Homage to Catalonia? A Touch of Gaudí in Texas

The Hemphill House Interior Living Room

A Wedding and a Creative Project

I was in Texas for a wedding shoot when I got the chance to photograph a house that Zack, the groom, designed and built. Over a week, I captured images for a book about the house. While I mostly focus on people, I enjoy architectural photography. It’s a change of pace and requires careful thought.

The Zen of Architectural Photography

Architectural photography is a slower process. Using a tripod makes you focus on details. It’s a nice break from fast-paced portrait shoots. Getting things right in-camera is key, and it’s essential to have a good post-production workflow.

Gaudí Inspiratin with a Texan Twist

The house features motifs inspired by nature. Tree-like supports, leaf patterns in the tiles, and a color palette of greens and browns all nod to Gaudí. Zack’s take is subtler, warmer, and more comfortable than Gaudí’s usual style.

The Story Behind the Textured Exterior

The exterior walls were designed to mimic tree bark. Zack’s team experimented until they found that throwing plaster at the wall created the best texture. It’s one of many unique details that make the house special.

Gaudí Reimagined: Subtle and Inviting

Though I’m not a fan of Gaudí’s extravagant designs, Zack’s version works. It’s less about excess and more about comfort. In a neighborhood of custom homes, Zack’s house stands out—but in a quiet, natural way.

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