Hedrich Blessing Studio

            The Hedrich Blessing Studio, the oldest in the world, has been known for its architectural photography since its origination in 1929. The studio specializes in elevating and advertising architecture, showing it in its best light. It has also been a commercial studio, shooting industrial, product, and editorial photography. Hedrich Blessing’s photographic assistants have been mentored by predecessors to become skilled photographers; thus, the work the studio produces is consistent and created with the same careful attention that traditional photographers give to the craft. This is why none of their work is contracted—it isn’t necessary.

During the first moments of our visit, Hedrich Blessing’s President Jon Miller immediately pointed to the old-fashioned black and white camera on display, highlighting the importance of traditional photography. However, he mentioned that photography is constantly changing gears. Both photographers and architects have to become acquainted to new processes and technology. Just four years ago, the studio went digital and now uses a few computers instead of darkrooms to produce efficient results.

Jon stated that photographers have to invoke “architectural personality” and have “sympathetic interpretation” when capturing a room or building’s most notable assets.  I found the following piece of advice most valuable: an architectural photographer must document not only the built environment but its culture. By capturing this, a part of history and progress is saved for future generations to look back on. Jon also noted that a different perspective, a fresh view, is needed in photography. Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Falling Water” has been photographed a good many times, but Ken Hedrich’s snapshot is the truest representation of the title, said to have given the building that name. His work portrays buildings as grandiose and elegant, showing their ‘character.’

The visit was relaxed, as Jon was welcoming and willing to tell us about his personal accounts with Bill Hedrich. Many were quite comical; he gave a true sense of Hedrich’s laid-back, spontaneous personality. Nonetheless, he was able to produce outstanding results, as he had a knack for timing. The Hedrich Blessing photographers still produce these results, despite the processes having become more technological. Though it is a challenging field of photography to become successful in, true dedication pays off. As Jon stated, “Architectural photography is a field you have to live.”