Dracut Farmhouse-Style Home and Garage

For Applied Form & Space Architects, LLC, Andover, MA © Joseph Ferraro, 2019

• Client: Applied Form & Space / Luis Lobao (Architect)

  • 3 Dundee Park, Suite B02, Andover, MA 01810 / 978.474.1945

• Shoot Date: October 14, 2019

• Location: Dracut, Massachusetts

• Site: 3,200 sq. ft. (Home); 1,320 sq. ft. (Garage)

• Style: Farmhouse with Shop/Garage Barn Design

• Featured Highlights: Shop/Garage, Breakfast ("Gathering") Room

• Photo Assistant: Tony Degrazia

• Click here for the extended Gallery.

"It became clear that the nature of the site, it's location, the backdrop of the meadow and surrounding woods, kept pushing towards the image of a farmhouse." - Luis Lobao, Applied Form and Space

Introduction

When a longtime client calls with an assignment, featuring a farmhouse-style home with a garage designed as a barn, and wants to have it photographed during some of the best foliage days in New England, it's hard not to want to grab my camera and get out there first thing. New England is known for its distinct seasons and vibrant autumns. Having the opportunity to use these scenes as a natural backdrop is only possible during a short time, a mere two to three weeks of bright color if we're lucky. It's not long before a predictable, yet unexpected storm inevitably rips through the northeast and tears the colorful leaves to the ground.

The home happened to be in Dracut, MA, a border town sitting just below the State of New Hampshire. The architect, Luis Lobao from Applied Form and Space, actually grew up with the homeowner. This project endured a couple of revisions as the family grew, and their priorities shifted. I spoke with Luis to gather some more details and backstory that would not only support the images in this article but give us all some perspective from the design-side and highlight the problem solving that takes place for architects every day.

Planning Stages

"Having grown up in the neighborhood with one of the owners and being a current neighbor, the owners approached me to help realize their vision on a plot of land they had recently purchased. While outwardly different from the completed work, even during the initial design process, the owners' aesthetic taste gravitated towards timeless, simple forms inherent to the New England lifestyle."

 It must have been the season because while Luis and I were talking about the project and determining what our goals were, I couldn't help but dream up a visual wishlist of my own. There's something about autumn in New England that slows the mind's pace a little bit, and maybe it's in witnessing the natural world around us calmly approach its winter dormancy. A lot of New Englanders, northern ones especially, like to pick-on the leaf peepers that travel from near and far to see the change of seasons. I know that deep down, they enjoy that morning coffee on the front porch, or on the docks pinned to lakes throughout the region, donning their thick sweaters while watching the geese race south, set to a backdrop of auburn, bright yellows, and tones of golden brown and orange. No one is immune.

But, color alone wasn't enough to entertain my wishes. I wanted to see some fog. I needed a fog. I've become a bit more interested in the atmosphere I present in my work. Analyzing and predicting weather has become an obsession. Just a clear, bright day doesn't cut it for me anymore. And, it's not just fog I'm after, I want mood.

For Applied Form & Space Architects © Joseph Ferraro, 2019

With the warm days and cold nights that take over northern-New England mid-autumn, I was hopeful that we might start the day with some fog. It so happened that Franklin was on to something with his "early-to-rise" quip because it paid off in dividends. Arriving just as blue-hour began, around 6:10 am, there was enough light in the sky to illuminate the barn-style garage, but even the Moon stayed around long enough to make a guest appearance. I wish all assignments could start so well.

Exterior

Although the home sits on acreage that was once farmland, the function of the garage was a space for the homeowner to build and to create. Growing up, "the owner would make customized bicycles, some to sell, but his favorites to keep. Now those were replaced with fully custom motorcycles and customized cars." It was clear to Luis, the homeowner's "vision of a working shop where the mechanically inclined owner can have his space was fundamental to this project.

The detached barn is a vehicle hobbyist's dream. Separate from the attached garage for the daily drivers, and it accommodates interior storage lifts allowing for storage of up to 4 vehicles. It also includes a tall center bay with a working lift for building and repairing vehicles. An exterior parking bay for the motorcycle's transportation trailer is also provided."

