Capturing The Architectural Redesign of Helzberg Diamonds

Last year I was excited at the opportunity to do some architectural photography for Helzberg Diamonds. I was asked to photograph the interior re-fits of a whole series of Helzberg locations. The projet involved a lot of late nights, some interesting travel stories and some great experiences. The photographs we’ve included below are from the flagship location here in Kansas City. We are lucky to be so close to their flagship store located on the Country Club Plaza. The new merchandising cabinets are absolute works of art and the overall design of the stores is breathtaking. From the flagship - to the mall locations - to the free-standing stores - they are consistently brilliant.

In carrying out the shoots we had the chance to meet Parke Wellman, the architect who is responsible for this incredible redesign and she was gracious enough to say some very kind words about our work:

“I discovered Alistair and his team at the last minute, reviewed his extensive portfolio and determined that he has the eye for detail a retail space requires for photography. His schedule and flexibility dovetailed well with a retailer demands and needs. The multiple store photos turned out as expected and priced very competitively! We will be working again very soon.”

Parke R. Wellman, AIA, RDI - Divisional Vice President - Store Design, Construction, & Visual Merchandising

Thank you to everyone at the Helzberg locations in Kansas City, Chicago, New York and San Antonio for making sure each location was well prepared and for providing the elements that made for such a beautiful end result.





Credits:
Helzberg Diamonds
J.E. Dunn
Assistants - Andrew Hoxey

Brian Harvey: Fitch

Brian is an incredible designer and I was delighted to come and photograph a couple of the brand new projects he’d been working on in Scottsdale.

“Though I could have used a local photographer to shoot our new office space in Scottsdale Arizona, I knew Alistair was the right person for the project. As I anticipated the process went smoothly and I was very happy with the results. Regardless of the location, I know that Alistair will pull off the quality I am looking for every time.”

“Brian Harvey, Creative Director
Fitch, Phoenix”





Credits:
Fitch

Seth Gunderson: Sullivan Higdon & Sink

Seth and I have known each other for quite a while through the Ad Club of Kansas City and I’ve really enjoyed the experience of getting to know him; so I was delighted when he recently contacted me to capture the new Shatto Milk Soap packaging. It’s some great design work and a wonderful product…although I’m not sure if the photographer is always right, my wife certainly doesn’t agree.

“I approached Alistair about shooting some milk soap packaging. All we really needed was a few straight on shots of the product. Alistair was so enthusiastic about doing some shots that were a bit different, that it was impossible to say no. And, of course, the photographer is always right. Everything came out beautifully and the client couldn’t have been happier.”

“Seth Gunderson, Art Director
Sullivan Higdon & Sink”



Credits:
Sullivan Higdon & Sink Advertising

Kristen Fisher: AIA Kansas City

I have been working with Kristen and the AIA in Kansas City for over a year now and it’s been a wonderfully beneficial relationship. It all began with the presentations I’ve been giving for their membership on architectural photography and has now grown into me shooting their latest advertising campaign.

“It is always a pleasure to work with Alistair. His knowledge of the industry and attention to detail show in the fantastic results. Often times we have asked him to turn around a project in a very short time frame, and he is always up to the task. We look forward to working with him on our next project.”

“Kristen Fisher, Communications Director
AIA Kansas City”










Credits:
AIA Kansas City

Neil Steiner: TouchPoll KC

Neil is a fantastic fella that I’ve known for a couple of years throught the Freelance Exchange and has been a wonderful source of referrals and was a pleasure to shoot.

“This bloke is GREAT! His work speaks for itself. 100% PROFESSIONAL! Whether or not you need help with a business or personal photographic project, Alistair will make sure that everything results in SATISFACTION! I highly recommend Alistair Tutton Photography.”

“Neil Steiner
TouchPoll KC”



Credits:
TouchPoll KC

Samantha Murray: DLR Group

Samantha is an incredible designer and a fabulous client; plus she’s English so we don’t need a translator to work together! But on a serious note the Spa project was a fantastic interior and I’m really excited at the future interiors we’ll be photographing together this year.

