JStephenYoung.com - Architecture + Interiors + Travel Photographer

CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURE - Rodgers Builders Inc.

2012-02-23T08:41:00.000-05:00

New hi-rise office upfit for one of the world's largest professional service firms.

Rodgers Builders, Inc.
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There's an App for That

2012-01-20T13:10:00.004-05:00

I've been hired by a New York-based developer of smartphone apps of city visitor bar and restaurant recommendations. Soon, these photos will be seen on the phones of visitors and locals searching for places to dine and drink in New Orleans.
So far, I've photographed 40 locations and am enjoying the incomparable hospitality of The Big Easy.

Some of the interesting locations...

International House Hotel and Loa Bar

Bittersweet Confections

Arnaud's

Eleven 79

Napoleon House

Clever Wine Bar

K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen

Willie Mae's Scotch House for some of America's Best Fried Chicken - as voted by Food Network.

Galatoire's

Ruby Slipper Café

Be Pinteresting for $250 (see below)

2012-01-13T14:45:00.020-05:00

Does your stuff photograph well? Do you want to be more cool and interesting to your customers/clients?
If yes, then you might want to be on Pinterest.

Pinterest is the place online where you go to explore, discover, and share cool (pictures of) stuff. You create online pinboards about the things you love just like you do with magazines, scissors, and a scrapbook.
Here's an early version of my Pinterest page, www.Pinterest.com/jstephenyoung
I joined Pinterest, answered a few questions, and created my pin boards. Then I found cool pictures that I will have when I go shopping for stuff for my new apartment. I also created boards for my other interests:
"Insanely Fascinating People", "Valentine's for Your Guy" and "Valentine's for Your Girl"
It's that easy!

Do you have a blog that feels like a lot of work to maintain or do you wish you could have a simpler way to express what your business is all about but you don’t have the time to update a website or blog? If so, then Pinterest may be great for you and your business.

Here's how easy it is to "Be Pinteresting"

Join - It's quickest to be invited by someone who's already on Pinterest.
Create pin boards - about the things you love (or lust).
Promote others - In addition to being good karma, this works. I will take great hi-res photos of your creations that you OWN and can use anywhere, including on Pinterest and in ads and on your business website. Then, spend just a little time also pinning other stuff and you will Be More Savvy about what people like, and you will promote the essence of your brand.

I want to help you Be Pinteresting.

My rates:

$250 Retail photos, New Orleans-area: up to one hour and 1 dozen hi-res professional images that you OWN.

(product photos in your shop or restaurant, styled by your staff & using store lighting)

-or-

Architecture & Interiors photos: $750/half-day or $1,200 per day.
(see Architecture & Interiors photos here)

Call/Text or email me today to schedule your shoot.
704.907.6527
(jstephenyoung at gmail)

American Express’s Open Forum has a great article on “Pinterest for Brands: 5 Hot Tips.”
Read the entire article here.

Subtle Holiday Decorating in a Designer's Own Home

2011-12-28T18:34:00.001-05:00

Designer Curtis Herring of New Orleans proves that holiday decorating can be both subtle and distinctive.

CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURE - Rodgers Builders Inc. & Gantt Huberman Architects, PLLC

2011-11-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

New education and training facility of Central Piedmont Community College.

Rodgers Builders, Inc.
Visit Rodgers
Gantt Huberman Architects, PLLC
Visit Gantt Huberman

ARCHITECTURE - Kent Lineberger Architecture - A Bachelor's Kitchen Remodel

2011-11-22T04:50:00.000-05:00

INTERIORS - Laura Casey Interiors - Fresh Florals in Focus

2011-11-21T04:45:00.006-05:00

Laura Casey Interiors
Visit Laura Casey Interiors

INTERIORS - Anita Holland Interiors - Lake James Cabin Retreat

2011-11-18T07:44:00.002-05:00

My friend and client Kent Lineberger called a few weeks ago to plan a shoot at a remote mountain/lake retreat that he had designed for a Charlotte NC family. When Kent said I would want to pack a bag and stay over the weekend, he wasn't kidding. Our host family greeted us in the driveway with an invitation to the homemade lunch they were serving on the enclosed porch. Interior designer Anita Holland and her team were busy inside making last minute preparations. From the enthusiasm of the architect to the hospitality of the homeowners and the true pleasure of working with the designer, I realized this is why I do what I do.
Thank you Kent, Anita, and everyone else for such an enjoyable afternoon. NEXT time, I WILL bring a toothbrush and stow away in the upstairs sleeping porch when no one is looking.