Though the initial focus for me, photographically, was the barn-style garage, it wasn't the only plan for photography that day. The home featured design elements that took into account the family's desires, but also played in symphony with its surroundings. It wasn't until I read Luis' words below that I began to understand the cadence of his creative process and tonal range of his problem-solving facility. As you read his words below and reference the photography, I find a contemplative mindset and a well-curated playlist help to tie all of these ideas together.

"The front farmer's porch is low to the ground eliminating needs for railings. Instead of traditional porch posts, beefier columns were used to give the monochromatic design more visual weight. An asymmetrical main gable provided an anchor and a visual clue to the main entry. The gambrel form along the longitudinal axis allows for the necessary usable space for the second-floor bedrooms. The sweeping curved rake of the southeast gambrel allows for an elegant transition to the farmer's porch roof. It responds to the curving road's approach, with its arcing profile dramatically angled toward it. It anchors the simple rhythm of the windows that sweep up, implying the interior stair. On the rear, a simple screen porch nestled between the house and the attached garage allows for summer enjoyment of the meadow and hills beyond."

Interior

For Applied Form & Space Architects © Joseph Ferraro, 2019

The first thing you notice when walking into the home is a large room, filled with sun, with windows looking out onto undeveloped land, lit up with the changing colors of the season. With the idea of creating an open concept, they did not want to compromise on charm. And, while the dining space just off the kitchen is in-and-of-itself its own identifiable space, the high ceilings and large windows allow the area to breathe and maintain that well-intentioned feeling of home. 

"Meeting the owners' desire to have spaces that feel open without losing the homey feel that fully open concept spaces sometimes can. The breakfast room is flooded with natural light throughout the day and has become the owner's favorite room – so much so the architect now uses the term "gathering room" to describe these types of spaces. Natural light is a priority, achieved by using nearly 6' tall 6/0 windows throughout the main living level."

The high ceilings continue into the family room, divided from the kitchen only by the warmth of a see-through fireplace.

Challenges

All building projects inherently come with their own baggage. From issues with permits to last-minute changes, and budgets, to name a few. This project, however, took on new ground by changing the topography of the site to prepare a place for the home to rest.

"The biggest challenge came from the topography of the site, which required importing over 3,000 cubic yards of soil. The construction duration was approximately 14 months, from excavation to completion. Another interesting note is how, in addition to the architect, several other folks who grew up together or were somehow otherwise tied to the "old neighborhood" worked to complete this home. Among them, plasterer, electrician, plumbers were neighbors or childhood friends of the owners."

And, where is there any more personal a home project when you can get your friends to help you?

My best wishes to this family and their home, and that it may stay in the family for generations to come.

- Joe

See more images from this shoot by clicking here.

For Applied Form & Space Architects © Joseph Ferraro, 2019

More about: 

Luis F. Lobao, Architect, NCARB

Applied Form and Space, LLC, Andover, MA

Luis Lobao is a founding Principal and is responsible for all phases of project delivery. He has extensive experience in multi­family, office, retail, custom residential, accessibility, adaptive re­use, historic restoration, and institutional projects. Mr. Lobao received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology, College of Design and Construction. Mr. Lobao is NCARB certified and is registered to practice architecture in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He serves as a member of the Green Building Commission in Lowell, MA. Several of his projects have received recognition from entities including the Boston Preservation Alliance and the Luxury Living Awards. (https://www.afsarch.com)

In Plain Sight

#Quarantinography was a working title for this post. I wasn't sure how to approach this next post during these abnormal times. Nor did I know just how eerie this photoshoot, on a Friday at rush hour in Boston, was going to feel. With everyone bravely adhering to the #stayhome order, I knew it would be quieter than usual. But, prepared with my PPE, I was ready for anything.

Though there were plenty of cars traveling beside me, on my way down from Salem towards Boston, once I exited the I-93 tunnel onto Purchase Street, it was as though time had stopped. Within the convolutedly-laid out streets of what is the financial district in Boston, in the shadows of brick and mortar giants, walk-signals chirped in concert with seagulls singing for an absent audience. Now, with my camera setup and viewpoints mapped out, it was time to wait for the sun to do its thing.

