Update: This post was originally posted in early 2018 when the picture below was used as my website header, which I have since changed.
Curious about the stunning house pictured in my blog’s header (also featured above)? Readers ask me if this is my house. But afraid not, my house needs a tad more work….. .
I found this particular shot on unsplash.com, a resource of 25,000+ photographers showcasing a collection of copyright-free photos, which is a key resource of blogger stock photos (and as a blogger I wholeheartedly thank you!). The particular picture represents my ideal of how an older house can truly shine and meet its full potential under the care and vision of the right owner.
My readers’ questions about this house inspired me to reach out directly to the photographer – Jessica Furtney. Jessica has a gallery on unsplash.com as well as her own website. She graciously agreed to answer some questions about her photography, the house, and give us some advice on how to photograph the exterior of homes.
About Jessica
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into photography.
A: I got my first camera in the sixth grade. It wasn’t anything special-just a flimsy little digital that fit in the palm of my hand.
My “real”’start with photography began when I entered high school and got my first DSLR camera. It was a gift from my parents and I took it EVERYWHERE. It was just something I did for fun until I joined my high school yearbook staff my sophomore year. I photographed everything from football games and pep rallies to after school clubs and lunchroom candids. It gave me an outlet for my creativity and I think that’s what helped to really shaped my style.
Q: The gallery in your website showcases a variety of subjects. What is your current focus and where would you ultimately like to go?
A: Even today the majority of my favorite pictures that I’ve taken are ones from when I was in high school. I always loved the candid you-had-to-be-there-can’t- recreate-it moments. I would love to be able to find an outlet like that again on a much higher photojournalistic scale.
Featured Photograph
Q: Your picture that I use as my header photo (and at the top of this post) is stunning. What inspired you to photograph this particular house? How did you find this house?
A: Thank you! My boyfriend, Tommy-who is also a photographer-and I were celebrating our first Valentine’s Day together with a weekend getaway to Savannah. We had plans to go out to dinner that night and spend the next day sightseeing and taking pictures. We made stops at the Wormsloe Historic Site, Forsyth Park, River Street, Bonaventure Cemetery, and Tybee Island. One thing I loved about Savannah was how close knit everything felt. We walked everywhere with no issue and I remember being amazed by the architecture in the historic district. It almost felt like Savannah was frozen in time. The house, if I remember correctly, was right near Forsyth Park. We stopped by after lunch to take photos and that house caught my eye.
Q: What can you tell me about this house, such as its actual location as well as a description of the neighborhood? Do you have any other pictures of this house or neighborhood that you could share?
A: The town squares in Savannah are cookie cutter in layout but have little details that make them stand out on their own. Even if it was a simple tweak, each house had its own character. Honestly I think I was drawn to the one pictured in the photograph because it reminded me of the house from the movie “Up”.
Q: The picture is cropped with the bottom half of the first floor missing, which I find intriguing – it leaves an element of mystery of and makes me wonder what the entranceway looks like. Tell me a bit about your decision to crop.
A: I wanted the house to almost be framed by the branches of the tree-as much as I could-and give the feeling of mystery, like you said. I try to get creative with my angles and composition and to me the littlest tweaks make the biggest difference. There’s another photo I have that’s the “standard shot”-it’s a vertical shot where you can see the house as a whole. It’s something basic where you could see and appreciate the full details of the building without any distractions.
Capturing Exterior House Shots
Q: I noticed photographs of other buildings posted on your on-line portfolio. What motivates you to take these shots? Do you head out with a specific plan or have these been more spontaneous shoots?
A: The majority of the photos that I’ve posted in my portfolio have been from trips that Tommy and I have taken together. Our photography styles are opposite of our personalities. I used to take photos of everything without worrying about composition-I just wanted to get the shot to document that we were at this place at this time doing this, etc. Tommy is very meticulous with his photos. I can’t even tell you how many times he made me hold his camera bag so he could switch out his lens. Afterwards I would end up with twice as many photos as he has and duplicate shots because I wasn’t composing as well as I could have been. Being around him as helped me to slow down and focus more on the quality of my shots versus the quantity.
Q: Walk me through your step-by-step process when you see a house or building you want to photograph. What is your shooting strategy?
A: My shooting strategy is to try and get one clean, basic shot and one creative-out-of-the-box shot. The one you used was the creative shot. I’m trying to challenge myself more to get creative with how I view things. Whether it’s framing my subject at a different angle or using light and shadows, I’m always trying to push myself.
Q: I’m not a professional photographer by any means, but some of my readers may be advanced. What technology/ software/ camera gear do you use to photograph home exteriors?
A: I try to keep my equipment very minimalist. The camera I shoot with now is a Nikon D90 and my prime lens. I mainly use Lightroom to edit but will dabble with [Adobe] photoshop if the photo calls for it. To me it’s never been about the equipment I use, it’s what I can do with it.
Q: If someone walked up to you with only a smartphone and asked your advice on how to photograph home exteriors, and you had a few minutes, what would your best tips? (Hint: I’m asking this partly for selfish reasons, since I’m currently photographing homes in my neighbors for future posts…)
A: Composition, composition, composition! I’m obsessed with iPhone photography and am amazed by how far it’s come in the past few years with the release of new technology. It sounds obvious but you need to treat your phone like you would a real DSLR: make sure that your angles are right. Basically avoid the Mom-Got-A-New-Phone pose and you’ll be good. Also post process editing makes a HUGE difference. I avoid Instagram filters like the plague (although they have improved, I will admit) and use apps like Snapseed and VSCO to edit.
Just for Fun
Q: What was your favorite and least favorite DIY house project you have done?
A: I really haven’t worked on any major house projects aside from my room redo, and that’s been pretty easy so far! For me it’s easy to take it step-by-step: I started with my vanity and got new makeup brush holders, then worked my way to my dresser and set that up with a diffuser and new picture frames, then I got a new comforter set and redid my bed, etc. I think the hardest part will be painting over my blue walls with a neutral taupe, but that’s going to make the biggest difference and will probably end up being my favorite part!
I’d like to thank Jessica for taking the time to talk about her photography. As someone who is still learning how to take blog-worthy photographs, I truly appreciate the access to such stunning photos to enhance my blog.
Like what you see?