Preparing for a Professional Photographer

Following my last post about Finding the Right Architectural Photographer, this is another great article by the good ole people at AIA (American Institute of Architects) and ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers) discussing expectations with the professional architectural photographer you choose, covering topics like avoiding un-necessary costs and surprises, as well as giving a helpful checklist in making sure all areas of the photo shoot are covered before the photographer even steps foot on the property.

If you are looking to hire a professional architectural photographer, and just don’t know where to start or what to expect, this article is perfect for you!

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As always, if you have any questions you would like to further discuss with a professional architectural photographer, please don’t hesitate to email at info@paulawattsphoto.com or call at #541-255-5834.

How to Find the Right Architectural Photographer for You!

Are you looking for a professional architectural photographer, but just don’t know where to start? Or, perhaps, you are using a photographer that specializes in portraits, and you don’t know the difference? If this is you, this article is for YOU!

No matter what profession you are in, educating your clients in your field is so important. Not only will they understand where you are coming from in regards to expertise, costs associated, etc, but, they will be able to better realize why they even need your services in the first place. Same goes with photographers. I dare say, even more so with photographers, but then again, I am biased.

With the help of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) and the ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers), this article helps iron out key points to finding an architectural photographer that not only meets your needs, but with the proper quality and expertise.

If you have any further questions regarding architectural photography or finding a photographer that fits you, please feel free to email at info@paulawattsphoto.com or call at #541-255-5834

leadership, disciplines, design disciplines, architectural photographer

leadership, disciplines, design disciplines, architectural photo

Artisan Landscaping | Architectural Photographer, Oregon

Artisan Landscaping | Architectural Photographer, Oregon

Wheww… it’s been a while since I’ve blogged. I’m sure everyone has their excuses, but mine is just out of sheer, head spinning, business. The saying “When it rains, it pours” could not explain my business more in this season. I’m not complaining, but instead, feel very blessed for my clients, new and old, who have put their trust in me for their photography needs.

A new client, Artisan: Outdoor Living & Landscape, hired me to photograph a home’s landscaping project in the Highlands. Before I met Kevin, owner of Artisan, at the home (residence to remain un-named), I had no idea what to expect – accept that I knew Artisan did beautiful work. I was blown away! Streams of water flowing around the home, rock formations (made by Artisan), waterfalls spilling into the pool, outdoor kitchen and bar, fire pits, an outdoor pizza oven, the WORKS! It was a photographer’s dream!

In order to accomplish the images seen below, the right time of day was crucial. In addition, highlighting certain key elements in the frame with the technical ability of proper lighting went hand in hand with what the sun was doing. Getting the right feel and mood to showcase this project was also a factor in deciding lighting placement and intensity. All in all, the client was thrilled, which means, I’m thrilled!

The recent issue of 1859 Magazine shows the final advertisement, designed beautifully by Dawn Boone Creative, here in Bend Oregon. Keep an eye out for more landscaping design by Artisan and images by yours truly.

Highlands Residence Landscaping Photographer

NKBA’s TOP 10 Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2010 | Architectural Photographer Bend Oregon

NKBA’s TOP 10 Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2010 | Architectural Photographer Bend Oregon

To check out a recent HGTV Pro.com article on the National Kitchen and Bath Associations’s picks for TOP 10 Trends in 2010, click the link below. One of my images has been selected from a project designed by Kirsti Wolfe Designs.

http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/photo_template/article/0,3140,HPRO_28216_6027344_04,00.html

If you want to see more images from that same residence, click here: http://tinyurl.com/2eso73m

Studio Absolute | Professional Photographer, Bend Oregon
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Studio Absolute | Professional Photographer, Bend Oregon

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing imagery for the design and branding firm, Studio Absolute. Russ and Cheryl McIntosh are not only incredible people and good friends of mine, but they are also so talented in their field. They provide high end design solutions and branding to drive the right clients to your business.

Studio Absolute recently moved to a new location in Tumalo, Oregon and needed imagery for their marketing collateral. I photographed the exterior and interior of their new space, as well as some imagery showing the details within their space. In addition, I wanted to do something fun to showcase them around their space, so we worked with some blurred motion within an interior image of their office.

After receiving their images, Cheryl had this to say… “As a branding and design firm, every touchpoint of our business is under the microscope for its ability to reach and inspire the target market. After trusting Paula to tell several of our clients’ stories through photography, we knew she would do a great job showcasing our new studio. She exceeded our expectations on timing and the quality of the work. We keep asking ourselves, ‘How did she do that?'”  Cheryl continues…
“We have a good, quality camera and an eye for design, so we had taken a lot of our own shots of the studio. But we were blown away with Paula’s ability to make our space come alive with her creativity and lighting expertise. Just like hiring a designer–it’s well worth bringing on a trained professional verses a skilled hobbyist. We’re thrilled with the results.”

Below are a few examples of what came out of our time together yesterday. Enjoy!