125 High Street, 2020 © Joseph Ferraro

125 High Street, 2020 © Joseph Ferraro

125 High Street, 2020 © Joseph Ferraro

As someone who's photography-style emphasizes control, over lighting, and composition, I am usually in a dance with the rhythm of the street among the public. But, without anyone to dance with, I had my buildings all to myself. While I wished for a bike messenger or a few cars with streaking headlights, this was a practice in presenting my subject in good light and less about action.

My goal was to photograph the available, street-level retail space at the corner of High and Pearl Streets. And, to showcase that space by placing it in context to the surrounding area to aid my clients in selling the lease to the best future occupant. Using my Canon 17mm and 24mm tilt-shift lenses, I carefully used perspective to entertain the viewer and map out the location.

I couldn't have asked for a better night in terms of lighting. There were only a few passing, wispy-clouds. The sun really delivered on a night that otherwise could've left me wanting for so much more. Not in the least, would I have preferred there to be no people at all. At least a few dozen would've helped to season these images with some much-needed signs of life.

And, it's a life I hope we get to enjoy in the company of so many others as soon as it's safe for all of us.

Stay well, Boston.

125 High Street, 2020 © Joseph Ferraro

125 High Street, 2020 © Joseph Ferraro

Best Practices: Exterior Photography

Originally written for the design-build community on BLDUP.com, April 2020.

AIC Health Sciences Building by Phase Zero Design © Joseph Ferraro

Early on, we see how important the communication of a new project's design intentions are, through publicizing plans, drawings, and renderings. Choosing angles, being decisive with the surrounding elements, and featuring the design in the best light, are all intentions that architects, designers, developers, renderers, and builders shouldn't take lightly. We expect each project to be a marketable and tangible piece of design. By telling a good story about what could be, sites can pull permits, investors write checks, and communities sign-on to new ideas about what their surrounding world will become. But, effective visual communication should not stop at the design phase.

It's important to remember that the product you're selling is not only the physical site or the end project but also the technical and practical solutions that were implemented by everyone involved in the project. When considering how to communicate the progress of a project or the completed build, photography is the most reliable way to present your hard work to future clients and future tenants. It's become more convenient these days to grab a few progress shots of a project with our smartphone, and we see many finished projects done the same way. And, while the technology that powers our pocket-sized cameras is improving year-after-year, the ability to press the shutter button at just the right time and from just the right vantage point has not changed. That said, there are plenty of tools, apps, and tips that will guide you to produce images of your work and communicate how proud you are of your projects, no matter the equipment at your disposal. 

If, by the end of this article, you would like to ask me any questions, please consider visiting my website (www.josephferraro.com) and give me a call.

Describe the Setting

When we decide to photograph the exterior of a project, the human instinct to tell a story kicks in. Just like any good story, the location is just as important as how the project looks. A project's setting is unique, and where a building stands tells a lot about the intentions behind the design.

Exchange Place, Congress Street, Boston, MA for Boston Urban Partners © Joseph Ferraro

1) When composing your overall shot, it is essential to include common, recognizable elements and surroundings to communicate the scale and purpose of the site. 

2) The inclusion or exclusion of active people should also be a decision worth considering, as there is possibly no more significant attraction to a viewer than the presence of life in a photograph.

Viewers use other people in images as surrogates in interacting with the image more inclusively.

Though many photographers will tell you to avoid the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest, only the building will reveal how to present itself best. The light that falls from the sky will contour a structure differently at different times of the day and in different weather. But, as a general rule:

3) Avoid long shadows that distract from the design and steering clear of a flat, overcast day, is an excellent place to start.

The hours before and after sunrise and the hours before and after sunset are called "magic hour," "blue hour," and "golden hour" (or butter-hour), for a good reason. Outdoor environments and buildings do tend to present themselves best in these dreamlike, naturally cinematic lighting conditions. What is more important is that the light available to you not be ignored and at least highly considered when and from where you take your photographs.

Nouria Energy, Logan Airport for Phase Zero Design © Joseph Ferraro

West Main Marketplace, Hopkinton, MA for Applied Form & Space Architects © Joseph Ferraro

From Another’s Perspective

Being intimately involved with a project can be a bit blinding to how someone else who has never experienced it before will react, interact, and turn their experience into a story for others. 

