Embracing Life Long Learners

Immerse yourself in the constant sound of conversations. Take in the sell of coffee brewing at the cafe. Feel the warm breeze on your face as you sit in the central courtyard of the newest addition to the UC Irvine campus. This is now the central hub of the Division of Continuing Education at UCI. Let's grab a cup of coffee and take a look around.

The Importance of Teams

Photo shoots require teamwork! Each team's strengths and insights become invaluable and necessary for the success of the shoot. Collaborating with the UCI Design and Construction Services team gave me direction in telling the story and - as my hiring client - the opportunity to photograph this amazing building.Listening to the Design Architect, LMN Architects, and the Architect of Record, Carrier Johnson + Culture, helped me zero in on the details that enhanced the story. And I love capturing shots with the Design Build Contractor, Hathaway Dinwiddie. They're always willing to lend a hand with a boom lift when I need it.

Sun and Sustainability

LEED Platinum certification is the goal for new buildings at UCI. Everyone involved in the design of this building teamed up to reach this goal.25-kW photovoltaic panels top the 3-story trellis, soaking up the California sun and reducing the impact of heat on the students below. Floor-to-ceiling windows on the building's exterior let ample amounts of natural light into classrooms and offices. Those windows also provide stunning views of the campus.

Architectural Photography Insight

What you may not know is that the sun's position at different times of the year will change the way light casts on a building, either enhancing an architect's design or hiding it. Basically, the right time of year = the best lighting for photography - and our shoot happened to be scheduled for the opposite time of year, due to the completion of the project. My priority is always to provide the highest quality imagery and although I never like postponing photo shoots, this time it was necessary to capture the dramatic impact of natural light on the building. After explaining this situation to the teams involved, I'm grateful they trusted my experience and solution to the problem.

Continuing A Legacy

Hear about the Past, Present and Future of this amazing building. The daughter of UCI founder Daniel Aldrich, the current Dean of Division of Continuing Education and the University's Campus Architect give some cool insight! "This new building reflect the campus's reemphasis on continuing education and life long learning," - Gary Matkin, Dean of Division of Continuing Education.

#BehindTheScenes

There are many ways to get an elevated perspective without a boom lift or drone, and this is one of them! I have no problem putting myself and my trusty tripod in crazy positions that get the shot.

Searching Our Great Eats!

Discovering the best places to eat while I'm on location

On the outskirts of any University you can find plenty of dining options for any appetite. One of my go-to's when shooting at UCI is the University Center. Personally I love Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market. Their food is healthy, filling and they always have a variety of options from which to choose. It's also a great place to feed a lot of people, which we tend to have on photo shoots!I'm always up for trying new restaurants, so if you have a favorite at the University Center, let me know!