Architectural Photographer Michael J. Lee

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This week we sat down with the very talented architectural photographer Michael J. Lee.  I (Linda) am very lucky to call Michael my own photographer as well! Michael's unique talent and eye stems from his background as a professional interior designer working for two of New England's finest design firms coupled with a slightly geeky love of technology. Michael shared with us his views on photography, the place architectural photographers sit in the spectrum of design and he shares some great tips that all of us can benefit from! 

Below are some of the photographs we discuss in the podcast, so you can follow along. TIP: If you open up the post in second window,  you can listen to the podcast and then click on the images below for a larger view.

 

Linda Merrill


  
Anita Clark Interiors


  

  Linda's kitchen bar set up

And a few more amazing photos:

 

Ana Donohue


 

 Charles Spada



Comments

Tonia Hobbs said…
Wow! I am first to comment. . . that never happens.

The bathroom is very pretty!
February 27, 2010 at 3:52 AM
Tonia Hobbs said…
Wow! I am first to comment. . . that never happens.

The bathroom is very pretty!
February 27, 2010 at 3:52 AM
Anonymous said…
Fabulous interview.
Ann
February 27, 2010 at 6:45 AM
Jaime Rogers said…
What an amazing podcast, I'm excited to come back (after a full day of work!) and listen AGAIN. And I am so glad you addressed that whole HDR thing, I never knew what it was called but knew I hated it and specifically searched for a photographer who did not employ that trick...it always looks fake, cartoon(ish)...Michael was so generous with his information and what an amazing career he has had...which is evident in his photography. I remember asking Linda, via Facebook, if he styled his shots as well as they were so wonderfully executed and she did tell me he had a background in Interior Design. I have already beckoned Mr Lee to Tampa, hopefully we can arrange something on his next venture down here to sunny Florida;) Thanks so much ladies, another great week!

Besos,
Jaime
February 27, 2010 at 7:59 AM
Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said…
Fascinating....not to mention, full of real life photo tips. Loved his candor and honesty...

Kudos skirted table...Thank you Michael!
February 27, 2010 at 3:34 PM
Unknown said…
He has an incredibly reassuring way of speaking.
Plus great advise. I agree with his photo assessments. It's the way we look at things, the composition and fotographic knowledge. Down to earth, very refreshing! Thank you!

I would love to work with him!

XX
Victoria
February 27, 2010 at 3:39 PM
Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said…
Enjoyed this interview so much. Really appreciate Michael sharing such great tips. I have a lot more appreciation now for what professional photographers do and it sounds like he would be an invaluable resource to any designer!
Susan
February 27, 2010 at 6:02 PM
funcolors said…
I love this interview. Michael is insanely talented -- and so wise. He has a wonderful vibe that comes across as authentic and approachable. He shared some great tips for taking photos right and well, but I appreciate - so much - how honestly he spoke to Photoshop. His candor about Photoshopping 'what you feel you do you best' and capturing three-dimensional spaces in a two-dimensional picture resonated with me on so many levels. Thank you for putting it out there they way it really is.

Lori Sawaya
February 28, 2010 at 11:09 PM
Brillante Interiors said…
Another beautiful interview, even more interesting since I love photography and I am very involved in it. Photography and Interior Design, can something be better?
Grazie, grazie, grazie!
March 2, 2010 at 11:15 AM
Ann Marie said…
Great interview, great tips, and amazing pictures!!! Thanks
March 3, 2010 at 6:50 AM
Teacats said…
Another fun, witty and insightful guest for your wonderful posting! Just loved everything!

Linda: LOVED the shots of your kitchen -- I have the same copper sun (it is outside -- aging nicely along) and the same Revereware pots (my set is 27 years old!) Find lots of copper items of all vintages at Goodwill!

Thanks to all!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage
March 3, 2010 at 10:53 AM
Yvonne Blacker said…
Fabulous presentation! Coming from an advertising background, I have always loved to watch how photographers work their magic to capture the best shot. Michael is extremely talented as the artistic eye behind the lens, and is well-spoken on important topics from composition and lighting to giving credit to those involved in the creation of brilliant design. Thanks for bringing another informative and enjoyable podcast our way!
March 3, 2010 at 12:58 PM
Julia @ Hooked on Houses said…
I really enjoyed this conversation. I feel like I learned so much from him--including the fact that I need to start sitting down when I take photos!
March 3, 2010 at 1:53 PM
Boxwood Terrace said…
Excellent interview! I enjoyed listening to this so much and learned quite a bit. Even tried taking a few shots of dining area while listening, testing my Blackberry's camera against my Olympus camera and the BB camera seems to take a better photo!? Anyway, thanks to Michael Lee and you, SRT!
Deborah
March 3, 2010 at 6:25 PM
Karena said…
One of the best interviews ever. Megan, Joni, and Linda, so fascinating!! Michael Lee is incredible!

Karena
Art by Karena
March 3, 2010 at 9:19 PM
Karena said…
Oh, and interesting that I do take a lot of photos from ground level!Michael Lee Is the best, loved all of his input!

Karena
Art by Karena
March 3, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Michelle said…
So many interesting points here...and such a multi-talent. I like what he said about composition and light...and presenting our work to it's best (pshop/art). It's taken a long time to realize those homes don't look like that every day...most designers I know have heavily staged their photos.

Great interview ladies! I much enjoyed coffee with you all today.

Michelle
March 4, 2010 at 8:49 AM
Michelle said…
Hi, just wanted you to know that I've added The Skirted Roundtable on my blog roll!
March 4, 2010 at 4:59 PM
Trouvais said…
Great interview...lots of great tips, loved getting his perspective on the design business, photography rights, how to take good photos. Excellent pick...you guys keep getting better and better. Thank you!
March 5, 2010 at 5:52 PM
vignette design said…
Photography is suddenly my new passion! I love this post and especially love that bathtub photo. I love his tips too.
March 8, 2010 at 10:39 AM
La Maison Fou said…
Thanks girls for another interesting post, his imagery is definately a learned craft, and is executed in the most appropriate way.
I learned a lot as always!
L.
March 9, 2010 at 8:27 AM
Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said…
Joni, Megan and Linda- Thanks you for another fantastic interview. I have to disagree with Michael's very first comments about being a little person. He's as big a talent as all the others I have listened to speak on TSR!

Generous and insightful. That a designer often feels a room is 90% finished and it's his job to present the space in the most beautiful way was intriguing...

Loretta
November 9, 2012 at 9:21 AM
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