1) Try experimenting with viewpoints and consider the point of view of someone approaching from a direction that isn't explicitly implied.

Community Pavilion at the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA for designLab © Joseph Ferraro

2) A unique perspective is useful in describing the setting of the building and often leads to exciting detail shots or vignettes. 

Museum of African American History on Nantucket, MA for the National Trust of Historic Preservation © Joseph Ferraro

On the subject of viewpoints, here's another thing to keep in mind: 

3) No matter how sophisticated the equipment you are using, keeping the camera level will create a more natural viewing experience. 

The camera lens only delivers the information, just as our eyes do. But, our eyes are far more advanced than any technology on the market. Our brain can fill in information from our periphery and provides context, and lines along virtually any perspective never converge. But, a camera records a two-dimensional image, bound by the coverage of the lens. So, anything outside of your image won’t help viewers understand what you’re trying to say.

Now, I do come from a background of photography routed in being technically correct with my camera, and historically the vast majority of architectural photography is done in perfect perspective. It all comes down to your intention and ability, whether that ability is personally limited or technically limited. I believe we expect a looser approach to progress photos as compared to finished photography. But, a level camera will get you one step closer to a more enjoyable photographic experience.

Previsualization and the Edit

Now that you've chosen a few excellent angles and perspectives, and determined the best time of day and what supporting elements or surroundings to include, that final image will more than likely need a little touching up to make it look its best. That isn't to say that some photos don't look great straight out of a camera - it is possible to get those settings right in camera or for automatic adjustments made by most point and shoots to balance the scene correctly. But, understanding what your finished photo will say about your project is critical to consider before sending off that updated post. 

Here are some examples of what to look out for when you begin photographing, to prepare you for the finished image. 

1) Take care to prevent overblown skies with no detail in the clouds or no visible color in your highlights. 

2) Address dark areas that render almost black and with no detail in your shadows. 

There are technical limitations to most cameras, all cameras really, depending on what your goals are. What's important to remember is that it is generally harder to recover blown-out highlights than it is to improve information in your shadows. So, err on the side of protecting your highlights and bring back your shadows in post, whenever possible.

3) Be aware of a slightly magenta or green white balance that tints the whole image. A cool or warm image is acceptable if it fits your aesthetic.

4) And, if you want to correct the perspective and fix any keystoning in your image in editing, keep your camera level. 

Before taking a shot, at the very least, consider these pieces of information before sharing your work with the public. Of course, if the image looks "good enough" and you're complacent with your results due to the extent of your abilities, then no one's going to criticize your efforts. But, if you've read this far, I'm guessing you want to do better.

Spending some time learning photo editing software will allow you to figure out how best to use your camera - and that goes for software on your computer and photo editing apps on your phone. Most of the time, the solution is not to spend more money on a new camera or that sweet, new three-lens smartphone. Understanding your tools and how they perform will yield the best results and, more often than not, will produce images a new camera would have no easier time creating.

Chase Bank, Downtown Crossing for Boston Urban Partners © Joseph Ferraro

Gear Up

If you are searching for that shiny new piece of equipment, remember the answer to your problems will not lie in spending as much money as you can. There are great cameras - there's one in your pocket already - in every price range. Seriously, I saw a point and shoot with a 200x zoom that is capable of great colors and produces sharp images for under $400. At the other end of the scale, you can break the bank on a new $50,000 Phase One system and still need to go shopping for lenses to go with it. Just remember, both of these and anything in between will make images that fit on a website and will print up nicely in a magazine, and at the least common denominator, make good looking prints for your office hallway.

In my opinion, 

1) Use the equipment you already have at your disposal, and if you learn to produce images you're proud of, then consider that a success. 

2) Buy a new camera only if that new camera will advance your skills and provide features missing from your current equipment that will make things easier for your workflow. 

Investing in camera gear should never be taken lightly, and although a camera could easily last you ten years, you'll probably be shopping much sooner for a new one, that's a reality. Manufacturers know what we want before we do. Just remember that if you purchase a camera with interchangeable lenses, those lenses will more than likely outlast every camera you own in your life if they're cared for properly.

