The Houses

My favorite type of house is one that rambles.  A home full of quirks and character makes it impossible to forget. Atlanta has so many old homes that you walk into and feel the love as well as the home's evolution.  It's the homeowner's own "Affair with a House."  They love where they live so much they did not want to tear down or move, so they just kept building.  It's the best part of Atlanta's architectural evolution.  I love walking around with my camera and dipping through a doorway to find a large bonus room or new master suite.  

As soon as I walked into this home I knew it would be a shoot full of discoveries.  The main house is historic with smaller cozy rooms, and then the master is updated and modern.  The dining room is huge and looks like it used to be the kitchen, and then the current kitchen is roomy and perfect for today's lifestyle.  It also allowed for a large bonus room above the kitchen, so the kids have plenty of room to play.  The Brookhaven lot is perfect to build (a quiet corner), but it seems such a shame to tear down something that's been so well loved and expertly renovated.

Listed by the Skogstad-Sodemann Team at Beacham & Company, REALTORS.

Click here to see the listing. (by clicking the link you can see additional photos of secondary bedrooms and the yard as well as the bonus room)

When I was in high school I wanted to be a photographer.   It was the only ting that came very easily to me.  I took my first photography class in third grade, and we made pin hole cameras.  I never thought about composition or lighting.  I knew those things instinctively.  

If I could have spent my entire high school career in the dark room I would have done it.  It was such a time of self doubt, both in my personal and academic life.  I didn't feel comfortable challenging myself and was hoping to blend in with the crowd.  During that time I had three teachers, Dr. Hunter, Mr. Drake and Mr. Griffith, who taught me that passion was contagious and blending in and getting by was not the best way.  Dr. Hunter and Mr. Griffith both taught me English.  I'd loved reading and writing since I learned the skills, but I lacked confidence. Reading aloud petrified me, and 6th grade sentence diagrams made me want to give up as a writer for life.  Dr. Hunter and Mr. Griffith taught me that I did not need natural talent to be passionate about a subject.  The love for literature and writing could help me overcome my fears and acquire new skills.  They instilled confidence in me and allowed me to take chances in both my writing and opinions. 

Mr. Drake taught me history.  Up until the point when I got him as a teacher, I hated history. Every previous person who taught me the subject made me feel as if I was born to fail it.  I did not know dates or sequences of events, and I just stopped trying.  Mr. Drake taught me that history was a story.  His love for the story and interest in the details transferred over to me, and I started to get interested myself.  He taught me that history is as much about writing, making an argument, and proving a point, than it is about strict memorization.  He allowed me to use my writing as a way to succeed in his class, and he showed SO MUCH confidence in me that I became extremely confident in myself.  So much so that I ended up switching my college major from photography to history because I wanted more of a challenge, and because of Mr. Drake believed I excel in the subject.

These days I freely express my passion for photography, writing, and history.  I never feel ashamed to nerd out over a cool historical detail of a house or a book I can't stop reading.  My teachers at Westminster taught me that having passions are what make people who they are.

This house located at 2878 Habersham Road, was designed by Cooper and Cooper and built in 1935.  As I was photographing the home, I heard the owner say that it was the location of the "Gone With the Wind" premiere party here in Atlanta.  Talk about worlds colliding: photography, literature and history all at one time!  There are so many historic views in this house, and photographing it felt like stepping back in time. Without that love and confidence my Westminster teachers gave me, I'm not sure I would have fallen so hard for this house. Loving the beauty and history of houses, and writing about that on this blog is a direct result of everything I learned from my favorite teachers, and I am SO thankful.  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Merry Christmas from my family :).  I hope you had a wonderful holiday.  We were lucky enough to celebrate with all our immediate and extended family this holiday season, which was awesome.  We just got home from North Carolina, and it's back to life as usual for a few days before we head to Miami for a little Phish New Years celebration.  :)

Before the end of the year, I want to share with you guys my favorite kitchen of 2014.  The kitchen belongs to Cathy and Chip Groome.  Chip is the developer of a new subdivision where this home is located.  Todd Pritchett was the architect.  I fell in love with this kitchen as soon as I walked into it.  It honestly might be my favorite kitchen of all time, finally beating out the kitchen from the movie "It's Complicated."  You can see there are distinct similarities between the two, so apparently I have a style ;)

Hi everyone!  

