As you can see from the above photograph of the Myakka River that I took, architectural photography and landscape photography both have one main goal – to bring out the complete dynamic range in post-production.
We live on Pine Island, Florida, which was devastated by Hurricane Ian. Now it is nationally known. This is one-of-a-kind art as it will never be the same. It has truly been an art photographer’s paradise. I capture moments in time that will never occur again. In the gallery below you will find a variety of the best fine art photography for sale – some of which are limited editions, and all of which are gallery quality prints designed for individual purchasers as well as licensees. My composition techniques are dramatic and my post-production skills often create almost a painted texture to my photography. Just as Ansel Adam’s works of art can never be recreated, neither can mine. 90% of the photographs below fall in this category, taken on Pine Island, Florida pre-Hurricane Ian.
We specialize in Tropical Fine Art Licensing and Luxury Tropical Wall Art
Artist Statement
“Color! What a deep and mysterious language, the language of dreams.” ― Paul Gaugin
I specialize in the realm of the imagination. I use DSLR cameras, LED Lights, Advanced Lightroom and Photoshop Skills and Flash Photography to bring the viewer into the scene. My photographs are dramatic and yet natural – that in itself is an extraordinary accomplishment.
We serve Architects, Interior Art Consultants, Manufacturers, Retailers and Curators. These prints are available for individual purchase as well.
Southwest Florida is an art photographer’s paradise, and that’s where I live – on an island off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico. I’m JT Grenough, Managing Partner of Homes in Paradise Photography, LLC and you can contact me at:
Fine Art Photography Licensing in a nutshell
Please note that when “licensing” imagery from a photographer, you are NOT purchasing, “buying” or ever taking ownership of the image or the Copyright. The entireties of my work, including all photographs, are protected by Title 17 of the U.S. Code on Copyright law. You are “renting” the image (a type of intellectual property) for a pre-determined length of time on a non-exclusive basis. That’s precisely the protocol. In point of fact, the imagery can only be used under the precise conditions set forth in the license agreement contract.
If you are a manufacturer or retailer, or own an operating hotel or resort in any tropical area worldwide, you can enhance your decor by utilizing our fine art tropical themed photography. This is a collection of fine art landscape photography showcasing the breathtaking and matchless beauty of the tropics. All of the photographs in the portfolio below are available for licensing. Typically the highest and best uses of licensed photography are inclusive of manufacturing licenses over a vast range of applications, kitchen or home product licensing, decoration of retail or commercial facilities, magazine publications, calendars and brochures, wall decor, books and stationery, website utilization and commercial advertisements. Note: all photographs in the Collection below (#1 through and inclusive of #60) are ⓒ Gerald Grenough 2022. All Rights Reserved.
In a typical licensing agreement, you are granted a non-exclusive, non-sub licensable, and non-transferable right to use and Reproduce Licensed Images in any manner agreed, for a specified fee and for a specified life span. The licensee can then use the Image(s) to for example, produce canvas or print reproductions in any quantity they desire, and decorate their facility thereby. 16×20, 20×30 and 30×40 prints are extremely popular.
| Ansel Adams said: |
“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.“ |
This portfolio is also designed for Galleries. My suggestion is we start out with two or three of your choice. KEY POINT: As a rule of thumb, multiplying the dimensions of the canvas size by 100 will tell you the minimum image dimensions for a good quality print on that size. For example, if you are interested in the 16×20 canvas size, then image pixel dimensions of at least 1600×2000 will typically result in a good quality print. My strategy with a Gallery is to consign two to three preferred pieces, at the normal gallery percentage split. I believe a size of 16×20 to 24×36 is a good display ratio for the art. The best medium for a gallery presentation is often a canvas. The cost of printing a photo on a large 24”x36” canvas print, for example, is so much more cost-effective than purchasing a piece of art or painting of similar size. Canvas prints are also totally free of glare distractions.
