Inhabit your space

When you are commissioning photography of one of your projects consider adding a portrait of yourself taken in the space to your shot list. You can utilize the image for your own web, marketing and blog.

While working in California recently I had the opportunity to just that, photograph a portriat of another one of my CA based clients, exhibit designer Mitchell Mauk, principal of Mauk Design Inc. San Francisco. Mitchell had recently completed the design of aerial photographer Robert Cameron's large format print exhibit at the Metreon building in downtown San Francisco. This exhibit will run through March 2010. It's a great show, try to take it in if you are in the city.

Happy Holidays 2009

Thank you to all my regular and new clients in 2009 for providing me with great projects to photograph for you this year. It has been a pleasure working with you all and I appreciate you choosing me to help you document and market your projects.

Happy Holidays to you in 2009 and I look forward to working with you again in 2010.
Andy Caulfield

My Workshop-Build Boston 2009

At this year's Build Boston 2009 I will be part of a panel presentation on "Architectural Photography in the New Economy" workshop # A49 on Wednesday November 18th at 1PM. I will speak about utilizing the AIA & ASMP's booklet "Commissioning Architectural Photography" in preparing for your next photography shoot. With tips on getting the job photographed the way you want within your (reasonable) budget. I'll also talk about digital postproduction and when to best utilize this powerful image enhancing tool. Please attend and ask questions about how to improve your firm's marketing images. I will also have images in the show floor gallery by SAIA-Sterling Architects and McManus Architects both of Cambridge, MA.

Here is a link to the AIA ASMP booklet in PDF form:
http://asmp.org/articles/working-with-an-architectural-photographer.html

Time and Tide

I photographed this dusk exterior of an existing office building for a property management firm. One of the views I was asked to make was that of the building at dusk. The companion request was that the estuary river be at high tide. As dusk and high tide did not occur at the same time I was able to photograph the building at high tide and then an hour or so later begin my exposure sequence for the building's dusk lighting. With digital postproduction I was able to combine the two views into one for a believable view. When water is a factor in your photograph you should build your shoot schedule around the tide charts as well as the light.

Take the High Line

During a recent assignment in New York I paid a visit to the Chelsea district's "High Line". This is a repurposing of the old elevated train right of way into a pedestrian park two stories above the city streets. It is a breathtaking view of this part of the city and a great place to watch the sunset. If you have the opportunity visit the High Line which travels right under the new Standard hotel, for a leisurely walk above the city.

Put a face on it

I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Boston to photograph some of their projects in the Boston area. This year I have begun to photograph a new single family home site in Needham for Habitat's use on their web site and for fundraising. Mostly I have been photographing the progress of the construction and details of the site and volunteers. One of my best images is of the future home owners during a work break in what will be the first floor of their new home. They are very proud of what they have achieved. Sometimes the best image of a building is when you can put a face on it.

To donate to Habitat Boston or this specific project follow these links:
http://www.habitatboston.org
http://www.needhamhabitat.org

Your best view may be from the water!

As part of my recent photography of the Marine Mammal Center at the New England Aquarium I needed to photograph views that focused on the landscape architecture. As a project that borders Boston Harbor the best view of this landscape design was from the water. The NE Aquarium provided a boat and skilled captain who was able to position the craft in many places for great views. This design by Halvorson Design Partnership was also a view that would have been compromised by the installation of a semi-permanent event tent. But I was able to make this compelling view even though this extension of the Boston Harbor walk was not yet open to the public.