Welcome to my new blog home!  I made the switch to Squarespace to provide a better user experience for my readers.  The photos are much larger here, which is why I switched in the first place, but then I fell in love with the clean space and the fact that all the posts are categorized now!  You can find anything you want to in the archives or use the search feature.  Use the buttons at the bottom of the page to connect with me on Social Media, or take a look through my portfolio.

Speaking of a new home, Jimmy, Oliver and I DID move into our dream home two weeks after Oliver was born.  It's the most perfect place to hang out and spend time together as a family.  Especially on a lazy Sunday.

We found the house when I was about 8 months pregnant, and I don't know if it was the hormones or just pure lust, but I HAD to have it.  There were tears and fits and many many rounds of "I just can't picture bringing my baby home anywhere else!"  Looking back it was pretty dramatic, but if I had it to do all over I would because I'm currently living the real life version of Bunny Williams' "An Affair with a House."

We arrived late Tuesday night because there was a snow storm on Wednesday, and we wanted to beat it.  That gave us an extra day on Wednesday, so Jimmy and I took advantage of it by leaving O with the grandparents/aunt and going shopping in a nearby town.  It was a fun little date... something I wouldn't have thought twice about before O was born, but now that he's here I relish the moments Jimmy and I can be alone and focus on each other.

Thursday morning we got up and watched the parade as a family (that's the picture of the three of us in the above collage). When I was young I remember watching the parade with my parents every Thanksgiving and how excited my dad got.  He made a huge deal about it because Santa closed the parade, so the entire parade he would shout things like, "the big man is circling the neighborhood!"  My brother and I would run around squealing and waiting for Santa to make his big debut.  By the time he finally appeared, by dad would have us so riled up we'd be about to pee in our pants.  I attempted the same thing with Oliver, but he was more interested in chewing on things and jumping in his jumpie.  He finally wore himself out and had to go down for a nap before the big man made his appearance. Maybe next year.

Notice anything different?  I have a new look here at This Photographer's Life.  You know they say "change is good," and it was time to freshen things up a bit.  This is a much more modern layout and allows the reader to navigate the site more quickly.  Please let me know what you think! Tomorrow we are headed to Jackson Hole, so I wanted to get in a quick update.  This trip will be much different than the legendary trip two years ago where I lied about my skiing abilities.

This year there will be much less skiing/falling, beer drinking and hot tubing.  Beer drinking and hot tubing are my two favorite parts of ski trips, so I'm a little bummed.  I'm sure it's fine for some people to ski while pregnant, but not me.  I'm actually fine headed down the hill, but I've been know to fall doing stupid things like standing in line. So coordinated.

I am scheduled for two spa treatments.  Prenatal massages are the best things going.  This will be my second (I am also getting a facial to combat pregnancy breakouts), and it cannot come soon enough.  Luckily Glennis is going to Jackson and doesn't ski, so we will get a lot of mother-daughter time, which I assume will be spent in the movie theater.  I also plan on taking full advantage of ski-related food like chili and hot chocolate.  Lastly, Jimmy got a new ski helmet, so there is a lot to celebrate.  Have you seen the old one from 1993 (see above)? Bowling ball.

Baby update.

The baby is a banana this week, which is uber depressing.  Going from a cantaloupe to a banana  makes no sense to me, but it has to do with hitting the 20th week and beginning to count the legs, which were not counted previously...  blah blah blah, I want that baby to get bigger, not skinnier.  Nobody likes a skinny banana baby.

