To view more of Michael’s photography visit: www.michaeljleephotography.com
Michael J. Lee is a Boston-based architectural photographer who has built an enviable career over a combined twenty-eight years of interior design and photography experience. He has shot uncountable interiors and exteriors by prestigious architects and designers, along with more than 50 print magazine/book covers. In addition, Michael is a recipient of awards from The Room to Dream Foundation, The Boston Architectural College, and The American Society of Interior Designers. Most recently, Michael’s pointed eye has been celebrated in the March 2020 release of the new hard cover book, New England Modern, serving as collaborator with author, Jaci Conry, and sole photographer capturing 10 of the finest interior designers throughout New England.
New England Modern available online: www.tridentbookscafe.com www.brooklinebooksmith.com
M Fine Arts: In your career you’ve worked on many incredible design features. What do you look for when photographing an interior? What makes it special or excites you about space?
MJL: Honestly, the first two things I look for is the art and the homeowners’ personality. Those two critical factors matter significantly to publications. Those factors lead to a home telling an engaging story. Great architecture is another critical factor, often times the money shots are the ones framed by the architecture. It's the architecture that dictates on many levels the camera’s perspective and, therefore, point of view - furniture, etc can all be moved to suit the camera’s point of view. How those factors relate and their relationship with the camera is what makes for a compelling photograph. Lastly, I would say quality of light. Sometimes it has to be created, but when it's done well the viewer will never know it's not real, and that is essential to a great photograph.
M Fine Arts: How do you know when you have a successful shot?
MJL: LOL, when a magazine emails to tell me it’s the cover! No seriously, what makes a shot successful is that moment when I first put the image on the computer and I watch very carefully my client’s reaction. That is what does it for me. I spend a good amount of time getting things as near perfect as possible through the camera, and it’s when I project the image to the computer for my client to see, it’s in that moment of revelation that I know if I got it right. It’s all about their emotional reaction for me.
M Fine Arts: How do you see the role of art in a beautifully designed space?
MJL: My mentor, Estelle Bond Guralnick, always said, “Good art can make a bad space great and bad art can ruin a good interior.” I’m not just saying this, art is incredibly crucial in making a compelling room. Art in many ways is the soul of a room.
M Fine Arts: What do you look for when acquiring art for yourself?
MJL: An emotional connection I think is critical for everyone. If something doesn’t immediately speak to you it’s not going to grow on you. Art can lead to emotional well being and if it doesn’t move you then it is dead.
EXPLORE MICHAEL'S CURATED COLLECTION OF WORKS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
Patrick Pietropoli, The Mirror, oil and silver on canvas, 39” x 39”
“I’ve always been drawn to paintings of interiors in homes, and this painting in particular I find very intriguing, I want to sit on that sofa and take the whole room in.”
Beth Carter, Girl in Boat, bronze, 14.5” x 12” x 4.5”
“I’m particularly moved by all of Beth Carter’s bronzes but this one in particular. Given the current circumstances, I think we would all love to just row out on a pond and set ourselves free. I love the energy of this particular bronze. “
Ewa Bathelier, Green Dress, acrylic on fabric, 79” x 79”
“A few months ago I was headed out of the city and drove past M Fine Arts window and almost literally crashed. I just loved the energy and emotion of this dress literally rising from the ground. There is a haunting warmth to this painting that just draws me in.”
Robert Baart, West Forks Winter, acrylic on canvas, 48” x 62”
“I am particularly drawn to the colors of this painting. I can see it working in so many different styles of rooms, and the scale at 48”x62” makes this piece a real focal point in any room. “
Maria Laura, Mod (Twiggy), mixed media on canvas, 48” x 36”
“What’s not to love here? The RBF is brilliant with the whimsical tiara like head phones. Beats should take note for their next collection.”
Chantal Lacout, Elle, bronze, 45”
“I was very fortunate to photograph one of Chantal’s bronze sculptures in a beautiful home by Designer, Paula Daher. Having had that opportunity to intimately see Lacout’s work up close has made me a big fan of her sculptures and would hope to own one someday.”