Angie McMonigal
“I think I try to take these great spaces that are often a backdrop to our daily lives and help others see what's unique around them.”
WomenWhoBuild, Meet Angie McMonigal!
Angie is an Architecture Photographer based in Chicago, Illinois. Her incredible eye for detail coupled with her ability to translate the unspoken ambience of a space is what has made her an evident choice for Architects, Interior Designers, and Commercial Real Estate Developers when they are looking to translate their built structures onto paper. Since Angies start in Architecture Photography in 2012, she has been featured in a variety of magazines and publications including Curbed, VoyageChicago, and ChicagoArchitecture, amongst many others and has worked with clients such as Starwood Hotel & Resorts Worldwide, Le Méridien Chicago, and the Chicago Architecture Center.
Angie sat down with ArchNative (virtually) to discuss her journey to Chicago, what enticed her to make Architecture photography her career, what her day to day looks like, and her advice for women entering the field.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your initial introduction to photography?
I'm an architecture photographer based in Chicago and have been photographing since 2001, though my focus on architecture began in 2012. I travel quite a bit for workshops I teach and commissions, which is a great way to see the world and experience some of the world's best architecture. My focus is on a more abstract interpretation of the built environment for personal projects and fine art commissions, but I also do some commercial shoots for architecture and design firms with a more representational approach to their designs.
What made you decide to pursue it as a career? Particularly Architectural Photography?
As with many photographers, it started out as a hobby and gradually progressed over time. My college degree is in medical technology so nothing at all creative. I guess this was an outlet to explore another side of myself and a bit of an escape. Early on I shot a bit of everything, like most picking this up as a hobby. After having my two kids, I found myself stumbling into portrait work, which just wasn't my thing. So after a few years, I quit that and set out to find what I most loved to shoot. As it turns out, regardless of where I was, I found myself drawn to the buildings and structures around me. I'm not 100% sure why the pull towards this but my guess is that it's such a stark contrast from the very small, rural Wisconsin town I grew up in, that as soon as I set foot in a big city I was just in awe and taken with the soaring skyscrapers and ever-changing environment. I fell in love with the energy of the city and immediately felt at home. I think I try to take these great spaces that are often a backdrop to our daily lives and help others see what's unique around them. To remind them how lucky they are to be surrounded by such great design and, hopefully, find a new way to see and appreciate these spaces.
How do you approach each new project?
When it's a project for myself or a fine art commission I begin by researching which buildings are most interesting in any given city. Followed by some research on the inspiration behind the design just to get a basic sense of the space. Then leave the rest to how I feel in the space once I am on location. I've been shooting long enough that the composition and technical aspects of photography are typically second nature. I think the focus is now on lighting and mood and how to best convey the essence of the space once I'm there.
For commissions with architects, etc. it often begins by scouting with the client to see what aspects of the design are most important to them and understanding how to best convey what the space is about, it’s intended use, and how it should feel. Of course, lighting/best time of day to shoot and other logistical issues come into play to make sure everything goes well on the shoot day.
On top of being a professional photographer you are also a teacher of the craft, what is one piece of advice you have for your students?
Find what you most love to photograph and develop a style or your unique way of seeing your subjects instead of following what may be trendy at the moment. Trends change, but if you have a love for what you shoot and how you create images that will come through in what you do. Others will feel your passion and connect with that.
What does a typical work week look like for you?
It honestly varies so much. Some weeks I'm doing a lot of marketing, others shooting and editing, some weeks teaching and writing, planning, scouting, exploring the city with my camera for personal projects or visiting galleries and museums for inspiration. It's often a mix of all of this. The wide variety of creative elements mixed with the business side of things certainly keeps things interesting, challenging and fun.
What is one piece of advice you have for females looking to begin working in the field?
Perseverance. Photography isn't the easiest thing to make a career of. There's a whole lot of rejection and you have to learn not to take it personally and just get on with things. If you have a strong vision and put the effort into the business side of things it'll all work out.