“Working with Alistair on "The Spa Tuscano” shoot was a joy: pure and simple.“

"His obvious love of photography shines through in both his personality and his work. Alistair’s attention to every detail, his patience, and his understanding of the personal investment a designer has in a project makes him one of, if not the best, photographer I have had the pleasure of working with.”

“I know that even if I am not awake at the crack of dawn shoot, Alistair will make sure that we get the best shot with the best light and that it will be staged perfectly. Our goals for the shoot are Alistair’s goals and I have no doubt that he will always ensure that those goals are not just met, but exceeded.”

“Alistair captured the essence and beauty of the Spa and did it right the first time ~ without the need for digital enhancement. This, along with his amazing talent, sets him apart in my opinion.”

“I consider Alistair an important part of our team and I am looking forward to completing more projects with him in the future.”

“Samantha Murray, Interior Designer
DLR Group”



Credits:
DLR Group

Matt Shepherd: Matt Shepherd Advertising and Design

Matt has been a fabulous client over the last couple of years; we’ve worked together on promoting Townsend Development’s series of condo projects in Kansas City and Omaha.

“I have hired Alistair on many occasions. He is always great to work with and the images are top notch. Great shooter and a good guy!”

“Matt Shepherd, President
Matt Shepherd Advertising and Design”


















Credits:
Matt Shepherd Advertising and Design

Stephen P. Herchak: DLR Group

Stephen and I just finished a mammoth undertaking of formalizing the relationship of DLR Group with their existing and future photographers; the purpose of which is to ensure high quality imagery that is delivered in a timely fashion. It was great fun to help produce the piece and I think it will help the whole group nationally.

“Alistair has been a fabulous resource to me in my education on the special nuances of digital photography and how the end product differs compared to the scans from transparencies I was previously acquainted with.”

“He was always willing to field my many pesky questions quickly, all with good cheer and humor. Not only was he able to get me to understand the issues involved, but he did it in a way I could pass on to other people, some of whom with no previous experience of the photographic process so they could understand and apply that information as well.

"This knowledge was a tremendous aid in our push to improve marketing efforts – once you got past his accent, of course.”

“Stephen P. Herchak, Senior Graphic Designer
DLR Group Marketing”



Credits:
DLR Group

Nicholas Segura: Spyn Design + Marketing

I recently worked with Nicholas on capturing a whole bunch of new models for 385 Talent; it was tremendous fun and the talent is exceptional.

“Alistair is a GREAT photographer. Recently our models at 385Talent.com needed some shots and Alistar was very professional and accommodating. We got great shots, files, and appreciate the help!”

“Nicholas Segura, Partner
Spyn Design + Marketing”



Credits:
Spyn Design + Marketing
385 Model & Talent

Linda Buchner: T2

Linda and I worked together to capture the incredible new interior of Take Two’s studios. It’s a fabulous project and she was an absolute pleasure to work with.

“Alistair brings a HUGE level of fun to all his projects and activities. Because of his great positive attitude, smart and precise decision-making skills, and amazing eye for detail while setting and composing each photograph, Alistair is a terrific partner for any visual communications project. His volunteerism for the Kansas City Ad Club is truly commendable.”

“Linda Buchner, Director of Sales and Marketing
T2”



Credits:
T2

Linda Buchner: T2

Linda and I worked together to capture the incredible new interior of Take Two’s studios. It’s a fabulous project and she was an absolute pleasure to work with.

“Alistair brings a HUGE level of fun to all his projects and activities. Because of his great positive attitude, smart and precise decision-making skills, and amazing eye for detail while setting and composing each photograph, Alistair is a terrific partner for any visual communications project. His volunteerism for the Kansas City Ad Club is truly commendable.”

“Linda Buchner, Director of Sales and Marketing
T2”



Credits:
T2

Kevin Fullerton: Springboard Creative

Kevin and I recently collaborated on his own website imagery and the Art+Copy Cheeky Awards collateral; he was an absolute pleasure to work with and really committed to the unique creative that we captured.