Colorful fine art prints with a tropical theme available for license or purchase
High Commercial, Artistic and FINE ART Value Prints FOR SALE
- #1 – Golden Reflections
- #2 – View From The Coast
- #3 – The Piers
- #4 – Docked at Dusk
- #5 – Bird of Paradise
- #6 – Lone Fisherman
- #7 – Birds in Flight
- #8 – Grazing
- #9 – Palm Flower
- #10 – Hurricane Irma
- #11 – Sea Treasures
- #12 – Peaceful Pasture
- #13 – Sunset Palm
- #14 – Hibiscus
- #15 – Harvest Moon
- # 16 – The Guardian
- # 17 – Calla Lillies
- # 18 – Pathway to the Sea
- # 19 – Rocky Coast
- # 20 – Jacaranda
- #21 – Pink Beauty
- #22 – Florida Floral
- #23 – Heaven’s Rays
- #24 – View from Jugs Creek
- #25 – Sunset Driftwood
- #26 – Pineland Sunset
- #27 – Myakka Bridge
- #28 – Roseate Spoonbill
- #29 – Twin Palms
- #30 – Dusk Visitor
- #31 – Treasures of the Sea
- #32 – Fishing Pier
- #33 – Take It Easy
- #34 – Fire on the Gulf
- #35 – Beach Path
- #36 – Tropical Blossom
- #37 – Pine Island Sunset
- #38 – Pine Island Woods
- #39 – Spanish Moss
- #40 – The Abandoned
- #41 – A Solitary Tree
- #42 – A Burst of Sun
- #43 – Tropical Terra
- #44 – Golden Sunset
- #45 – Days End
- #46 – Sanibel Osprey
- #47 – Tropical Storm Clouds
- #48 – The Beauty of the Rose
- #49 – Twilight
- #50 – Botanical Surprise
- #51 – Early Day
- #52 – Mansions by the Sea
- #53 – Glow of Twilight
- #54 – The Beach at Evening
- #55 – Treasure Island
- #56 – Hibiscus in Bloom
- #57 – Sailing at Dawn
- #58 – Sunrise on the Island
How to Order?
If you are interested in purchasing a print for your home or office, reach out via email to [email protected] with your desired size and finish, and the number or name of the print. Keep reading below to see sizes and types of finish.
Keep in mind that any fine art prints can be purchased individually as well.
All Photographs above (marked as #1 through and inclusive of #60) are Copyright Gerald Grenough 2022
All Rights Reserved
My contact information: Email: [email protected] Cell phone 727-403-9559. I live in Bokeelia, Florida. JT Grenough, Managing Partner – Homes in Paradise Photography, LLC.
TROPICAL FINE ART PRINTS FOR SALE
Purchase museum-quality fine art prints with premium papers, and archival inks of tropical beaches, tropical landscapes and tropical seascapes
In terms of pricing, the price to license any particular photograph is negotiable and depends on use. I’ll be glad to send you our standard Licensing Agreement for your review.
If you simply want to buy an individual TROPICAL FINE ART print only for your personal portfolio, here are the prices below. These works are offered UNFRAMED and ready to be framed under glass after acquisition at the discretion of the buyer. We use a Fine Art Paper (not a photographic paper). These are Giclee Fine Art Prints.
We use a 100% cotton rag paper. Epson Velvet Fine Art provides a classic and high-end feel for your images. Using the Enhanced Matte coating, you will enjoy a unique textured surface. Also, the paper features a basis weight of 260 gsm and a thickness of 19 mil. Along with this the paper has a rated opacity of 97% and a brightness of 94%. Designed to last, the paper is both acid free and pH buffered.
Print Prices: 16 x 20 $300
20 x 24 $400
24 x 30 $500
Canvas Prices:
16×20 $330
20×30 $525
24×36 $680
Additional sizes available for both print & canvas. As a general rule we can print up to 30×40 sizes. PRICING BASED ON SATIN CANVAS STRETCHED ON 1.5″ BARS
These prints look as if they were painted when exhibited with our satin canvas. The canvas features a semi-gloss satin surface with a bright white point and a wide color gamut.
