East Bay Hilltop Contemporary

This project is a perfect example of what a true full-day architectural photography shoot can reveal. We started before dawn and stayed through twilight, giving us the chance to see this East Bay contemporary home in every one of its moods. Some of my favorite frames are from the primary bed and bath, with the lights off and only the first dim glow of morning rising over the eastern hills.

As the hours passed, the sun traced across the property, igniting different rooms at different times. Because we had the luxury of time, we could wait for those moments and be there when the light was just right. Natural light did most of the heavy lifting, though in a few cases I blended in a touch of my own to gently open shadows or add contrast—always subtle, never competing.

We skipped the harsh mid-day hours, then returned as the long afternoon shadows crept in. The golden hour lived up to its name, bathing the interiors and exteriors in warm, flattering tones. Finally, as dusk settled, the house took on a quiet softness, lit only by the fading sky and the glow of the fireplace.

The goal throughout was simple: to present this home faithfully in every light it knows, from the cool blue of morning to sharp sunbeams at mid-day, to the warm hues of sunset, and finally the calm of twilight. For me, that’s what architectural photography in the Bay Area is all about—showing how design and light work together over time.