Susan Orpin - Visit. Design New England Magazine

Susan Orpin - Visit. Design New England Magazine

You first see the “modern box” design punctuated with metal framed windows and mahogany accents; then you realize the outer sheathing is a New England classic. Shingles.  They’ve been stained yellow to compliment the woodsy site.

“Conceptualized as a solid box, which opens to the light through a series of volumetric cuts, the materials reflect the operations that create the house’s surfaces.”

See all the images here!

Rear facade - Andrew Cohen Architects Licncoln Residence

Front entrance

Inside out...

Livingroom

New England Icons Book.

I’ve started working on a new book this fall with Bruce Irving (think “This Old House”) to be published by The Countryman Press.  Working title is “New England Icons”. It’s  based on Bruce’s articles that have appeared in Design New England Magazine on what makes New England (NE) unique.  Most topics deal with the “hand of man” here in NE and cover things like Stone walls, Shaker villages, Grand Hotels, Village greens, and well, you get the idea.

Here is the latest image to go with Bruce’s article, “Ski Areas, Lost and Found”  (Read it hear: http://www.bruceirving.biz/skiareas1.html)

The "Red Chair" Cranmore Mt.

This image of what many refer to as the “Red Chair”,  is the East Bowl Double at Cranmore Mt. Originaly know as Lookout Mt., Cranmore opened in 1937. It was the first real ski “resort” to open in the North Conway area.  Guests came by train from Boston and stayed at the Eastern Slope Inn.  The slope was served by a rope tow built by Carol Reed. (Carol Reed Ski shops were the best place to buy your “planks” and lace-up boots for years!) The rope tow was replaced by the “Ski Mobile” in 1938, the only one to be built in NE.  It consisted of 60 cars seating 2 skiers each pulled by cables up and down a track.   It lasted until 1989 when it was removed for a new modern detachable quad.

Historic Red Chair. 1955 Image from Chairlift.org

The “Red Chair” was added in 1955 and later modified  in 1969.  It is currently the oldest double lift in operation here in NE. Cranmore is one of the few surviving  gems from the early days of skiing in NE.

If you’re as addicted to skiing in NE as my son Will, check out these great resources he’s shared with me.

New England Lost Ski Area Project:   http://www.nelsap.org

New England Ski Museum:  http://www.skimuseum.org/

Oh yes, and if your interested in ski transit -  new and old:  http://www.chairlifts.org

The idea was not to just capture the space, but give a sense of the natural light feeling.

399 Boylston St. Lobby Boston, MA

399 Boylston St. Boston, MA

399 Boylston St. Lobby, Boston MA

Equally important, was highlighting  the natural materials and describing the lighting program.

This week I was pleased to be on a panel discussion at the BSA (Boston Society of Architects).

The Marketing & PR Wizard’s and the Architectural Photography Network met jointly to talk about how to best achieve a successful photo shoot. Here are some of the topics that were addressed:

• Do you fully document a project through images, or still carefully select your “wow” shots?
• If it’s OK to edit out an “Exit” sign, can you remove a building during digital post-production?
• How many parties can ideally share in the costs and direction of a photo shoot?
• What are the top five issues that every architectural photographer would like us to know before starting a photo shoot?
• What are the top five issues that every Marketing Person would like photographers to know before starting a photo shoot?

Here are both groups top 5 photo shoot concerns.

Marketer’s Top 5:

1. What is the story we want the photos to tell about the project?

2. Can the photographer work well with humans in the photo?

3. How amenable is the client to disruption during operating hours?

4. Have all the permissions been secured?

5. What does our $XXXX buy us in terms of deliverable’s and rights?

Photographer’s Top 5:

1. Concept of the project

2. Lighting/orientation of space

3. Communication/organization with the client/on site contact

4. Scheduling/control of the space (room use, parking, people etc.)

5. Styling/cleanliness

It was great to see that the marketer’s and photographer’s lists where very similar! Do you have any to add?

Join the BSA Marketing/PR Wizards Linked In sub group.

Just Right Kitchens - Design New England Jan 2010

Just Right Kitchens - Design New England Jan 2010

Open Cambridge Loft defined by tricked out “Pod” containing storage, bar, powder room, and room dividing doors! – Architect Joseph Kennard

First Snow Dec 09. Williams Barn Groton, MA

I’ve started working on a new book this fall with Bruce Irving (think “This Old House”) to be published by The Countryman Press.  Working title is “New England Icons”. It’s  based on Bruce’s articles that have appeared in Design New England Magazine on what makes New England (NE) unique.  Most topics deal with the “hand of man” here in NE and cover things like Stone walls, Shaker villages, Grand Hotels, Village greens, and well, you get the idea.

That said I’m asking for help!  I’m looking for subject matter to photograph and looking for your suggestions.  Top on my list currently are locations to shoot that would fit the following topics:

• Shaker Villages
• Palladian Architecture
• Garden Cemeteries
• Widow’s walks
• Fireplaces – Colonial…
• New Deal Projects
• Skating ponds

Remember, must be in NE!  Looking forward to your suggestions.

Design New England Nov 2009 "Modern Anomaly"

Design New England Nov 2009 "Modern Anomaly"

Fantastic breakaway from the norm in Weston, MA.  This Modern house was designed by architect Adolfo Perez with interiors by Dennis Duffy.

New England Home Nov. 09 "Picture Perfect"

New England Home Nov. 09 "Picture Perfect"

Design New England Sept. 2009 "Ocean Odyssey"

Design New England Sept. 2009 "Ocean Odyssey"

Beautiful story I photogtraphed this summer on Eastern Point, Gloucester MA directly accross from the Yacht Club.  This Classic New England “Summer Cottage” was lovingly restoredand updated.   Architect:  Peter Niemitz Niemitz Design Group.  Interiors: Coast Design Group.