METALLIC PRINTS for your corporation, home or office
Available sizes: 16×20, 16×24, 20×20, 20×24, 20×30, 24×24, 24×30, 24×36, 24×48, 15×30, 30×30, 30×40 – Prices upon request
Modern Metals are printed using a dye-sublimation process on a 1/16″ aluminum sheet and come mounted with a metal easel or float mount, ready to display as soon as they arrive. You have your choice of Metal (natural metal grain) or White Base (bright and vibrant color) in addition to a Glossy or Matte finish. Your photographs will take on a magical luminescence, with vibrant colors and amazing resolution. Limited Editions available. My Certificate of Authenticity includes: the name of the artist, a description of the original medium, the process and the material used in producing the multiple, and number of multiples including proofs available in the edition.
Read on for a short biography and some very interesting profile information if you enjoy the study of photography or licensing. I believe you will understand my discretion and lines of thought as you read this website, about 3,300 words. It’s a quick read and well worth it. I cover everything – everything you need to know in a synopsis form. This website contains a variety of key strategy points and briefings you need to know if you are involved in corporate or gallery marketing – all in one page you can review in under fifteen minutes!
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For fine art and photography giclee printing, we need a minimum of 120 dpi (resolution) at the size you intend to order. The math involved in coming up with that size print is to first divide the number of pixels in the width of the file by the 120 DPI. (5184/120=43). Next, divide the number of pixels in the height of the file by 120. (3456/120=29). So there you have it. Therefore a file size of 5184 pixels X 3456 pixels (18 Megapixels) can be printed to make a good quality 30×40 photo when printed at 120 DPI. Note also: DPI is dependent on viewing distance. An image viewed at 3 feet or more needs a DPI of at least 100.
Enjoy reading this Web page. I wrote it – JT Grenough – and it’s written similar in format to an Intelligence Briefing. I’m a graduate of the University of Louisville and have written some high-level books.
As an interesting aside, my stepfather was a photographer for the Navy for 26 years – John Stringer. Among other assignments, he took the JFK autopsy photos at Bethesda Naval Hospital on the night of November 22, 1963.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
FULL FRAME VS. APSC: Do full-frame cameras offer any distinct advantages? Perhaps in noise levels if you are freezing action in a fast-moving sports photography context. Other than that, nothing on a practical basis.
You must view this video:
Keys to architectural photography
For Architects, Builders, Resort Managers and Interior Designers: In a one-day shoot we create 8 fine-crafted interior images and 3-4 exteriors if needed (various angles of the front and rear elevations). We work on the basis of quality over quantity. Pricing upon request dependent on the project.
If you are an Interior Designer or an Architect, we can provide an estimate, once we have profile information from you to determine the scope of an assignment. We will need to know what specific architectural elements or design features you would like to highlight, how the images will be used, and deliverables needed, such as digital files or prints.
Here is my rule of thumb on wide angle lenses: I try not to go below 24mm in a wide angle lens unless there are unusual circumstances like a small powder room or an important room that I need to shoot but just cannot do it without going lower. 24mm is the standard for photographic work within Architectural Digest Magazine.
Do you recommend any particular books on Architectural Photography?
Yes – all of the Steven Brooke books. Architectural Photography and Composition: A complete guide to the history, practice and techniques of depicting architecture, interiors and landscape and the applications for digital photography is one of the best – probably the most complete guide to architectural photography ever produced. Anyone involved in graphic design, professional photography or licensing should study this tome.
Resolution is not relevant. If you have 20 MPs, then that will record the same amount of detail no matter what the sensor size is. Full-frame sensors are not sharper than sub-full frame sensors. Each will record the same amount of detail and sharpness.
Then you have operating speed to consider. If you have a 40MP image it is a requirement for more computing power to process that image as well in post-processing. Storage goes up dramatically. 99% of that information goes away because most forms of display simply don’t need it. That level of MP will also cause camera shake unless a tripod is used 100% of the time.
