Commentary

On Assignment: Sangha Resort in Suzhou, China in 10 Pictures

On Assignment: Sangha Resort in Suzhou, China in 10 Pictures

by Mike Kelley
I recently returned from a trip to China where I was tasked with photography an epic resort – and I don’t use that word lightly. With hundreds of rooms, private villas, and drool-worthy penthouses, it was an assignment I won’t soon forget. I’ll get around the posting a full trip report when I come up from air after another whirlwind travel schedule, but here is a taster of what’s to come.The
A Conversation with Architect Eric Reinholdt and Photographer Trent Bell

A Conversation with Architect Eric Reinholdt and Photographer Trent Bell

by Mike Kelley
Photographer Trent Bell and architect Eric Reinholdt recently teamed up to make this video and and the result is a rare insight into both the mind of an architect and a photographer. Eric as designer and Trent as his long time photographer have a great relationship and it shows; and the insight provided by their creative relationship is very valuable.Turns
How Can We Improve APA and Make It More Helpful?

How Can We Improve APA and Make It More Helpful?

by Mike Kelley
I started this blog in an effort to help architectural photographers learn about the business of photography, be inspired by the best work and photographers in the world, and share information about retouching, equipment, and techniques. And even though it's been just a few short months, I want to know what we can do more of to make it a better resource for readers.
I am An Architecture Photographer – Ask Me Anything!

I am An Architecture Photographer – Ask Me Anything!

by Mike Kelley
I recently participated in an open forum on Reddit, the self-proclaimed “front page of the internet.” The idea of the thread was “ask me anything,” a popular interview-type format where readers submit questions about anything under the sun for the host to answer.
Pro vs Amateur Architectural Photographer: And the Winner is…

Pro vs Amateur Architectural Photographer: And the Winner is…

by Usman Dawood
A little over a year ago Mike Kelley, the head honcho, and big cheese at AP Almanac lost against Lee Morris in an architectural photography challenge. This was a huge surprise and an upsetting result for many who are fans of Kelley. This year they decided on doing a similar contest to see who is, in fact, the best architectural photographer between the two.
How to Deal with Security Guards: Making an Architectural Photography Book, Part Three

How to Deal with Security Guards: Making an Architectural Photography Book, Part Three

by Mike Kelley
Any photographer who has tried to take pictures in any moderately urban environment is familiar: the security guard, keeping us safe from the “terrorists” with cameras, protecting the interests of “the man” from purported “liabilities,” and whatever other nonsense boogeyman they’ve dreamt up that doesn’t exist.
How To Create An Architecture Photography Book: Part Two

How To Create An Architecture Photography Book: Part Two

by Mike Kelley
In part one we touched on the pre-production process for my book New Architecture Los Angeles. In today's article I'll tell you a little bit about the gear I used and how the day-to-day shooting process went. Spoiler: traffic. Lots and lots of traffic.
How To Create An Architecture Photography Book: Part One

How To Create An Architecture Photography Book: Part One

by Mike Kelley
For some reason photographers are obsessed with being published, I am a photographer, ergo, am obsessed with being published. It feels good, it looks pretty, and it makes your photographs real,  as in a tangible thing that other people hold and look at and say “wow” like Owen Wilson. 
Humor: Architectural Photography Bingo

Humor: Architectural Photography Bingo

by Mike Kelley
We’ve all been there and to deny it is just an outright lie. Whether it’s “can you just photoshop that” or “I promise the contractors will be gone by the time the shoot happens,” you’ve got to roll with the punches and over my career I’ve turned to humor to do so, otherwise someone would be scraping me off the floor of another five-over-one apartment somewhere.I
Understanding Your Clients: What Does an Interior Designer Actually do?

Understanding Your Clients: What Does an Interior Designer Actually do?

by Mike Kelley
I’d love to pretend that this goes without saying, but it’s incredibly important to actually understand what our clients do in order to deliver the best possible images to them. There is so much more goes into interior design than just making a space “pretty,” especially when you are considering commercial, civic, and other large-scale projects.
The Biggest Wastes of Money in My Photography Career

The Biggest Wastes of Money in My Photography Career

by Mike Kelley
I already know that this is going to be a controversial article, but it’s something I have to get off my chest because I look back and almost feel guilty about how much money I have spent on these things. The photography industry is full of products that you may or may not need and separating the wheat from the chaff is going to be important when you’re watching where your money goes.
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