Studio Absolute Tumalo Professional Photographer

Branding Design Photographry Bend Oregon

Oregon Professional Architectural photographer

Oregon Professional commercial Photography

Bend Oregon Commercial Photographer

Bend Oregon commercial Photography

Log Home | Bend, OR Architectural Photographer

Log Home | Bend, OR Architectural Photographer

On a new project for the very talented Hansmann and Sons Construction, I was hired to photograph a newly remodeled log home in Central Oregon. Besides the residence being very secluded with its mountain views and private lake, the craftsmanship of the home completed by Steve and Julie Hansmann made the home beautiful and exactly what you’d desire for a log home in Central Oregon. Steve and Julie have been building custom homes for over 30 years! To see more of their beautiful work, visit their website at www.hansmannandsons.com

When it comes to architectural photography, are you satisfied with your photographer? Are you receiving the quality and attention to detail that your project deserves? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard things like, “I’m having a family friend photograph my project” or “I met this portrait photographer who is photographing my latest home design”. When choosing an architectural photographer, there are more things to consider than whether someone has a camera or not. Look through any national architecture magazine. Lighting is probably the number one thing that will make an architectural photograph really stand out. And when it comes to your project, your baby, your blood, sweat and tears that you have been working on for the last few months or even year, wouldn’t you want a photographer that makes your home or commercial project really shine? Finding a professional architectural photographer doesn’t have to be so overwhelming. If you have any questions regarding your next photography project, please don’t hesitate to call or email. Check out my other architectural photography projects by visiting www.paulawattsphoto.com. I love what I do for a living, and bring that passion to each and every job I work on.

La Pine Professional Architectural Photographer

Oregon Environmental Photographer

Lenity Group | Oregon Architectural Photographer
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Lenity Group | Oregon Architectural Photographer

I simply love my job. I feel incredibly blessed to feel like I’m doing exactly what I was intended to do. What’s even better than that? Amazing clients! On a recent project, I was hired by Lenity Group, a large architectural and planning firm in Salem, Oregon to photograph their office building and staff head shots for their new branding and website project.

For this shoot, I worked in collaboration with the wonderfully talented branding and design firm, Studio Absolute, to photograph images that speak to the branding and marketability of the architectural firm. Together, we had a blast working with Lenity Group and their amazing staff to ensure that their personalities and professionalism came through in each image. Below, I have included samples of my images from the photo shoot as well as the final work in context to Lenity’s new website. To view the entire site, visit: www.lenitygroup.com

SIDE NOTE: Hiring a professional branding and design firm like Studio Absolute doubles the impact of the quality photography you have interested in. A good marriage of professional photography and design captures the attention of your audience and makes the most of your marketing dollars.

Oregon Modern Architecture Photographer

Portland Professional Commercial Architectural Photographer

Architecture Business headshot photographer

Shevlin Commons Residence | Bend, Oregon

Shevlin Commons Residence | Bend, Oregon

I have been so fortunate to have some amazingly talented clients. Recently, I have worked a lot with Kirsti Wolfe Designs and her amazing team of experts (Scott Gilbride Architecture, Greg Vendrame Construction, etc) on some gorgeous custom homes. This last home is no exception. In fact, this beautifully crafted, modern home is nestled in the backyard of the Cascade Mountains in Shevlin Commons and is flawless from head to toe.

Because this home has so many custom features, from the Sub-Zero Refrigerator designed by Kirsti Wolfe to the hood of the stove by Milo Art, to the custom built-in cabinetry and bathroom vanities by Gabe Dansky Handcrafted (just to name a few), I photographed almost every seam of the house. (exteriors to come in Spring). Here are a few images to give you a good feel of the house and beautiful nature of the craftsmanship I feel so lucky to be apart of. Enjoy!

Kitchen Professional Architectural Photographer

Central Oregon Professional Photographer

Bathroom Architectural Photographer Oregon

Tub Photography Oregon Photography

Pronghorn Residence | Oregon Architectural Photographer

Pronghorn Residence | Oregon Architectural Photographer

Well, admittedly, I have slacked a bit on blogging my latest projects. I apologize to all my readers who have sat on the edges of their seats ( I know you must be out there, somewhere ). To ring in the New Year, I have decided to be a more diligent “Blogger” and hopefully be a resource for those looking to hire an experienced professional photographer.

In a world where buying a digital camera *allows* (and I use that word lightly) one to claim to be a professional photographer, as a client, being aware of the quality you are looking for and the final result you wish to attain is key. Hopefully, by posting some images and resources, this blog will be an important guide in helping make that (somewhat difficult) choice in choosing the right photographer and make your business, inevitably, look better, with an end goal of reaching your target clients a bit easier for you.

To end this post, I wanted to post two images from a recent architectural photo shoot for one of my very favorite clients, Kirsti Wolfe Designs at a residence in Pronghorn, Bend, Oregon. She wanted the images to showcase the beautiful structural and interior design of the kitchen, including her custom designed Sub Zero refrigerator. Absolutely Remarkable!

Bend Professional Architectural Photographer