Flats 170 Apartments Clubroom

Clubroom at Flats 170 apartments in Odenton, MD. Architect: Niles Bolton Associates, @nilesbolton_assoc . Managed by The Bozzuto Group, @thebozzutogroup . Photo: ©Todd A. Smith. Instagram: https://lnkd.in/eUEKuqs #nilesboltonassociates #bozutto #interiordesign #architecture #architects #architecturalphotography

Flats 170 Apartments Clubroom.  ArchitectL Niles Bolton Associates.  Managed by The Bozzuto Group.
Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

Terrapin Row Student Housing, University of Maryland

Back to school with Terrapin Row, University of Maryland off campus student housing. Terrapin Row town houses, College Park, MD. Developed and managed by Toll Brothers Campus Living. Architect: WDG Architecture. Interior design: ForrestPerkins. Builder: CBG (Clark Builders Group). Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Terrapin Row town houses, College Park, MD. Developed and managed by Toll Brothers Campus Living. Architect: WDG Architecture. Interior design: ForrestPerkins. Builder: CBG (Clark Builders Group). Photo: ©Todd A. Smith 

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

Mid-Century Modern Remodel

Mid-century modern renovation of a private residence in northern Virginia. Original circa 1950's architects: Nicholas Satterlee and Donald Lethbridge.  Renovation architect: David Knudson, AIA.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith.

Mid-Century Modern renovation of a private residence in northern, Virginia.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

Dining Room Make Over

Private Maryland residence dining room interior design by Rhonald Angelo Interiors.  Rhonald on Instagram: rhonald_angelo_interiors .

Rhonald describes his design process and the details: "This design replaced an outdated and inappropriate country French design for the client's dining room which was dark, a north facing room with only one window. Coral was her color choice. This color stands in contrast to light colored walls, a new lighting scheme and Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring. Modern furniture and Asian accents furnish the room. Alabaster urns are antiques, round ebonized mirror, eighteenth century Tang Dynasty Chinese dancer, Chinese Elm-wood stand. Small antique Colombian terracotta vessels hold Bonsai plants. "Ice" serving tray displays live oranges. Antiques, no matter how small or large, infuse soul into any modern interior space".

Ellicott City, MD dining room interior design by Rhonald Angelo Interior.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

To create this image I used a mix of ambient, diffused and spot lighting, careful placement of the objects and reflections and post processing in Photoshop including removal of a certain photographer from the mirror.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith.


Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

Luxury Town Home Master Bedroom Photography

Photographing this master bedroom shot of the Kenley Federal luxury town home model in Ashburn, VA at dusk created a nice mood in the image. I added a bit of extra light to the very dark wooden dresser and night stand to bring out their beautiful details. In addition I placed subtle spot lighting in other areas of the room to keep the viewer's eye moving through the image.

Toll Brothers Luxury Town Home Kenley Model Master Bedroom.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

The Kenley Federal luxury town home model is located in the Loudoun Valley development built by Toll Brothers, Inc. in Ashburn, VA. Ashburn is located about 40 miles west of Washington, DC. Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

Hiroshima's 73rd Anniversary of the Atomic Bomb

Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Hiroshima, Japan.  6 August 2018 is the 73rd anniversary of the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima, Japan during WWII. This site was ground zero on 6 August 1945 when the world's first atomic bomb was dropped in warfare by the B-29 Enola Gay.  Originally built as The Hiroshima Prefecture Industrial Promotion Hall in 1915 by Czech architect Jan Letzel, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial is also known as Genbaku Dome, Atomic Bomb Dome or the A-Bomb Dome.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Hiroshima, Japan.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

When I shot this view of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, all the other photographers chose the opposite side of the structure to set their tripods.  I liked this view the best plus I didn't want to take the same angle as everyone else.

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

Wildlife Photography: Great Blue Heron in Accotink Wildlife Refuge, VA

A Great Blue Heron perches in a duck blind at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge in Virginia, patiently awaiting a tasty little fish to swim by.  The bird kept watch in that exact position whole time I was working.  Photographing nature is a fun compliment to my professional life of architectural videography and photography in the Washington DC area. Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Great Blue Heron perched in a duck blind ready to strike in Accotink Wildlife Refuge, VA. Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddasmithphoto/

Presidential Dining Room in Washington, DC

This view toward the dining room fireplace in the Woodrow Wilson House Museum @wwilsonhouse,  Washington, DC reveals a portrait of Woodrow Wilson's wife Edith, painted in 1920 by Seymour Stone.  If you look carefully at Edith's portrait, you'll notice her chair has no left arm.  The story goes that after the portrait was completed Edith requested a revision that her waistline be made to look more "trim". Stone grudgingly obliged but in doing so he only painted one arm of the chair in subtle protest!  I chose this composition with the stair case's rail and newel post in the foreground to frame the image and add a first-person experience.