3) If you're in the market for a new camera or you're not interested in buying something right now, but you want to see what is possible, renting a camera is a straightforward process and more accessible than ever. 

Rentals can come with insurance coverage and ship to you in hard, protective cases. Most rentals begin with a three-day minimum. Though, rentals can be in your possession for up to a month or longer, depending on their availability. 

I encourage everyone to support our local rental houses, Lens Pro to Go (Concord, MA) and Boston Photo Rental (Somerville, MA).

On The Horizon

Storytelling is an instinctual and necessary part of human existence. It is what communicates and perpetuates our principles and provides a backdrop for the machine that runs our economy. People expect the construction of new buildings and they are interested in telling others about them. Since it's your business to design, build, and lease or sell those buildings and the spaces within them, the story must start with you. So long as you're interested in people identifying your work with you, it's important to remember to consider your audience and be patient with your methods of communication. And, if it's just too much to take on, know that photographers just like me are here for you and are willing to be partners in communicating your designs to the public and your next client.

With many years of experience, making clean, commercial imagery is my top priority. Being a sustainable member of this great design-build community here in Boston is my next priority, and that begins with sharing my knowledge and making the last step in your design process an enjoyable and fun experience. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments at hello@josephferraro.com or 617-335-8925.

7 Steps of Inspiration

Blue Bottle, Newbury Street, Boston © Joseph Ferraro

The beginning of 2020 started with a bang. I spent the first half of January planning photoshoots and rolled into February with eight completed before Valentine’s Day. And then…

Red light.

Freelancers, independent contractors, and many small, small businesses know how important it is to prepare for an uncertain future. We all stress the importance of squirreling away a rainy-day fund and anticipating downtime between gigs.

Historically, downtime meant reaching out to clients, organizing my bookkeeping, archiving recent photoshoots, having coffee with colleagues, and researching architectural and product photography inspiration. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are still finding ways to virtually have coffee with each other. Nonetheless, I’m anticipating a slow down that could have lasting effects through the second half of 2020.

But, there is always work to be done. I thought I would share just how I’m weathering the storm and preparing to remain in business for my clients and the future of my work.

Step One • Getting all Marie Kondo up in this busnassss:

Tidying up and purging unnecessary things in our home has been all the rage in the Ferraro household for several years. It all started when my wife and I were preparing for the arrival of our daughter back in 2015. As I’ve become more confident as a photographer, I’ve been applying this same space-saving and mind-decluttering techniques to my business. Here are a few examples.

A) Keeping a clean desk and workspace. B) Filing paperwork and keeping physical copies of what I need and scanning and shredding the rest, keeping things in digital formats wherever possible. C) Streamlining my workflow by only using essential supplies and tools. D) Purging unnecessary gear from my kit and refraining from buying more equipment until something is obsolete, is beyond repair, or purchasing a new tool that will only provide a function that simplifies my workflow.

Step Two • Being a Strict Accountant:

Early on in the business, I had a lot of G.A.S. — nearly all photographers suffer from it. The manufacturers of photography gear and gizmos know our collective weakness and play to our insecurities in this business by making us think we need a new shiny piece of gear to get work… and we FALL for it! Talk about amateur hour. I thought having the equipment with the right name brand and all the accessories to go with it would make me who I am today, (Head-slap!). Photographers easily overlook their expenditures as being just another write-off or justify a purchase as a need over just another want. Photographers love their toys, and many literally subscribe to the idea that clients care about the brand of their gear they use and if we’re up on the latest version of a camera body. I’ve recently denounced this way of thinking because it is nonsense.

This past year, as a part of my tidying up process, I’ve prepared a streamlined budget spreadsheet and tracked spending month by month.

I’ve looked very strictly at my gear closet and assessed the quality, quantity, effectiveness of my gear — and, I’ve either gotten rid of things that no longer serve a function for me, or have stuck with things that could be replaced by something newer and shinier but wouldn’t do the work any differently or to any significant advantage. I am happy to say that this year, I have been operating on what looks like a shoestring budget. Still, in reality, I’ve only cut back in places that allow things to feel normal in my day-to-day but also remain lean enough to skate through downtimes without reaching for that big red button.