“While Alistair’s great eye was what initially made me want to work with him, it was his highly-collaborative style that made me choose him. I came in with what I wanted, and he "plussed” it. What he added to the process made the final result exceed my expectations.“

"I also work with Alistair on the Art+Copy board. He did an outstanding job as special events chair. He launched our newest event, the lifetime achievement award recognizing a creative individual in the Kansas City advertising community. The event was a huge success because Alistair threw himself into the project. I’ve seen him do that on several things. He just doesn’t know how to do anything half-way. I look forward to a long working relationship with him.”

“Kevin Fullerton, Owner / Creative Director
Springboard Creative”



Credits:
Springboard Creative

Kevin Fullerton: Springboard Creative

Kevin and I recently collaborated on his own website imagery and the Art+Copy Cheeky Awards collateral; he was an absolute pleasure to work with and really committed to the unique creative that we captured.

“While Alistair’s great eye was what initially made me want to work with him, it was his highly-collaborative style that made me choose him. I came in with what I wanted, and he "plussed” it. What he added to the process made the final result exceed my expectations.“

"I also work with Alistair on the Art+Copy board. He did an outstanding job as special events chair. He launched our newest event, the lifetime achievement award recognizing a creative individual in the Kansas City advertising community. The event was a huge success because Alistair threw himself into the project. I’ve seen him do that on several things. He just doesn’t know how to do anything half-way. I look forward to a long working relationship with him.”

“Kevin Fullerton, Owner / Creative Director
Springboard Creative”



Credits:
Springboard Creative

George Weyrauch: Blacktop Creative

George and I recently collaborated on a “Lunch and Learn at the Kansas City chapter of the AIA. It was a wonderful experience; from drafting the presentation to actually delivering it in person I really enjoyed working with George and I really appreciate his ongoing support (especially now I’m shooting for Blacktop).

"How many photographers do you know that can stand in front of a professional organization as a photographer and speak to branding? In first Q08, I had the pleasure of preparing and presenting a speech to a large group of professionals at Kansas City chapter of the AIA on ‘Branding and Photography’ and I was blown away by how as a photographer, Alistair gets branding!”

“I have been in this wonderful world of Advertising for over 20 years and have only on a few occasions met a photographer that when hired to do a photo-shoot for a client wanted to understand the brand first before he ever looked into the lens. He captures and promotes, visually, the brand of each client that he works for. Alistair is an ultimate professional and an incredible person to work with. If you have not taken the time to see his work, do it now at www.alistairtutton.com.”

“George Weyrauch, Director Business Relationships
Blacktop Creative”

Credits:
Blacktop Creative

George Weyrauch: Blacktop Creative

George and I recently collaborated on a “Lunch and Learn at the Kansas City chapter of the AIA. It was a wonderful experience; from drafting the presentation to actually delivering it in person I really enjoyed working with George and I really appreciate his ongoing support (especially now I’m shooting for Blacktop).

"How many photographers do you know that can stand in front of a professional organization as a photographer and speak to branding? In first Q08, I had the pleasure of preparing and presenting a speech to a large group of professionals at Kansas City chapter of the AIA on ‘Branding and Photography’ and I was blown away by how as a photographer, Alistair gets branding!”

“I have been in this wonderful world of Advertising for over 20 years and have only on a few occasions met a photographer that when hired to do a photo-shoot for a client wanted to understand the brand first before he ever looked into the lens. He captures and promotes, visually, the brand of each client that he works for. Alistair is an ultimate professional and an incredible person to work with. If you have not taken the time to see his work, do it now at www.alistairtutton.com.”

“George Weyrauch, Director Business Relationships
Blacktop Creative”

Credits:
Blacktop Creative

Shane Kucera: 360 Architecture

360 Architecture and I have developed a wonderful relationship over the last two years. Photographing their incredible architectural interiors is always a pleasure and they are a staple part of “How to do it right…” presentations.