Here is a quick list of things Pregnant Blayne is thankful for:

1. Pregnant Friends

Friends who are pregnant are THE BEST whilst pregnant.  They keep you from losing your mind.  The strangest stuff happens to your body while you are pregnant.  Example; a few nights ago I woke up and both legs had gone numb, which was surprising to say the least. Pregnant/alone/hypochondriac Blayne would have convinced herself she was starting down a road to paralysis and called the doctor, but instead I woke up and texted my slightly further along pregnant friend Callie something like, "strangest thing happened last night... woke up and couldn't feel either leg!!!!"  After a few minutes she wrote back, "yea, happens all the time, no big deal."  Thus a panic attack/trip to the hospital/call to the doctor was completely averted.  If you are pregnant, my advice to you is to get some pregnant friends ASAP.  Can't live without them.

2. A Pregnancy Pillow

I'm not going to go into this one so much because it's just obvious.  If you are pregnant it's your best friend.  Get one.  I am actually the proud owner of two (thank you Lex), and I use the both... unless Jimmy or Charlotte steals one, which happens surprisingly often.  See Charlotte, that little pillow thief. (Above she took over a head pillow, not a pregnancy pillow, but you get the idea)

3. A good pair of Jeans.

I bought this pair of jeans at A Pea in the Pod when I was about 2 months pregnant (don't judge... I've dreamt my whole life of an elastic waistband).  Now, before you go judging me about how expensive they are, let me tell you, I've worn them every single day except for 5, and the only reason I didn't wear them those days is because they HAD to be washed.   By the end of this pregnancy, these jeans will have cost about $1.50 per day, which is my best pregnancy investment to date.  The sales lady at a A Pea in the Pod told me this was the most popular seller because the jean has a little elastic in it, which makes it easier to move.

4. The parent exchange group on Facebook.

If you live in Buckhead, there is a group called "The Buckhead Brookhaven Parent Exchange" that my friend Meredith asked me to join.  It's a group of moms in the area who sell used children's clothes/furniture/toys that they don't need.  So far I've bought a pregnancy pillow, bouncy chair, pack and play, and a glider for a grand total of $105... now that's a savings you can funnel right back into a good pair of maternity jeans. ;)

5. A good pregnancy blog.

I like two.

Rabit Stew - this cute girl wrote a week by week account of her pregnancy and delivery.  I love reading it every week.  She's funny and real and has the nerve to write about stuff that I don't...

Pregnant Chicken - Funny writer who reviews everything pregnancy and baby related.  I like.

And now...

Somebody buy this house. Glennis Beacham has it listed, and it's one of my very favorites.  3955 Northside Drive.  It's the perfect place to raise a family.  There is a huge front yard, an even bigger back yard with beautiful gardens, screened-in porch, massive family room and a studio space on the third floor!  See?  Perfect.

Have a great week everybody!  I'll think of you from my massage bed.  Not.

- Blayne Macauley

We have AMAZING finalists for “The Beacham Series” ad this time!  I can’t wait for you guys to see them. To vote for your favorite, please “like”  Beacham & Company, REALTORS on Facebook and write your vote on the wall.

If you do not have Facebook, you can leave a comment here and tell me your vote.

Voting ends Monday (3-25) at Midnight.

…

FINALISTS

1. Scott B. Smith

Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley

Since Beacham and Morgan Stanley share clients, I think it could be a great relationship for both of us!  We both offer white glove service to high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients where the ability to develop an intimate understanding of our client’s true desires is paramount to Beacham’s agents and Morgan Stanley’s advisors helping clients with difficult decisions regarding their most valuable assets.  As someone who personally has the magazine in my living room, we would be honored to be a part of the publication.

For current market commentary or to view your accounts online, visit my website at: http://fa.smithbarney.com/scottsmith/

...

2. Kenneth Lynch & Associates

Kenneth Lynch & Associates, AIA is a boutique residential architecture firm in Buckhead.  We have achieved an outstanding reputation for our architectural design dedicated to enduring style and attention to detail, as well as our strong client relationships.  Because of this, we intrinsically serve many of the same luxury clientele as Beacham & Company Realtors.

...

