Actually this gorgeous new restaurant “Tamarind” Of London is located in the Newport Coast Shopping Center, California. A spectacular location at the ocean right next to Newport and Laguna Beach. Being hired to photograph this new restaurant right before the official opening was perfect timing as everything was new and fresh.

The restaurant features a full menu of exotic Indian cuisine cooked in their large Tandoor ovens and served up in an elegant fine dining setting. A classy full bar sits next to the dining area and is separated by the three large red ovens which are one of the restaurants signatures.

Designed by Steven Langford Architects, the restaurant has a colorful modern industrial look to it that fits well with the elegant dining interiors. The restaurant is not large, but is well laid out to create a nice flow between the dining room and bar area.

Restaurants are always one of the most demanding Architectural subjects photographically. They normally have limited access to power outlets making lots of extra cords necessary. Coupled with the need to cover the windows with fabric to control the light, I used my full bag of lighting tricks to get the job done. To keep the light balanced with the restaurant illumination, I used several of my large tungsten soft boxes plus small spots to fill in the dark areas and control the contrast.

Next time you head to South Orange County and have a taste for some great spicy curry, check out “Tamarind of London” at the Newport Coast.

When publisher Warren Dow came up with the idea for a new magazine advertising the exclusive Real Estate of the South Bay of Southern California, one thing was clear, fantastic photography was going to be needed to highlight the unique properties that are shown for sale in the magazine.

South Bay DIGS, features the exclusive real estate market of Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach along with the entire Palos Verdes peninsula. Most of the properties for sale are in the $4,000.000 to $20,000,000 price range and everything in between. Bring your check book if you go house hunting!

For my style of photography, shooting the properties at the very best time of day is critical. This means sunset, night time, or sunrise to show the homes off at their very best. A normal photo shoot with my style of Architectural Photography involves setting up my huge 12′ Gitzo tripod with one tripod leg balancing on a wall and the other leg hopefully sitting on firm ground.  Special equipment like a 21 megapixel Canon Camera and 17mm tilt shift lens also help in some of the extreme compositions we find ourselves faced with.

Interesting articles about local people and businesses round out the magazine. Recent articles have included Restaurateur Chef Robert Bell and his Chez Melange and Mama Terano restaurants. I was proud to have photographed the new Mama Terano menu and structure for their new web site. Other interesting people that call the South Bay home are the Mattress King himself, Larry Miller owner of Sit ‘N Sleep who is putting the finishing touches on his new seaside home.

Hermosa Beach, Southern California

Pick up a copy next time you cruise through the South Bay area and see what is going on!

Million Dollar View of the South Bay

The award winning architect firm Shubin & Donaldson have recently completed a new contemporary home in the prime flats area of Beverly Hills. The 3 story house of 9,000 square feet features 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms and has the feel of a fine art gallery.

Contemporary Architecture In Beverly Hills

Contemporary Dining Room Beverly Hills

The Modern Paintings of William Laga currently adorn the walls and add to the Museum like quality and feel of the home. Large sliding doors open to a stylish private lap pool and spa. The stunning lines of architecture were begging to be photographed at night, and over two separate night of photography these new images were created.

Night Time Architecture, Shubin & Donaldson Architects

New Contemporary Architecture, Shubin & Donaldson Architects

Castillo Del Lago, Los Angeles

Property One -Los Angeles has many interesting properties that are historical gems as well as outstanding works of Architecture. The famed “Castillo Del Lago” sits in hills of Los Angeles with a view of the city out to Catalina Island. The famed property/compound was built in 1926 and was once owned by the Chicago/Las Vegas Gangster Ben “Bugsy” Siegal, and more recently by Madonna. Bullet holes in the banister staircase remain from a rumored shoot out at the property.

The Mediterranean style property is very eclectic with its lush garden landscape and unique 6 sided Moroccan Style Master bath. The home is several levels and uses a modern elevator to access the various rooms. The stunning clock tower turret is visible from all sides of the property.

View of Los Angeles Over Lake Hollywood from Castillo Del Lago

Moroccan Style Bath, Castillo Del Lago, Los Angeles

Property Two- A Lloyd Wright gem also known as the “Taggart” house and Cultural Landmark Landmark #521, is an outstanding example of modern architecture, only this was built in 1922. The home sits in Los Feliz with great views of the Griffith Park Observatory. Located on a small knoll of its own, the house has been completely restored and is a joy to behold with its modern styling and surrounding cactus garden.

Taggart House, Built 1922 by Architect Lloyd Wright

Taggart House, Built 1922 by Architect Lloyd Wright, Cultural Landmark #521

Property Three- Ok, so I am almost done! A unique 1927 Hollywood Lloyd Wright Studio Residence has a classic modern feel with a bit of Mayan style stone work added. The open feel is of this property is created by large pocket doors that open and dissapear to expose the private garden. The house has a very unique live work feel to it and creates a world all its own. Normally I shoot my Architectural subjects at night, however to show the office/garden off in the best way, the decision was made for a day time photo shoot. Did I mention I love my job?

1927 Lloyd Wright Studio Residence, Hollywood, California

1927 Lloyd Wright Studio Residence, Hollywood, California