The two images below are the exact same residence, the exact same angle, the exact same day. Sure, you can probably see that. Will it surprise you then to learn that the two images were photographed only 22 minutes apart? A bit more intrigued now?

I photographed these two images to showcase the dramatic difference that lighting can make in a photograph. The first image was taken at the end of the day with no additional lighting equipment used. The sun was still the main lighting source. Because of the nature of the home’s architecture, beautifully designed by Scott Gilbride Architecture, the sun didn’t do a very good job reaching to the inside corners of the patio. In order to compensate for that, the exposure either gets longer, or the depth of field gets shorter (not ideal for architecture) and the sky, then, gets whiter. Indeed, you can see for yourself the overall dull appearance the home had.

In comparison, for the second image, I waited only 20 more minutes for the sun to go below the horizon, (becoming the ambient (or fill) light for the photo shoot). The main light source became my photography lights that I added with strategic placement to add light where needed as well as add a more dramatic feel overall to the photo. The home then became lit from the inside and outside, giving it a warm glow in appearance and a well deserved contrast from the rich blue sky from the dusk evening.

When searching to hire a professional architectural photographer, or even a professional photographer for other subject matters, please remember that lighting ALWAYS matters. It is important to find a photographer that is going to make your product, home, or business really shine, and that lighting is one of the very best ways we are going to do that for you!

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!

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.

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

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.

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

For her head shots, we wanted to have multiple “looks” to have variety in her portfolio. We LOVED shooting at The Oxford Hotel’s 10 Below Restaurant and Bar for the first part of her shoot. It’s sleek and classy, and gave a beautiful backdrop for Makayla’s images. Later, we went to an alley that will look quite familiar to the locals here Bend, Oregon. It’s graffiti-ed with some chalk artwork, spreading love and beauty to the brick backdrop and was a great spot for a more casual look for Makayla. The soft, natural light worked great in this spot too, showing her classic, flawless beauty quite nicely.

For more examples of my work, please check out my website at www.paulawattsphoto.com or stay where you’re at and click through the previous posts! It’s fun, I promise!