Breaking out necessary expenses helped me realize that even equipment and office supplies can take a backseat to what really matters in keeping things operational. (I’d be happy to share a copy of my worksheet with you if you’d like a blank one to start with).

Sample of Joseph Ferraro’s 2020 Budget Sheet

Step Three • Interact and Engage, more:

Many people not-so-secretly loathe social media. I hear it ALL the time from pretty much everyone I know, even from those whose job it is to promote their company’s business where they work. Still, we all know how valuable engagement is, and that timely update about new work or some behind the scenes action is a crowd-pleaser. And, maybe that’s true. I do love people and could hang out for hours finding new things to talk about. And, I’ll admit, I get sucked into flipping through people’s stories because I DO want to know how everyone is doing and what cool things you’re up to. Still, I just can’t get myself to like the idea of curating content to digitally brand myself as what I already consider myself to be: a fun-loving dad and husband, who loves all things bread and food, who’s also a lovable, friendly photographer.

Be that as it may, as a business owner, I know that these tools are here for me to help promote my business and stay fresh in the minds of my clients and future clients. So, I’ll be making a more concerted effort to join the community in this 21st Century sort of way.

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Step Four • Educate and Expand My Mind:

I’ve been intrigued by edX — the free, online college with courses from Harvard and MIT (and now more) since it began over a decade ago. I’ve completed a course in contract law and have always wanted the time to enroll in more.

So, I did!

Just the other day, I enrolled in a course in an Intellectual Property Law course, and a Social Media Marketing course. I have no need for another degree beyond my bachelor’s, for now. If I plan on teaching someday, then I’ll explore a master’s program, but for now, I’ll happily enroll in some online classes and learn some valuable things to support my business.

Also, how popular have podcasts become again? Amirite??

Step Five • Finding Inspiration and Creating New Images:

Museum of Fine Arts, Contemporary Arts Wing © Joseph Ferraro

My bookshelf is full of great inspiration. Architectural photography books of works by Julius Shulman, Ezra Stoller, and Marcel Gautherot are anthologies I can dive into for hours. I’ve even begun looking more closely at the scene painters of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries — like Canaletto and Capriccio. And, if you haven’t been introduced to the renderings of Hatch Studio or MIR, please be prepared to clean your brains off of your desk.

Case Study House 22, Los Angeles, CA © Julius Shulman

Also, a subscription to one of the most beautiful magazines, Cereal, has been landing on my doorstep lately. If there’s ever been a time to experiment with lighting and designing an aesthetic that could uniquely be my own, it’s now. If we’re fortunate enough to use this time to expand our abilities, this could be the most valuable place we put our time.

Cereal Magazine https://www.readcereal.com/

Step Six • Self-Care:

Eating well, letting my mind wander during times of boredom, meditation, putting a few pencils and sketchbooks to use, reading a book or two, (or four), and keeping a regular schedule during the workweek, are all ways I’ll be taking care of myself. Because being mindful of my health and maintaining a sense of calm will allow me to focus on my goals and support my family in ways that we have more time to appreciate now.

Step Seven • Help Others:

And, that brings me to my final step. Taking care of loved ones and your neighbor. It doesn’t take much to notice when someone else might need a bit of help. And, if you’ve been taking care of yourself, then it should be easy to reach out and help others. But, given the circumstances surrounding this virus, I do find it difficult as we’re supposed to keep safe distances from each other to prevent the spread of this.

So, if all you feel safe doing is helping your own family, then that’s a start. But, as things return to normal, just know that not everyone may be able to bounce back as strongly as the rest, and people still may need help when it may seem like everything’s normal in your bubble.

---

I’m going to continue doing what I can to be here when things return to normal.

If, in the interim, there is anything I can do for you, please let me know!

Personal Passion: Sourdough Bread Baking @leotheleaven

I’ll also be sure to share more writings and some insights into the photography world and post new images as I create them during the inspiration-stage of my sheltering-in-place time at home.

Please be safe and take care. I look forward to being behind the camera again for my clients and showing the world just how amazing the creators are who design the places and spaces all around us.

- Joe