President Woodrow Wilson House Museum in Washington, DC.  Vignette of the second floor hallway looking into th dining room.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Since we could not actually light the fireplace of this historic property I used special lighting to create the illusion of fire to add interest to this otherwise empty area. From there I spotlit both the child's portrait and Edith's portrait to draw the viewer's eye to them and then added other accent lights around the room to bring out form and detail.  Had I just used ambient light I could not have achieved these enhancements.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.  Instagram: @toddasmithphoto

2017 Ellicott City Show House Drawing room

Detail image of Washington, DC interior designer Rhonald Angelo @rhonald_angelo_interiors drawing room in the 2017 Ellicott City, MD Designers Show House at White Hall.  White Hall is a stunning 19th century Federal style mansion near Baltimore, MD.

Detail of White Hall drawing room fireplace by Rhonald Angelo Interiors.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Rhonald's flair for seamlessly combining diverse design genres and historical periods is shown here with an African JuJu hat over the fireplace, Lenox vases and a Chinese calligraphy brush on the mantel and antique Chinese garden stools flanking the fireplace.  A Bakshaish Persian area rug ties his design together.  Rhonald completely restored the fireplace.  He commissioned fine artist Lisa Malveaux @lisabrownmalveaux to hand paint the fireplace insets with a combination of White Hall scenes and faux marble.  For safety reasons we could not make an actual fire in the fireplace of this historic property.  To make the fireplace area as inviting as possible I placed special lighting in its interior.  Next I lit the entire room with three more lights in a way to reveal details and contours in the design elements featured in the architectural photography I produced. Photo: ©Todd A. Smith.  Instagram: @toddasmithphoto .

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

WI State Capitol Reflection in US Bank Plaza

The Wisconsin State Capitol at dusk in summer reflecting in the windows of U.S. Bank Plaza (formerly First Wisconsin Plaza) Madison, WI.  The Wisconsin State Capitol was built 1906-1917, architect: George B. Post.  U.S. Bank Plaza (formerly First Wisconsin Plaza) was built 1974, design architect: Bruce John Graham architectural firm: SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill). Photo: ©Todd A. Smith.

The Wisconsin State Capitol at dusk in summer reflecting in the windows of U.S. Bank Plaza (formerly First Wisconsin Plaza) Madison, WI.  The Wisconsin State Capitol was built 1906-1917, architect: George B. Post.  U.S. Bank Plaza (formerly First Wisconsin Plaza) was built 1974, design architect: Bruce John Graham architectural firm: SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill). Photo: ©Todd A. Smith.

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

Getting Ready for a Video Assignment

Getting my camera and gimbal ready prior to shooting a cinematic real estate video tour.

Getting my camera and gimbal ready prior to shooting a cinematic real estate video tour.  Photo: ©Tracey Attlee

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer and cinematic videographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

Memorial Day 2018

Please take a moment this Memorial Day weekend to reflect on the sacrifices our service members have made for our nation.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier guarded 24 hours a day every day of the year.  Arlington National Cemetery,
Arlington, VA.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

Combining Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Enjoying the outdoors from indoors is the best of both worlds when grilling, relaxing or spending time with friends and family.  Sliding and folding glass wall systems using the latest technology allow indoor lounges and other interior spaces to instantly open up.  Transforming a room into an outdoor space without the barriers of doors or walls is very popular.  Here are two beautiful designs in the Washington, DC area I've photographed for multifamily housing clients:

Parc Riverside Apartments lounge opened to courtyard

Parc Riverside Apartments, Washington, DC Lounge and Courtyard.  Owner/Property Manager: Toll Brothers Apartment Living.  Architect: WDG Architects.  Interior Design: ForrestPerkins.  Landscape: LSG Landscape Architecture.
Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Avery Row Apartments lounge opened to courtyard

Avery Row Luxury Apartments, Arlington, VA.  Developed by Insight Property Group, Buvermo Investment, Inc. Owner/Property Manager: The Bozzuto Group.  Architects: Lessard Design, Preston Partnership.  Photo: Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

Use Neighborhood Photography to Attract Residents

Neighborhood attractions draw new residents and boost property sales.  DC builders and developers often commission me for neighborhood photography to show what awaits new and potential residents.

Southwest DC's nearby entertainment, theatre, waterfront and sporting events have made it one of the hottest new neighborhoods in the city.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Great coffee and breakfast shops are always welcomed by Washingtonians.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Baltimore and DC supermarkets that offer a variety of healthy dining options are highly sought. Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Nearby places for shopping, relaxing and dining are always a hit in the Washington DC area. Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Green spaces, parks and water views add charm to residential locations in DC and the Inner Harbor in Baltimore.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Convenient Metro stations play an important role in selecting where to live in the Washington, DC area.

Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Bike sharing has become a popular activity in the Washington DC area especially with Millennials. Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Bike sharing has become a popular activity in the Washington DC area especially with Millennials.
Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

Warm Weather Has Arrived in Washington, DC

After a long, cold, early spring, warm weather has arrived here in the Washington, DC area!

Springtime at the U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and architectural video contact information.

Commercial Property Photography for Advertising

Most of us work outside the home in an office or business in leased space.  When we go shopping or dining out these properties are usually leased spaces too. 
The professional architectural photographer's job is depict properties in their best light to entice new patrons, tenants or buyers to visit and experience the space. 
Here is a selection of my commercial architectural photography projects showing a small shopping center, a medium-sized office park building and a large class A office building.

Heron Place Shopping Center, High Point, NC

Heron Place Shopping Center, High Point, NC.  Owner: Penn Properties, Greensboro, NC.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Rivers Business Commons, Columbia, MD

Rivers Business Commons, Columbia, MD.  Owner: Cushman & Wakefield, Baltimore, MD.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Boulders Business Park, N. Chesterfield, VA

Boulders Business Park, N. Chesterfield, VA.  Owner: Dominion Realty Partners, Richmond, VA.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a VA, MD, DC architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning residential and commercial architectural photography and contact information.

Architectural Details Tell the Story

Wondering how best to advertise a space you have designed or are marketing in the DC metro area? Try adding a detail or vignette image to your presentation. It will reveal more about the character and function of a space than will a bunch of sweeping wide angle views.  Vignettes entice a potential buyer to experience life inside your space.  Here are a few vignettes I've shot for clients:

Private Residence, Ellicott City, MD

Private residence dining room.  Interior design by Rhonald Angelo Interiors, Washington, DC.
  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Northview Fire/EMS Station 816, Bowie, MD

Northview Fire/EMS Station 816 PPE Locker.  Architect: Ronald D. Lipford, AIA, Arel Architects, Inc., Temple Hills, MD.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Breakers on The Ocean Hotel, Spring Lake, NJ

Breakers on the Ocean Hotel.  The Seashell dining room with its iconic seashell chairs and famous view of the Atlantic Ocean.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith.

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com for contact information and to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography for commercial and residential clients throughout the DC metro area and beyond.

Property Views from On High around DC

Photographing aerial views of properties in and near Washington, DC is strictly prohibited by aircraft and even drones because of the proximity to the White House.  This leaves photographers with few options for getting an "aerial" view.  One of the most common workarounds is to photograph from the upper level or even the rooftop of a nearby building.  This involves diplomacy, negotiation, manners, patience and much prior planning to secure permission from the other property's owners/management company.

Constitution Square, Washington, DC

Constitution Square.  Architect: SK&I Architecture & Design, Washington, DC.
Landscape Architect: Parker Rodriguez, Inc., Alexandria, VA.  Managed by: The Bozzuto Group.
Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Monroe Street Market, Washington, DC

Monroe Street Market.  This view was taken while I was tethered to the balcony of The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception's campanile.  Project executive architect: KTGY Architecture + Planning, Irvine, CA.  Conceptual design and master planning: Maurice Walters Architect, Washington, DC and Torti Gallas & Partners, Silver Spring, MD.  Developed by: Bozzuto Development, Abdo Developement, LLC and Pritzker Realty.
Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

The Cosmopolitan at Reston Town Center, Reston, VA

The Cosmopolitan.  Architect: Lessard Design, Vienna, VA.  Photo:©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a professional VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography for builders, developers, architects, hotels and interior designers.

The Fire Pit, A Very Popular Amenity in Multifamily and Single Family Housing

One of the most popular amenities in multifamily and single family housing is the fire pit.  What could be more relaxing than sitting by the fire and sharing a moment with family and friends?

Moorefield Green-The Manors, Ashburn, VA

Moorefield Green-The Manors, Bethesda model town home rooftop terrace fire pit.
Developed and managed by Toll Brothers.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Palette at Arts District, Hyattsville, MD.

Palette at Arts District apartments poolside fire pit..  Architect: Housing Studio, Charlotte, NC.

Managed by The Bozzuto Group.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

The Kingsley, Alexandria, VA.

The Kingsley apartments rooftop fire pits.  Architect: Rust-Orling Architecture, Alexandria, VA.
Managed by The Bozzuto Group.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Hidden Creek, Gaithersburg, MD.

Hidden Creek apartments poolside fire pit.  Architect: Housing Studio, Charlotte, NC.
Managed by Jefferson Apartment Group.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see recent examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

DC Area Swimming Pools with Style

With spring in the air and summer soon to follow, a refreshing dip in a sparkling pool will be just the thing.  Here are four inviting multifamily and single family housing pools I have photographed in the Washington, DC metro area.