A few days after the shoot, Anita sent the following note:
"Stephen, thank you for the beautiful work that you did on our recent lake home photo shoot... I am thrilled with the results as I think they truly capture the spirit and essence of the house, interior design work, and the architecture.
It was great to finally have the opportunity to work with you." - Anita Holland, ASID

HHDT - (How'd he do that?)
1st & 2nd images - a vertical shot with a wide-angle lens requires special attention is paid to objects in the foreground. Be mindful of chandeliers as they can appear to be much closer to the camera. We moved the ottoman and club chair about a dozen times to find the proper placement. In both shots, supplemental lighting was used to soften the harsh shadows coming from the bright sunlight. A 2nd, much lower exposure was taken to capture the view beyond the kitchen windows. The images were combined in photo editing software to simulate a natural view (what our eyes see).

In the 3rd photo, the kitchen blinds were completely closed for a shot that captured the rich grain of the wood floor without the glare of sunlight. Then, we raised the blinds and took a low-exposure shot just for the view of the hill rising beyond the windows. Finally, a 3rd shot was taken, exposed properly for the room (counters, cabinets, etc.) Of course the camera remains stationary on a tripod through all this.
If you bump my tripod, you're automatically obligated to buy the first round of post-shoot adult beverages :)

The 4th shot was the most challenging. I should have taken a "here's what the room looks like" photo. When the dining room was finally set up for the shot, a casual observer would (did) think we were crazy. Dining chairs appeared out of place. Plates and glasses were not "in front of" the appropriate chair and the orchid and vase were nowhere near the center of the table. Design magazines often include "before" and "after" shots. I think I'm going to start including "during" and after shots.

But, all of this was fun because everyone enjoyed helping out. Thank you Anita, Kent, Boyd, and our hosts. - Stephen

Kent Lineberger Architecture

Anita Holland, ASID
Anita Holland Interiors
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INTERIORS - David Smith Interiors - A Sunroom Transition

2011-11-17T04:00:00.000-05:00

ARCHITECTURE / CONSTRUCTION - Duke University Medical Center - Medical Office Building

2011-11-16T04:00:00.000-05:00

Duke Medicine
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CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURE - Rodgers Builders, Inc + LS3P - New Culinary Education Facility

2011-11-15T03:44:00.000-05:00

Administration + student dining

Industrial teaching kitchen

Rodgers Builders, Inc.
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LS3P
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CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURE - Rodgers Builders, Inc + BBH Design - Carolinas Medical Center - Steele Creek Healthcare Pavilion

2011-11-14T05:16:00.004-05:00

80,000 square foot Healthcare Pavilion with 26,000 sf stand-alone Emergency Department.

Rodgers Builders, Inc.
Visit Rodgers Builders

BBH Design
Visit BBH Design

Stephen Recommends - "Best Ugly - Restaurant Concepts & Architecture by AvroKo"

2011-10-12T09:12:00.002-04:00

Partners Greg Bradshaw, Adam Farmerie, Kristina O'Neal, and William Harris founded AvroKO because of their "collective obsession with meaning. They research every cultural nuance and social context until they reach a thorough understanding of the psychological concept of a project."

"Best Ugly" may be compared to the more familiar term, "Wabi Sabi" which is an Asian reference to the beauty of imperfection. Best Ugly is about something that feels right but for reasons that are not obvious. My favorite example of this is AvroKo's design of The Stanton Social, a restaurant at 99 Stanton Street. While paying homage to the clothiers of the Lower East Side, the team chose to avoid the obvious. They collected period images and samples from vintage shops and flea markets seeking "elements of the feeling" rather than blatant representations. You won't find the space adorned with antique sewing machines or similar kitsch. It is noticeably tactile, evoking the "life of another era, and yet avoiding any outright nostalgia." Upon entering you'll soon notice an impressive wall of wine that seems vaguely familiar. Its design was inspired by herringbone fabric. Patrons are not likely to recognize this while dining but they're almost certain to leave with a subtle, perhaps subliminal connection to the space.
This is creative genius.

Thank you Greg, Adam, Kristina, William, and the rest of your team for the inspiration.

Enjoy over 2 dozen pages of "Best Ugly" here.