3. Historical Concepts

About Us

Historical Concepts specializes in the art of traditional architecture, creating homes that weave the timeless threads of the past with the modern comforts of today. For nearly thirty years, the firm has designed country houses, mountain retreats, coastal cottages and gracious estates that "pay homage to the South's deep sense of place." Now, in COMING HOME: The Southern Vernacular House, this award-winning firm celebrates the warmth and charm that lies at the heart of southern architecture, opening the doors to a selection of timeless homes inspired by authentic living.

Why we’d like to be featured in The Beacham Series

We are based here in Georgia, but a majority of our work is outside Atlanta, from the Hamptons to Jupiter Island to Sun Valley - and many places in between.  We’d be thrilled if we won the contest because we’d really like our neighbors here in Atlanta to get to know us better, and we’d like to share our design philosophy, as well as our recently published book, COMING HOME, with the discriminating readers of The Beacham Series.

...

4. Emerald August

The most important reason why an ad by Emerald August would be a perfect fit for the Beacham magazine is the fact that quality is the most important attribute to both companies when providing products and services to our customers.  Committed to the environment and boosting the economic state of our country, we produce all clothing in the U.S.A.  The customers that Beacham reaches are a large portion of our customer base, and a playful, yet sophisticated picture could add an element of youth and liveliness that could be freshly appealing to your readers.  We are based here in Atlanta, selling to retailers and individuals all over the country.

...

5. McCall Wilder Couture

McCall Wilder Couture for Children is Atlanta's only luxury retailer specializing in pure, sustainable, hand-embroidered clothing for children. New residents are delighted when they discover us since we are one of only a few U.S. companies remaining who are creating and domestically producing children's, tween, home, and women's lines with only the finest fabrics and hand stitched details! We offer our hand-embroidery and hand-monogramming on our entire custom and boutique line, including our organic Private Label layette and crib collection, as well as our casual and special occasion attire, for sizes 0 to 16 and Women's XS-XL. Of special interest to Beacham may be our extensive work with portrait brokers and artists nationwide to help create the perfect custom ensembles for children to wear in their portraits. Many of our outfits can be seen in oil, charcoal and pastel portraits in fine homes around Atlanta and in many Beacham listings!

6. Honeysuckle Gelato

Honeysuckle Gelato was founded in 2011 by longtime friends Wes Jones, Khatera Ballard and Jackson Smith. Each ounce of Honeysuckle Gelato and Sorbet is made from scratch in Atlanta using the finest and freshest ingredients. The dairy used arrives fresh from small Georgia farms, and they use local farmers markets to supply them with high quality ingredients. Whenever an ingredient is not available locally, they search the globe in order to bring the most unique and delicious flavors to their customers – Sri Lankan cinnamon or the truly unique vanilla saffron. Their sorbets are made with whole fruits that are hand prepped in their kitchen.

Their wide range of artisanal treats will surely surpass your expectations. Whether you indulge in a cup of their hand-scooped gelato flavors such as honey lavender or sea-salted caramel, or try one of their deliciously refreshing sorbets like salted watermelon or mango-peach, I assure you that Honeysuckle’s line of frozen desserts is the perfect ending to any meal!

With their vast collection of southern inspired flavors, this gelato is the perfect final course for any dinner party or the ideal item to keep on hand in your freezer for a houseful of kids during hot Atlanta summers. Honeysuckle Gelato would be a perfect fit for the magazine because it's a fine treat with southern roots. Atlantans can pick up a pint from one of their favorite spots including Cafe at Pharr and Star Provisions among others. Out of towners won't feel left out, as they can now order pints online to be delivered to their front door!

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7. Cattitude Cat Toys 

Our toys are hand knit with 100% wool. The fibers are then felted together to create a very durable and safe toy for your pet. We stuff each cat toy with potent organic catnip to perk up your kitties senses!

VOTING BEGINS RIGHT NOW!!!

Just go to the Beacham & Company Facebook page and tell us which contestant you are voting for!  Thanks!

If you are not on Facebook, you can leave a vote HERE or email me at blayne@beacham.com.

Voting ends Monday (3-25) at Midnight.