simple, this begins to become “go time”. A little less conversation possibly, focus dialed up a notch higher, the time when a top assistant is worth their wait in gold, and Zack is pure, like 24 carat.

I mentioned there were four parties involved in this projects photography, which is a great opportunity for all involved. For me, it also means capturing images to suit each of there needs. Last thing you want to run into is delivering a project and having one party to be displeased, my goal is to meet and exceed clients needs and expectations. Weiland Sliding Doors & Windows of Oceanside, California has been a client for the past few years and terrific to work with. The first time I opened one of their doors, a large door, huge piece of glass, I expected to exert a bit of energy, much to my surprise, turning the handle, releasing the doors, they slid like they were on ice. I was amazed, impressed and left dreaming of a home on the water that would provide just the right setting to enjoy Weiland’s doors.

Fourteen hours after that first image, the final image was captured. Again, scouting pays off, as there are often images that can be captured once every ounce of sunlight has left the sky. Creating all the light required with my own lighting, the equivalent to working in a studio, creating all the light required. There are challenges to creating 100% of the light, bring a real, natural light appearance; but also advantages, certainly greater control.

The Bird Rock Project, an outstanding project and did I mention LEED certified, so its good for mother earth as well, an all around winner. For me, each of these projects becomes filed in my hard drive, both literally, I mean these images are backed up in three separate locations, but also figuratively. I recall the weather, the light changing, the stories told throughout the day, the rising swell on this day that covered the horizon with perfectly spaced lumps as the sun set. The Coronado Islands were pristine, so vivid through the colorful afternoon sky. The adventure to a nearby buildings rooftop to check for potential angles, which didn’t come to fruition, but you don’t forget the climb up the wall and pulling up to the roof, and then the added joy of coming back down. All these bytes of memories, for me, are emblazoned into each image and that is why I love my work.