Parc Riverside, Washington, DC

Parc Riverside pool at dusk.  Architect: WDG Architecture.  Landscape Architect: LSG Landscape Architecture.
Photo:©Todd A. Smith

Dr. Craik House, Alexandria, VA

Dr. Craik House.  Dr. Craik was George Washington's personal physician. Main house ca.1783.  Pool and new addition 2008.
Architect: Robert Bentley Adams Architects.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

The Beacon at Waugh Chapel, Gambrills, MD.

The Beacon at Waugh Chapel.  Architect: Martin Architectural Group.  Managed by: PRP Real Estate Management, LLC.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Senate Square, Washington, DC

Senate Square.  Architect: Esocoff &Associates.  Landscape Architect: Clinton & Associates.
Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

Favorite Kitchen Designs I've Photographed

The kitchen is truly the heart of any home.  It is my favorite interior space to photograph.  Here is a selection of notable kitchens I've photographed over the years.

Woodrow Wilson House, Washington, DC

Woodrow Wilson House Museum, Washington, DC.  Architect: Waddy Butler Wood, ca. 1915.
A Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  ©Todd A. Smith

Oak Creek, Upper Marlboro, MD

Toll Brothers at Oak Creek.  The Harding Williamsburg Model Single Family Home.  Developed by Toll Brothers.
Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Avonlea Reserve, Chantilly, VA

Avonlea Reserve.  Bradbury Georgetown Model Townhome.  Developed by Toll Brothers.
Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Berea Station No. 12, Fredericksburg, VA

Company No. 12 Berea Fire & Rescue.  Kitchen-day room where first responders rest and re-nourish between calls.
Architect: Teng & Associates (now EXP), Chicago, IL.  ©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer of residential and commercial properties and is based in Alexandria, VA.  Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see recent examples of his award-winning interior and exterior photography.

Unique Architectural Designed Fitness Center Spaces

With spring just a few weeks away and bathing suit season soon to follow I thought fitness centers would provide an interesting theme for my blog this week.  Below are my favorite three fitness centers and dance center because of their unique architectural design.

Edgewood Arts Center, Washington, DC:

Edgewood Arts Center offers dance classes.  Architect: Maurice Walters, AIA Washington, DC.
Landscape Architect: Oehme, van Sweden.  Developed by: Bozzuto Development and Abdo Development, LLC.
Photo ©Todd A. Smith

Yale Steam Laundry Condominiums, Washington, DC:

Yale Steam Laundry Fitness Center.  Architect: John Ronan Architects, Chicago, IL.  Developer: IBG Partners.
Photo: ©Todd A. Smith.

The Arbors at Arundel Apartments, Hanover, MD:

The Arbors at Arundel Fitness Center.  Architect: Niles Bolton Associates, Atlanta, GA/Washington, DC.
Developed by: The Bozzuto Group and Somerset Construction.  Photo ©Todd A. Smith.

Cameron Court Apartments, Alexandria, VA:

Cameron Court Fitness Center.  Interior Design: SR/A Interior Architecture & Design, Chevy Chase, MD.
Managed by: The Bozzuto Group.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Todd A. Smith is a professional VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA. Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.

Multifamily Living Lobbies

A well designed lobby in multifamily living says, "Welcome home."  In today's hectic workplace isn't it nice to come home to a welcoming refuge? When on the job photographing multifamily lobbies I have repeatedly witnessed residents smiling as they entered.
Here are four multifamily living lobbies that are among my favorites to have professionally photographed in the Washington DC metro area.

Flats 130 at Constitution Square, Washington, DC:

Flats 130 at Constitution Square lobby with it's stunning copper wall.  Architect: SK&I Architecture.  Managed by Bozzuto.  Winner 2013 Best in American Living Silver Award for High Rise Rental Development-NAHB.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith.

Flats 170 at Academy Yards, Odenton, MD:

Flats 170 at Academy Yards.  Architect: Niles Bolton & Associates.  Managed by Bozzuto.  Photo: © Todd A. Smith

Terrapin Row Student Housing, Collage Park, MD:

Terrapin Row Student Housing Building "A" lobby.  Architect: WDG Architecture.  Interiors: Forrest Perkins.  Managed by Toll Brothers Campus Living.  Winner 2017 MFE Awards, Student, Merit.  Photo: ©Todd A. Smith

Parc Riverside, Washington, DC:

Parc Riverside Mail Room.  Technically not a lobby but located so near the reception desk and so unique I had to include it.  Also serves as a library-conference room.  Architect: WDG Architecture.  Managed by Toll Brothers City Living.
Photo: ©Todd A. Smith.

Todd A. Smith is a VA, DC, DE, MD, PA, NJ, NY architectural photographer based in Alexandria, VA.  Please visit www.tasphoto.com to see examples of his award-winning architectural photography and contact information.