The book's been around for a few years and may not be easy to find. Let's plan a shoot and I'll bring along my copy to share. - Stephen

INTERIORS - Mark Phelps Interiors - Elegant Coffee Table Book

2011-10-03T06:30:00.006-04:00

In the introduction to his book, Care of the Soul, Thomas Moore said, "When you look closely at the image of soulfulness, you see that it is tied to life in all its particulars - good food, satisfying conversation, genuine friends, and experiences that stay in the memory and touch the heart. Soul is revealed in attachment, love and community as well as in retreat on behalf of inner communing and intimacy."

It was during a summer weekend retreat in the mountains communing with genuine friends over good food (and great wine) that I realized my enthusiasm for photographing beautiful places and passionate people.

Traveling with only a pocket camera I captured images of soulfulness - spectacular sunsets, a weathered barn, wildlife, meals, interactions - and crafted my first coffee table book as a gesture of gratitude to our host.

Living in a culture that has embraced video - from mobile phones to elaborate home theaters and "reality TV", it's easy to forget the influence of a single still image or collection of images.

_____
Designer Mark Phelps of Mark Phelps Interiors commissioned me to craft a bound book of images of his personal home (24 hours prior to moving day).
Now Mark has an elegant collection of memories and an impressive presentation of his style to share with friends and new clients.

More photos from Mark's (and pup, Maggie's) book -

Mark Phelps Interiors
Visit Mark Phelps Interiors

INTERIORS - Cottage Chic - An All-Day Shoot With the Staff of a Retail Lifestyle Store

2011-10-01T21:40:00.000-04:00

2 of 102 images

This fun shoot resulted in 102 great images and the following email from the partner/owner of the shop:
"Oh Stephen, The photos are truly beautiful. Thank you so much for capturing the beauty as well as the fun at Cottage Chic. We've had professional pictures taken in the past, but this is the first time I've felt really proud to use the images. Thank you, thank you, thank you." - Mary I. Council

Cottage Chic
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INTERIORS - DCI Home Resource - Full Moon Over Downtown

2011-09-30T03:59:00.002-04:00

During a shoot with DCI Home Resource I captured this not-too-shabby view from the client's balcony. Be on the lookout for some great interiors/restorations images from DCI projects which I will post over the coming weeks.

DCI Home Resource
Visit DCI

CONSTRUCTION / INTERIORS - Hubert Whitlock Builders & Circa Interiors - Executive Estate Home

2011-09-28T04:04:00.003-04:00

Hubert Whitlock Builders, Inc.
Visit Whitlock Builders
Visit GuildQuality survey results about HWB, Inc

Circa Interiors and Antiques
Visit Circa

ARCHITECTURE - Kent Lineberger Architecture - A Traditional Update

2011-09-26T04:00:00.005-04:00

HHDT - (How'd he do that?)
All 3 images were shot with a 12-24mm wide-angle lens.
As in most daytime, interior shoots, it was necessary to capture more than one exposure for each scene - one exposure for the room, another for the windows, and then combine the two images in photo editing software. Supplemental lighting was used to soften the harsh shadows under the tables.
In image 2, if the light had been any brighter on the floor, I would have taken an additional shot with the door closed to capture the flooring for a final shot.
In the 3rd image, the homeowner's 100-watt light bulbs were replaced with extra-low wattage bulbs for the shot.

Kent Lineberger Architecture

ARCHITECTURE / CONSTRUCTION - Duke University Medical Center - Medical Office Building

2011-09-23T04:00:00.008-04:00

HHDT - (How'd he do that?)

Because the shoot was scheduled for the middle of a bright afternoon, I substituted a sky from a collection of photos that I took for this purpose. Because the added sky is from another southeastern US location, it does not appear unnatural when added to this shot.

Harsh white parking lot lines were removed. Some of the parking/traffic signs were removed to minimize distraction.

Finally, the area under the canopy was lightened as the original image appeared too dark due to the location of the sun.

Duke Medicine
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INTERIORS - David Smith Interiors - Design for Lakefront Home

2011-09-22T05:00:00.008-04:00

Working with David Smith is always a pleasure. He's especially well-organized and knows exactly what he's looking for in his photos. I always welcome my clients to join me on the shoots and, when they do so, I ask for their input and feedback regarding composition. We're both happy when I leave a location with great images that I know the client has already approved.

Be sure to visit David's lovely retail shop, Custom Interiors in Cornelius, NC near Lake Norman.

David Smith Interiors
Visit David Smith / Custom Interiors

INTERIORS - Kelly Cruz Interiors, Inc. Designer Showhouse in a Former Bank Hi-Rise

2011-09-21T04:00:00.013-04:00

HHDT - (How'd he do that?)

