Tag Archives: Chicago architecture photographer

Chicago Fantasy

Months of sheltering in place as a result of Covid-19 effect many changes internally and externally. Being physically distant from my hometown for an extended period activated my imagination and I began to see the city in a new and altered light. What will Chicago be like when the fog is lifted? Will the changes be temporary or permanent? Only time will tell, but here are some visual musings of the city I love and miss.

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.

Video Display at Northwestern Univ.

Photo assignment at the new Segal Visitors Center at Northwestern University in Evanston IL. The two expansive video displays were created by Planar and are valuable tools in making students and visitors aware of the university culture and events.

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.

Unofficial Cubs Museum

Hidden from view and unbeknownst to most Cubs fans is a virtual Hall of Fame/museum paying homage to the 100-plus years of Chicago Cubs baseball. Beneath the left and right field bleachers at historic Wrigley Field is a concourse with memorabilia honoring Cubs legends through the years. This subterranean gallery was installed just this past year, and while I was visiting the “Friendly Confines” I managed to photograph the installation. When the Cubs win the World Series in a few weeks, I hope the gallery will be open to the millions of fans clamoring to get “up close and personal” with the world’s favorite baseball team.

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.