Category Archives: Chicago Architecture Photography

Cartier Michigan Ave. Remodel

Since their founding in Paris in 1847, the luxury brand Cartier has been synonymous exceptional craftsmanship and elegant design. In 2019, Cartier remodeled their North Michigan Avenue boutique; it took several months, but the location was eventually transformed top to bottom. There was a new color scheme, new carpeting, new furniture, and new display cabinets, all to showcase the high quality jewelry and watches. I was called in to document the glorious changes.

Hyde Park Architecture Photography

I photographed this recently-constructed single family home in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago for the developer. This stylish contemporary home set a record for the highest selling price in the Woodlawn section of Hyde Park, just south of the University of Chicago: $599,000.  This is a harbinger of what will be happening all over Hyde Park once the Obama Presidential Center is built just a few blocks to the east. 

North 680 Apartments

Just completed extensive architectural photography at North 680, a newly-opened luxury apartment community in Schaumburg IL. My client was HPA Design Group, an interior design company based in Dallas. I tried to capture the upscale, but comfortable interior spaces by using predominantly natural light.

The Homestead Hotel in Evanston

Nestled on a quiet leafy street in suburban Evanston, The Homestead is boutique hotel with a European ambiance, but the staff speaks English. I had the privilege of photographing the hotel earlier in the week and tried to capture the warmth and intimacy of the property. I could imagine spending a long peaceful morning on the veranda with coffee, pastries and the quiet hum of birds chirping.

The “Grand Tour” Rolls Through Chicago

Wine Spectator magazine’s much-loved Grand Tour hit Chicago last week and attendees were able to taste 244 of the world’s best wines. Under the glittering dome of Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom, the finest vintages from France, Italy, California, Australia and other wine locales were there for the sipping. If you don’t know your Le Clarence de Haut-Brion from your La Carte de Haut-Brion, this was your opportunity to taste them both and finally decide which goes better with your favorite rack of lamb recipe. 

Chicago’s Victorian Heritage

Chicago is a virtual museum of Victorian-era structures.  Sure, an enormous number of buildings were destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but those were in the downtown and near north area. If you explore Old Town and parts of Lincoln Park today you will discover a treasure trove of Victorian houses and commercial buildings. This just adds to the reputation of Chicago as one of the world’s finest cities for architectural excellence.

New architecture photography

Just completed photography of a commercial office building in the northwest suburbs, MLG restaurant in Lake Forest, and a five bedroom house in Hyde Park. The office building shoot was delayed many times while we waited for the parking lot to be repaved. Thankfully the house and restaurant photos went without any delays.

Chicago’s Big Dig

Meade has been involved in some of the largest utility-related projects in Chicago for the past 108 years. Clients depend on Meade for all types of design, construction, and maintenance of electrical power and natural gas distribution systems and telecommunications technologies. I spent three chilly days documenting the installation of a natural gas pipeline under the Kennedy Expressway. The massive equipment belied the level of precision needed for this project to be successful–the pipes had to meet up within millimeters under the expressway. Exacting work, and a fascinating photo shoot.

Spiaggia food and wine pairings for Wine & Spirits magazine

Last January I had the delicious pleasure of photographing food and wine pairings at renown Spiaggia restaurant on North Michigan Avenue for Wine & Spirits magazine. Since its inception, Spiaggia has garnered a smorgasbord of awards for its food, wine selection, and chefs, including James Beard awards and a Michelin star. In addition to the food and wine pairings, I photographed the interior space, Chef Chris Marchino, and Sommelier and Beverage Director Rachel Lowe.

The Joys of Industrial Photography

It’s cold, it’s dirty, it’s loud, and it’s often dangerous.  No, I’m not talking about fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, rather I’m referring to doing industrial photography. To most people, factory floors are grey and boring and to be avoided whenever possible, but I find them to be a vibrant source of creative photography. The mix of complex machinery and workers engaged in a variety of activities get my creative juices flowing, and it’s such a refreshing change from the typical white-walled suburban corporate headquarters. I recently completed a series of assignments for Vapor Power, a manufacturer of industrial boilers; while my clothes and equipment always came back dirty, and I needed to be constantly alert to potentially dangerous situations, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.