Beauty Can Be Found Almost Anywhere

Q&A with architecture photographer Keith King

“It took me a while in life to realize I wanted to be a photographer,” says Keith King, a Traverse Citian whose work in architecture and interior design photography has earned him work with prestigious firms and spreads in national publications.

“When I graduated college the first time with a business degree, I bought a camera to take on a trip out west with a friend. I loved it. The ability to capture scenes and light, and to be able to work compositions how I wanted to, was instantly gratifying. Photography was so fulfilling that I immediately enrolled in college again to obtain a degree in photojournalism. The ability to create and to tell stories and document life was what spoke to me.”

Though he began his career in 2003, King didn’t start specializing until a few years ago.

“In early 2020, during the pandemic, my partner gave me a book about Detroit—it’s one of my favorite cities because of the history and character—that focused on its buildings. The timing was perfect; I was searching for subject matter to photograph because I couldn’t photograph people as much, or in the proximity, I was used to. The book inspired me to photograph some of the historic and interesting buildings around Traverse City. This new interest also opened my eyes to looking at our surroundings with a fresh perspective.”

As he photographed more and more architecture, King says he realized that the buildings themselves could tell a story.

“The various qualities that light possesses have attracted me since I can remember, and photographing architecture also helps me channel that appreciation,” he explains. “Interior design interests me for many of the same reasons that architecture does.” 

We sat down with King for a Q&A about his work, his eye for light and design, and where you can find some of the most stunning homes and buildings in northern Michigan. 

Express: What are your favorite architectural/design movements or styles?
King: Modern architecture, with clean lines, creative concepts, and interesting materials, is what my favorite architecture currently is. All types of architecture interest me, though, if done in a certain way. Mid-century modern architecture is wonderful, with its vintage vibes, light play, and nostalgia. Brutalism can also be quite profound, also. 

Traverse City boasts some phenomenal examples of all these types of architecture. One of my favorite buildings in town is the Shirley S. Okerstrom Fine Arts Building on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College, designed by Walter Gropius. The lines, light, high ceilings, and so much more are incredibly unique. I had classes there back in the day, and it took me no time to realize what a special space that was. The more I thought about that building, the more I discovered how strong the power of architecture could be. 

Express: In many of your pictures, we noticed that the natural setting of a building site can be as important and interesting as the design of the building itself.
King: During my photojournalism training, one of the methods we were taught to employ was to capture a variety of angles and perspectives to tell a complete story. The use of natural settings is one way I like to tell the story of a building. Because of this, I try to photograph a structure (or whatever I’m photographing) from far away and up close, and everything in between. Architects can take quite careful consideration when selecting a location, and the design of the building often plays with that location.

Express: How do you approach your work when photographing something new?
King: Light is very important to me, so I’m always studying the characteristics of it to see how things look. … After looking at light for so long, I think my natural tendency is to try to capture structures and interiors in a way that gives the subjects depth. Early morning and late morning light can be quite special. Cloudy days, too, can be wonderful because they offer a diffused and soft light that is really nice.

Another approach I have is quite simple. I basically just try to take a really good photo with a simple composition. Then, I immediately critique myself, and then ask myself, “How can you make this photo better?” I’ve been photographing like that since I can remember, and so I naturally still do it.

Express: What are some ways interior designers successfully make a house look and feel like an inviting home?
King: To me, some of the great interior design incorporates color, spacing, style, and design, really well. The use of color is what impresses me the most when it’s done right. There are times when I see a color combination that I never would have thought of, and it’s exciting. When all these elements are in balance together, there’s a feeling that not only invites you in, but it almost magnetically pulls you in toward a scene. You can feel it.

Express: Do you have any advice for aspiring professional photographers?
King: One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard, time and time again, and really feel is important, is to photograph what you love. If the subject matter is important, it is often seen in the quality of the images.

The second piece of advice I would have is to never give up. Monetarily, photography can pay really well or it could pay nothing, depending on what you’re photographing. But there’s a richness acquired in being out in the world and having a heightened set of senses while holding a camera. Just walking around with a camera, observing and photographing, can be a beautiful and extremely fulfilling way to spend time and be creative.

Express: What else are you passionate about besides photography?
King: When I’m not taking photos, I love spending time outdoors with my partner or playing guitar. We love to enjoy as much of the outdoors as we can by getting out on our pontoon boat, going for a hike, or just heading to any body of water we can find to be near it, and to focus on the importance of being in the moment and appreciating our surroundings. This is one of the many reasons we love northern Michigan, too. To call this beautiful area home is such a gift. But, also, beauty can be found almost anywhere if a person stops, listens, observes, and simply lives in the moment.

To see more of King’s work, visit keithwking.com/architectural-photographer.

Pictured: "The Passage" design by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. Photo courtesy of Keith King

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