What about color depth in RAW files? The human eye only discerns 10 million colors. Images are ultimately moved down to 8 bits for display. So saving an image in greater than 8 bits is excessive for viewing. In more detail, this is how it works –
If your color image has 8 bits per channel, and there are three channels (red, green, and blue), the overall image can actually fit a total of 256 × 256 × 256 shades, which equals 16,777,216.
That’s why you may occasionally hear an 8-bit per channel image referred to at a 24 bit image.
Why is this important? Research has shown that the human eye can resolve a maximum of 10 million colors. So an 8-bit image (in total, RGB), represents considerably more than 10 million colors. It’s all that is needed.
In terms of low ISOs, modern cameras are essentially free of noise up to 800 ISO. The technology has advanced substantially.
At the end of the day, there is little-to-no advantage to a full frame sensor over APSC (all other things – like resolution, the camera’s image processor, lenses, exposure settings, etc. – being equal). And there are distinct advantages to shooting interior photographs with a crop sensor camera as you can use depth of field calculations / f-stops which provide twice the light in comparison to a full-frame. Photography is all about light.
COPYRIGHT LAW
Under the Copyright Act of 1976 and the Berne Convention for the Protection of
Literary and Artistic Works, photographs (like designs and drawings) automatically
receive copyright protection immediately upon their creation. Copyright is assigned to the creator of the images (the Photographer) and gives the Photographer
the exclusive legal right to control how the image is used.
This control is exercised by granting licenses to specific persons for specific
uses. The right to use an image cannot be transferred by anyone without the
written consent of the copyright holder.
What are the advantages of utilizing flash photography in interior photos?
The light enhances contrast – the difference between highlights and shadows. As well, the light creates a constant color temperature to the interior space.
JT Grenough, Photographer
Bokeelia, FL
727-403-9559
FAQ
Who owns a photograph?
According to the U.S. Copyright Act at 17 U.S.C 106, the photographer owns the images he created. As soon as the shutter is released, copyright proceeds to the photographer. The photographer owns that copyright throughout their life and for 70 years afterwards.
What is your opinion on 4K video?
80% of views on real estate on the web are through mobile devices, and they don’t operate in the 4K mode. If you’re at home on the Internet, you would need a $2,000 computer setup to recognize and process 4K. Most people don’t have that kind of equipment. 4K is primarily reserved for extremely wide screen, 60 inch and above, TVs. I shoot real estate videos in High Definition format, that’s more than sufficient. The bottom line is that 4K video is appropriate in some circumstances, but it is outside the scope of our offered services. HD 1080p is more than enough for most real estate videos.
What is your opinion on virtual tours?
Real estate expert Barbara Corcoran responded to an interview question – do people really buy real estate without actually walking into the unit? In response, she said: “Very few people will take that kind of risk.”
A buyer cannot necessarily spot rust, or a flooring issue, with a virtual tour. A house inspection doesn’t occur in a virtual tour. If the neighborhood is below standard, that cannot be determined from a virtual tour. Natural lighting cannot be evaluated in a virtual tour, either. It takes a personal visit. In my opinion, the virtual tour is interesting, but it is outside the scope of our services. A walkthrough video is both intuitive and easy for the viewer. It doesn’t require use of controls specific for example to the 3D tour.
USING LIGHTROOM TO POST-PRODUCE REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHS
How do you use Lightroom in post-production for real estate photographs?
• Highlights: If we have bright windows that require toning, we use the Highlights slider in the Develop Module. We move the Highlights slider left to make highlights darker. Usually while taking the photograph we use bounced flash to combine with ambient light, and this takes away most of the issue.
• Shadows: We normally post process shadows by sliding it to the right, which lightens the shadow areas.
• Exposure: After the highlights and shadows are adjusted, we use the Exposure slider to finalize brightness. The use of these three sliders is a very powerful feature of Lightroom, almost at times the equivalent of using a flash.
• Clarity: The Clarity slider in the Development module is also very interesting. Increasing the clarity changes the midtone contrast, which then sharpens the photographs. We increase Clarity by at least 40 points.
