How to Photograph a Home for Award Submissions

Architectural Award Photography – Our Approach

Marc Taron of Arquitectura, a Maui-based architect, reached out to Kauai real estate photographer, Dave Tonnes of PanaViz to photograph this custom home for awards consideration—and it was a winner!

Sculptural Maui Home: 

How to Photograph a Home for Awards Submissions

1. Listen to Your Client
   Understand what elements are important to the architect, design team, and owners.
2. Use the Right Tools
   Employ the appropriate architectural photography tools to capture these elements. For this project, we used drones, elevated pole photography, and standard interior/exterior equipment.
3. Trust the Photographer’s Eye
   While capturing the client’s key elements, Dave also trusts his instinct, often capturing "hero" shots that become the centerpiece images in publications.
4. Take Your Time
   These shoots aren’t rushed. We often take multiple days, as we did here, photographing the home from dawn until nightfall, ensuring we capture every moment.
5. Provide Image Variety
   For this project, we offered the team a large selection—130 images—to choose from for the awards submission.
6. Prepare for Exposure
   Award-winning homes often receive media attention. Your photos could appear in magazines, newspapers, and industry covers.

The Story of the Award-Winning Home by Maui Architect Marc Taron

Owners Neil and Suzette Felder envisioned a unique, creative home that preserved their ocean views. They chose Marc Taron, known for designing high-end homes that blend indoor-outdoor spaces with breathtaking views.

Dramatic and Different

Neil and I both wanted something very different, and it is. That was the vision.

— Suzette, Homeowner

Their home is daringly distinct, yet harmonizes with its coastal surroundings. An aerial view reveals its most enviable feature—frontage on Keawakapu Beach.

Freed from the constraints of association design guidelines, Marc pushed creative boundaries. His initial designs were innovative, but not bold enough for the Felders.

I thought, ‘All right, gloves are off,’ and started coming up with something truly out of the ordinary.

— Marc Taron, Architect

At the top of the Felders’ wish list was an uninterrupted ocean view, visible from the street through the home.

Beachfront Home

Many beachfront homes block the view with their size or privacy features, but Marc's design preserved this incredible aspect. The house blends seamlessly with the landscape, even with its modern, sculptural design.Upon entering, the home’s uniqueness shines. 

A tile walkway across a reflecting pool leads from the mauka side of the property into the house. An elevated walkway or glass elevator takes the owners from the garage to the upper floor, while a striking open staircase descends to the lower level.

A Home as Art

Walls of windows from Maui Windows & Doors showcase the home like a gallery. Marc designed a sculptural arch to support the cantilevered lanai without using columns, enhancing the home’s open feel. The arch extends from the pool area, providing shade for a guest bedroom and mirroring rolling ocean waves in its design.

I see the house itself as a piece of art, and the ocean needed to be part of that artwork.

— Neil, Homeowner

Inside, the open-concept great room offers unobstructed ocean views. 

The kitchen features Amazonite quartzite countertops and custom cabinetry, while the master bath includes indoor and outdoor showers with individual floating vanities for the owners.

Architectural Award Photography – Awards and Publications

This home won accolades and earned headlines in major publications, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the entire team.

The Importance of Professional Photography

When submitting a project for awards or publications, professional photography is critical. It's about telling a story, showcasing design details, and forging an emotional connection with viewers. High-quality images allow judges and the public to appreciate the architect’s vision and craftsmanship.

Planning the Photoshoot

A successful architectural shoot requires careful planning. PanaViz worked closely with Marc to highlight the home’s key features, ensuring the final images conveyed the design intent.

Lighting and Timing

Lighting plays a crucial role. We meticulously selected the best times of day to capture the property, ensuring that the images reflected the home’s aesthetic in its best light.

Composition and Perspective

Our team used a range of angles and perspectives to emphasize unique design elements, materials, and textures, ensuring each shot maintained balance and harmony.

Editing and Post-Processing

Post-production is essential in modern architectural photography. Our editing techniques enhanced the images, corrected imperfections, and created a cohesive visual narrative ready for publication.

Submission and Media Coverage

PanaViz carefully selected and submitted the best images, showcasing various aspects of the home’s design. Our images helped secure media coverage, including magazine features and covers, while telling the story behind the architecture.

Promoting the Architect’s Brand

Exceptional photography elevates both the project and the architect’s brand, leading to future commissions and opportunities.

I am also a Maui Real Estate Photographer.  Kauai Vacation Rental Photography is also a core part of my business.