Architectural & Commercial Photography Basics: Getting the Most Out of Your Own Photography & Understanding When to Call in a Pro with Jim Devine & Jeffrey Totaro

The Union League
140 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

6:30-8:30PM

COST/RESERVATIONS
ICAA Members: $55 | General Admission: $75 | Students: $45

Hosted by ICAA member Jim Devine and professional architectural photographer Jeffrey Totaro

Through hands-on guidance, attendees will gain an appreciation of when a do-it-yourself approach may be feasible versus when a professional photographer is a more realistic option. Also covered in this session: Basic photo composition, lighting and editing techniques, and comparing and contrasting these techniques with basic everyday photography approaches that attendees may have tried or have wanted to attempt on their own. Pre- and post-edited images will be shared and methods for enhancing and refining lighting and composition will be explained.

Biographies

Jeffrey Totaro has had a life-long interest in design and construction. Before becoming a photographer, he worked as an architect and structural engineer for a prominent Philadelphia firm. During his education and early career, his strong interest in design was coupled with an interest in photographing architecture and interiors. A self-taught photographer, Jeffrey transitioned to professional photography in 1996 and has since built an impressive portfolio of commercial, residential, and institutional photography for leading firms in Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Washington DC and elsewhere around the country.

Jeffrey’s education and professional experience as an architect and engineer make him well-suited to photograph the built environment. His photographs capture design intent, structural complexity, and architectural detail to best illustrate each projects significance. He values a collaborative relationship with clients and considers it an essential part of the process for successful photography. Responsive and understanding, Jeffrey’s patience and commitment to capturing the essence of a design is evident in the images he produces. His meticulous attention to detail throughout the photographic process includes advance scouting of locations, careful arrangement of views for elegant and clean compositions, technical proficiency and creativity in the appropriate use of lighting, and the latest in high-resolution digital technology.

Jeffrey holds an architectural engineering degree from Drexel University. He has served as co-chair on ASMP’s Architectural Specialty Group, a worldwide society of professional architectural photographers. From mid 2006 to mid 2008 he was in collaboration with Esto Photographics, one of the world’s leading providers of architectural stock photography. He has been co-instructor for a workshop in Chicago with camera manufacturer Phase One, and also teaches an annual week-long workshop in architectural photography for the Palm Beach Photographic Workshops.

From capture through final delivery, Jim takes a detail-driven approach. That includes careful control of lighting on-site and refined post-processing to ensure color accuracy, balance, and consistency across every image. All editing is handled in-house, allowing for both quality control and efficient turnaround.

Jim works closely with realtors, designers, builders, and architects who need reliable, professional imagery that elevates their portfolio and supports marketing efforts.

Based in the Philadelphia area, he also collaborates with his wife and business partner, Eileen, of Devine Designs Inc., which brings an added perspective on how spaces are intended to be seen and experienced.