“Alistair Tutton is efficient, talented and a pleasure to work with. He makes the process as stress-free as possible. From scouting, scheduling and coordinating, down to the minor details such as burnt out light bulbs, Alistair handles all aspects of the project and delivers excellent images. Whether it means a 3:00 a.m. set up to catch the ideal light or returning to a project to avoid construction equipment, we always know he will do whatever is needed to deliver high-quality work with a quick turnaround.”

“We are at all times confident we’ll receive images well worth the investment with Alistair.”

“Shane Kucera, Art Director
360 Architecture”







Credits:
Shane Kucera: 360 Architecture

Shane Kucera: 360 Architecture

360 Architecture and I have developed a wonderful relationship over the last two years. Photographing their incredible architectural interiors is always a pleasure and they are a staple part of “How to do it right…” presentations.

“Alistair Tutton is efficient, talented and a pleasure to work with. He makes the process as stress-free as possible. From scouting, scheduling and coordinating, down to the minor details such as burnt out light bulbs, Alistair handles all aspects of the project and delivers excellent images. Whether it means a 3:00 a.m. set up to catch the ideal light or returning to a project to avoid construction equipment, we always know he will do whatever is needed to deliver high-quality work with a quick turnaround.”

“We are at all times confident we’ll receive images well worth the investment with Alistair.”

“Shane Kucera, Art Director
360 Architecture”







Credits:
Shane Kucera: 360 Architecture

Erin Benda: Anthem Media

Erin led me a merry dance as I tried to get a chance to shoot for Anthem! It took about six months of pestering and cajoling but it has definitely proven worth it. Many of the great assignments that they have had me cover have become cornerstones of my portfolio and they have allowed me a wonderful level of creative freedom and inciteful direction as I have captured work for multiple mastheads.

“After being wooed by Alistair’s svelte English accent and cheeky sense of humor, we decided try him out on an assignment and the photos were wonderful! He has a keen eye and a knack for capturing the true essence of the moment. Whether it’s a person, place or thing- his images always make the viewer feel like they’re right there, next to Alistair, as he’s taking the shot.”

“Alistair is one of the few photographers that I can trust to take an assignment and run with it, usually without an art director, and get amazing results. I’ve never gotten my proofs back from Alistair and thought "I wish he would’ve done [insert wish] instead…”

“Erin Benda, Creative Director
Anthem Media”







Credits:
Erin Benda: Anthem Media

Erin Benda: Anthem Media

Erin led me a merry dance as I tried to get a chance to shoot for Anthem! It took about six months of pestering and cajoling but it has definitely proven worth it. Many of the great assignments that they have had me cover have become cornerstones of my portfolio and they have allowed me a wonderful level of creative freedom and inciteful direction as I have captured work for multiple mastheads.

“After being wooed by Alistair’s svelte English accent and cheeky sense of humor, we decided try him out on an assignment and the photos were wonderful! He has a keen eye and a knack for capturing the true essence of the moment. Whether it’s a person, place or thing- his images always make the viewer feel like they’re right there, next to Alistair, as he’s taking the shot.”

“Alistair is one of the few photographers that I can trust to take an assignment and run with it, usually without an art director, and get amazing results. I’ve never gotten my proofs back from Alistair and thought "I wish he would’ve done [insert wish] instead…”

“Erin Benda, Creative Director
Anthem Media”







Credits:
Erin Benda: Anthem Media

Jürgen Mantzke: Lore Magazine

Jürgen approached me to photograph for Lore Magazine in early 2007; he gave some incredible houses to capture and a wonderful assignment recording the Plaza with the Christmas lights ablaze. This relationship later developed into a great portrait shoot at the Topeka Capital with a lot of humor and personality.

“I’ve had a few occasions to work with Alistair and found his manner professional and progressive. He has been responsive, efficient, and creative. The results in our magazine have been splendid.”

“Jürgen Mantzke, Art Director
Lore Magazine”







Credits:
Jürgen Mantzke: Lore Magazine