• White Balance: I have my Canon normally set on auto white balance, and adjust it as needed using the Temperature and Tint sliders.
• Vibrance: Vibrance increases the intensity of the image. Saturation has to be handled with caution, but an increase in vibrance is a good technique overall.
• Noise Reduction: If I shoot at ISO 400, I don’t have noise issues.
Finally I use the geometry section of the Develop Module to straighten all verticals, and remove any chromatic aberration.
THREE STEPS TO ENHANCING THE SKIES IN LIGHTROOM
Step One:
Remember, getting the JPEG right to begin with can be accomplished using a polarizing filter. Select a filter that matches the filter thread diameter of your lens. Attach it to the screw threads, turning it right. Then rotate it until you see the desired result. Remember, shoot with the sun behind you or at a 90 degree angle.
Step Two:
Often you’ll still need to adjust your sky in a real estate photograph. The very first step is to darken the blue hues. Using the HSL panel in the Develop Module, note that the sliders control individual colors and you have a choice – luminance or brightness, hue and saturation.
First find the Blue slider. Then click Luminance. Move the slider to the left.
Then click on Saturation and move the slider to the right. This enhances the colors. Be careful to do this in moderation, as you don’t want to create an unnatural appearance.
Step Three:
Sometimes your sky will still be too bright and the clouds lack detail. You have to tone down the brightest parts of the image by reducing the highlights.
Check out the video above – note the excellent cinematography, lights and colors that I produced with my Zeiss lens.
What are the essentials of real estate photography?
First, a professional DSLR camera is needed, and a good selection of glass – i.e., lenses. Lenses should include a telephoto, a 50mm Prime Lens and a Super-Wide-Angle lens. Adequate flash equipment and lighting is needed for interior real estate photographs. For videography, you need a high-quality cinematic lens such as Zeiss, a very low aperture setting to let in light (i.e., a fast lens), and a wide-angle lens. You also need advanced Lightroom editing skills to edit the daylight photographs, twilight photographs and the interiors as well.
The Secrets of Photography
First, let me talk about cameras for a moment.
DSLR Camera: The 18-22 Megapixel sensor allows you to shoot hand-held in almost any light. This range of megapixels is the equivalent of film resolution. When you move into the modern cameras, and you deal with huge levels of megapixels, 40 megapixels and greater, you almost always have to operate tripod-based, a significant disadvantage in my personal opinion.
The first fundamental is the camera. Point and shoot cameras are fine as far as posting images to your personal website for friends and family to enjoy, but if you’re serious about composition and printing, then you need resolution. You need a lot of megapixels – at least 18 megapixels to print 24×30 and 30×40 prints.
To achieve proper sharpness and saturation you also need what is commonly called a DSLR – this is a digital single lens reflex camera. Hobbyists use these and so do professional photographers. I use a Canon. High fashion photographers and portrait photographers alike often use Canon equipment. Canon color science look is one of the manufacturer’s strongest selling points. They are made according to Japanese factory standards, among the highest in the world.
The engineers that design the microprocessor in the Canon, commonly called the DIGIC processor have fine tuned it so that it produces JPEGs (pictures) of extraordinary quality. Lightroom is an essential editing tool for real estate photography. This pre-processing of JPEGs can be achieved through the proper use of other models, too – the Leica and Nikon, among others.
Performing a Podcast
In the last year I’ve spent approximately 7-8 hours per week in the study of videos, books and guides on the topics of the art and science of photography – almost 400 hours of continuing education
Service Areas for Architectural Photography – Southwest Florida
Service Areas for Licensing – Worldwide
Shakespeare said: “Less is better.” He may be right. Somewhere around 20% of all photographers use drones in photography, but take a look at this article on the draconian regulations that are on the horizon. However, if you also need drone photography, we have a recommended FAA-licensed Drone Pilot you can engage as part of a commercial project.
And, lastly, here’s an interesting article on Architectural Photography that’s linked to via my Twitter posting.
“You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.”
― Ansel Adams