I photographed this designer's show house condo in the middle of the night. (Actually, it was 10pm which was late for this guy who never misses a sunrise. I had the music cranked up so I was dancing as I was shooting)

Because it was shot at night, the strong sunlight coming through the hi-rise's windows did not interfere with the ambience created by Kelly Cruz's design. (see a similar shot below of the same room photographed during the day)

I added the light under the table and removed the power cord with photo editing software.

Kelly Cruz Interiors, Inc.

ARCHITECTURE - Clearscapes' Restoration of an Historic Community Theater

2011-09-20T04:00:00.002-04:00

Clearscapes (Architecture + Art)
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CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURE - Rodgers Builders, Inc. - New Images of Previous Projects Needed for Substantial Bid Proposal

2011-09-19T03:56:00.001-04:00

In preparing for a substantial bid proposal for a new sports stadium facility, Rodgers Builders called upon me to shoot new photos of previously completed stadium projects. I was asked to capture the expansiveness of the facilities to convey the commercial builder's capability in their presentation.
The Result: in an email response upon seeing my images, Rodgers' Senior Vice President, David C. Page stated, "Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Over the top!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Outstanding!!!!!!!!"

By the way, they got it.

Rodgers Builders, Inc.
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INTERIORS - Kelly Cruz Interiors, Inc. - Dramatic Yet Comfortable Bedroom

2011-09-16T08:42:00.000-04:00

Be sure to stop by Charlotte, NC's March of Dimes designer show house to see Kelly's and Heather's complete re-do of the entire 3rd floor media suite.
Friday, October 7, 2011 to Sunday, October 16, 2011

Kelly Cruz Interiors, Inc.
Visit Kelly Cruz

2011 March of Dimes Designer Show House, Charlotte NC
Visit Designer Show House

TRAVEL - Speeding Along at the Crawl - Hickory, NC Semi-Annual Art Crawl

2011-09-15T22:15:00.008-04:00

How many people can you recognize in the video?

Fanjoy Labrenz Photography Studio - the performers were Something Else
The Jackson Group
Union Square Emporium
Taste Full Beans Coffee & Ice Cream Shop
Potters at Healthy Home Market
Diners at Full Circle Arts
The Crowd at Union Square

Andy Beck performing at Union Square. This guy is GOOD! Stop by Hickory's Copper Bean Coffee sometime and perhaps he'll have one of his CDs to share.

INTERIORS - Laura Casey Interiors - Modern Bungalow and Vignette

2011-09-12T11:41:00.006-04:00

Laura Casey designs with a refined, yet subtle, elegance. I mentioned to Laura that her style reminds me of a designer made famous by a certain longtime afternoon talk-show host. Yet, she goes beyond Nate's work by complimenting the client's style rather than overwriting it.
And, that's what I seek to do when photographing a location. Whether shooting a building or interior space, I look for clues that express the owner's style and integrate that with my client's aesthetic. It took me just a moment to notice the homeowner's copy of "Ashes and Snow" - the coffee table book with the brown, handmade paper cover. Upon seeing that book, I understood better what my client's client (the homeowner) values. Then I framed the shots keeping all of this in mind - my experience, the designer's aesthetic, and just a hint of what her client considers important.
Google "Ashes and Snow" to see what I mean. Or, call me sometime and, over coffee or a glass of wine, I'll share with you my copy of the book. It too presents with a refined, yet subtle elegance.

Laura Casey Interiors
Visit Laura Casey Interiors

ARCHITECTURE - Moving & Shaking at the 2011 NC AIA Design Conference

2011-09-10T10:37:00.013-04:00

Click here to see ALL photos from the weekend conference: "The Faces of NC AIA"

Individual photos may be downloaded from the "faces" link above. Simply hover over the image you want and select the size to download. "Original" is the largest, hi-res size, great for printing but too large for online use. In this case you might select a smaller size.

On the 2nd screen, you can choose to save the image to a location on your computer.

When you use the images online or in print, please credit as:
"Photo by JStephenYoung.com"
You might also use the Facebook and other social links below to share this blog post.

Thanks, Stephen

ARCHITECTURE - 1000 Postcards With Every Photo Shoot

2011-09-07T07:14:00.005-04:00

1000 free postcards (similar to mine above) will be included with each day of Architecture/Interiors shoots completed prior to November 1. These are great to include with your end-of-year Holiday greetings and to start 2012 with a beautiful example of your work to share with clients, potential clients, media, etc.

