Keenan Building and Remodeling’s award winning bathroom
As an architectural photographer whose interior and exterior shots have been featured in Architectural Digest, Old House Journal, Design NJ and other publications, I like to share concise marketing ideas to optimize your investment in professional photography.
For this Morristown bathroom, my client Tina Keenan designed a custom, frameless and barrier-free shower enclosure for a renovation by Keenan Building and Remodeling in Piscataway.
This project blends great style with universal design features. It won a 2019 Master Design Award and was featured in Qualified Remodeler magazine, which highlighted projects from across the country for their use of “creative solutions in the construction of extraordinary projects.” The project also reached finalist stage in National Kitchen & Bath Association and Chysalis Awards competitions. (https://www.qualifiedremodeler.com/2019-master-design-awards-bathroom-50000-75000/)
One of the most exciting aspects of interior and architectural photography is quite literally the challenge of coming up with the best angle from which to showcase stand-out features.
To provide an edge in competition, my chosen angle in the photo shown emphasizes the shower stall by showing a third of the bathtub through its glass panels. This effectively spotlights my client's borderless design, creatively approaching the subject rather than merely documenting it.
Here are a few other strategies that came into play in photographing this unique room.
Planning: Tina sent me photos of the project as it neared completion, and we discussed the best options for the photo shoot. The goal of reviewing her pre-completion shots was to identify possible angles and select styling elements.
Harvesting light: My appraisal of the bathroom's natural light from conversations with Tina and the clues in her photos indicated that an early afternoon shoot would be ideal, so we began at noon. When possible, I schedule shoots at the most advantageous time to use direct light to accentuate the features of a particular space. However, I also use lighting equipment and proprietary techniques to ensure superior photos at any time of day or evening.
Styling props: With this bathroom's Zen mood, I wanted minimal but effective props that would evoke visions of muscle-relieving showers and stress-releasing tub soaks. I suggested a bathrobe, matching white towels and wine. Tina added the Asian stool, bamboo tub tray and faux candle.
Attention to detail: Strong styling is crucial for exceptional photographs. When a national shelter publication commissions a shoot, a professional stylist is almost always involved. We've all noticed how photos on that level will have an extra degree of polish.
Storytelling: I often stage shots to give the impression that someone using the room has just stepped out momentarily. Here, a glowing candle and the glass of wine help tell more of a story about the beautiful room. It's evocative. To better understand visual storytelling, consider the difference between a picture of an espresso maker versus a shot with the action of espresso streaming from that same machine into an elegant cup.
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