Here's how it works:
- we schedule in September or October one or more days to photograph your projects
- upon completion, you select one image for every day of photo shoots
example, if we shoot for 1 day (1 or more locations), you will receive 1000 postcards
if we shoot for 4 days (multiple locations), you will receive 4 sets of 1000 postcards
(postcards are full-color front - back is white with up to 5 lines of text)

TRAVEL - Art in the Shop hosts Gigi Dover & the Big Love

2011-09-04T12:19:00.011-04:00

Art in the Shop in Taylorsville, NC

Art in the Shop's annual event was Saturday, October 1.

ARCHITECTURE - Moseley Architects - 2011 Excellence in School Building Design Honor Award

2011-08-29T07:23:00.007-04:00

Mamie P. Whitesides Elementary School is located on Rifle Range Road in Mount Pleasant, SC. The Charleston County School District project was designed by Moseley Architects. The school design is the recipient of a 2011 Excellence in School Building and Design HONOR AWARD, the highest award from the South Carolina Chapter of the Council for Educational Facility Planners, International.

More photos from the shoot:

Thank you Whitesides principal Ms. Lona Pounder and your staff for such a warm welcome over the 2-day shoot.

Moseley Architects P.C.
Visit Moseley Architects

INTERIORS - 4 Designers of the March of Dimes Show House

2011-08-10T03:14:00.000-04:00

This weekend, you may like to visit the Charlotte, NC March of Dimes Designer Show House. Today and tomorrow I'm sharing images from 4 of the dozen or so spaces with unique designs throughout the house.

Bedroom by Isabella

Designer Amy Sims

Bedroom by The English Room

Media Room by Kelly Cruz Interiors

Isabella
Visit Isabella

Amy Sims Art & Home

The English Room
Visit The English Room

Kelly Cruz Interiors, Inc.
Visit Kelly Cruz

2011 March of Dimes Designer Show House, Charlotte NC
Visit Designer Show House

INTERIORS - Photo Shoots With Amanda Patton Swaringen of Carolina Design Associates, LLC

2011-07-30T19:50:00.003-04:00

In late July I had the pleasure of working with interior designer Amanda Patton of Carolina Design Associates and home designer Trisha Chambers of Trisha Chambers Design. At the end of our 5 days of shoots, we had photographed 13 locations! Then, I was off to Northern California to begin shooting for the next book in my series, "Passionate People & Places (of Nevada County, CA)

ARCHITECTURE - Trisha Chambers Design - Photo Shoot with Trisha Chambers

2011-07-30T19:47:00.005-04:00

Trisha Chambers Design
Visit Trisha Chambers Design

ARCHITECTURE - Moseley Architects - High School Theater Addition

2011-07-19T11:35:00.002-04:00

Moseley Architects
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ARCHITECTURE - Moseley Architects - New County Courthouse

2011-05-06T11:47:00.006-04:00

2 of 38 images

Moseley Architects
Visit Moseley Architects

ARCHITECTURE - Kent Lineberger Architecture - Home Originally Built for Hollywood Actress

2011-04-15T09:11:00.003-04:00

renovations
Kent Lineberger Architecture

ARCHITECTURE - Kent Lineberger Architecture - Kitchen & Dining Restoration

2011-04-13T15:40:00.002-04:00

Kent Lineberger Architecture

ARCHITECTURE - Kent Lineberger Architecture - Kitchen Restoration for a Symphony Principal Musician's Family

2011-04-13T09:54:00.002-04:00

Kent Lineberger Architecture

CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURE - Rodgers Builders Inc. & MMPA - East Carolina University Croatan Dining Hall

2011-02-12T21:44:00.004-05:00

2 of 30 images

Rodgers Builders, Inc.
Visit Rodgers
Moser Mayer Phoenix Associates, PA
Visit MMPA

CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTURE - Metropolitan Builders - First Aerial Shoot of the Year

2011-01-27T22:22:00.007-05:00

Metropolitan Builders, LLC
Visit Metropolitan Builders

ARCHITECTURE - Moseley Architects - South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics

2010-11-02T12:01:00.008-04:00

4 of 46 images

Moseley Architects
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ARCHITECTURE - Restoration of Southern Mansion

2008-06-12T20:38:00.002-04:00

1 of 199 images (2-days shoot)

Pursley Architecture
Visit Pursley Architecture

J. Stephen Young Photo Rates (click to enlarge & print)

2008-06-01T11:09:00.002-04:00

Stephen Young
Email me
1+ 704.907.6527 voice/text

About J. Stephen Young (click to enlarge)

2008-06-01T06:00:00.000-04:00