Ben Finch Photography » Design

Todd Richesin {Editorial | Knoxville, TN}

Ben Finch — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 11:00:38 +0000

He’s made a name for himself on both a local & national scene with features in Southern Living, Traditional Home, House Beautiful & At Home TN. And in 2010 he was chosen to decorate the White House for Christmas. Of course, I’m speaking of Knoxville designer, Todd Richesin. Todd has not only become a wonderful client but also a friend.

Todd recently wanted to schedule a shoot for upcoming promotional & editorial features. We had such a great time at his home, featured here for At Home TN Magazine, & at his new studio & retail space, Upstairs & Todd Richesin Interiors, featured on my blog for it’s Grand Opening. The images turned out fantastic & I was quite eager to share! I know which ones are my favorites… what about you?

These first three are my favorites, for sure!

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Brock Dental {Brand Design}

Ben Finch — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:00:31 +0000

It’s been a busy season around here. It’s my first day back at work since the birth of our little girl, Molly. Having your third child is drastically different than having your first. I remember when Brennan was born, we practically sat around & looked at him for the first few days. I still find myself venturing through the house to Molly’s room to peek at my little miss as she sleeps, yet I’m usually attacked from behind by two crazy Finchlets, aka Brennan & Knox. It’s fun… wild, but fun! Btw, I’m going to shoot her newborn session sometime this week, stay tuned!

On a separate note, my good friend & photog side-kick, Alan Brock, happens to be the proud owner & Dentist extraordinaire of Brock Dental. A few short years ago after returning to the Motherland (East TN) from the nether-regions of Memphis, TN, Alan purchased a dental practice. Earlier this year he knew it was time for a fresh, updated look… a brand. So, we discussed the scope of the project, said “hasta la vista” to the old, & have been rolling out the new identity for the Brock Dental crew. We have so much more in store (e.g. website, signage, decor, print collateral, etc.), but here’s a peek at the new style. I so dig it! So much so that I sport my Brock Dental shirt around town often.

What do you think?!

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AACA 2011-2011 Arts Guide {Design}

Ben Finch — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:20:53 +0000

In case you didn’t know it, I’m a designer too. It’s my other business… what I do when I’m not behind the camera. Design is something I really enjoy, especially the process of having an idea concept become a business’s identity or brochure or website. In the future, I’ll give you previews of some of my projects. For now, check this out.

This year’s Arts Guide for the Athens Area Council for the Arts demanded something entirely different & unique. For last year’s guide I went for bold, colorful & eclectic design… it was a smashing hit & resulted in two AAF Addy Awards… holla! The pressure this year seemed intense as I was expected to surpass last year’s design. This year my concept was a huge departure from last year. I chose 3 main colors that repeat throughout the brochure & on occasions brought in a 3rd color. Plus, I decided to stick with black & white photos/images to keep things consistent. As I received my first copy on Saturday I was thrilled with the outcome. Cheers to the completion of one of my favorite annual design projects! Let me know what you think.

If you have yet to attend an Arts Center performance, you are missing out on some serious fun times with great people. I’ll see you there!

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Christie & Brandon’s Album Design

Ben Finch — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:38:50 +0000

A wonderful moment occurs when an album design is complete & the story of a couple’s wedding day really comes together. You may recall Christie & Brandon’s engagement shoot & their wedding. Watch the wedding day come to life!

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{music provided by the incredible Nathan Wesley Smith}

Upstairs | Todd Richesin Interiors {Knoxville, TN}

Ben Finch — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:20:09 +0000

Take one step into his new design studio or retail store, Upstairs, & you’ll agree that Todd Richesin is one of the most talented interior designers in a local & national scene. Named by the highly reputable Traditional Home as one of the “20 Young Designers to Watch” & House Beautiful‘s “Next Wave of Interior Designers to Watch in 2010.” His work has been featured in Southern Living on numerous occasions & at least a dozen times in other regional magazines & media outlets. His work is worthy of the recognition he receives… & more! In February, 2011 I was privileged to photograph Todd’s home, Casa Real, for At Home TN Magazine. Since, I’ve been eager to work alongside Todd. I was pleased & excited for him when he told me about the opening of his new store, Upstairs, & new home of his design studio located at 4515 Old Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Last Thursday evening I had the opportunity to photograph the ‘invitation only’ grand opening. I arrived an hour or so before guests & photographed the space, capturing the overall look & feel. Then, I had a wonderful time interacting with the guests & shooting a red-carpet entrance as they arrived. And, I simply must add, this place is amazing. It is one of the most well-designed & organized retail spaces I’ve visited, resulting in a very inspirational visit. Their products were of such high-quality yet all seemed to be a very good value. I’m quite eager to visit again! Speaking of, you should visit too; you’ll love it. Congrats Todd & the team!

{Also, be sure to check out the WBIR article showcasing the new business!}

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Todd Richesin (R) & Bobby Brown (L), owners of Upstairs, Todd Richesin Interiors. And whenever you are in Sweetwater, TN, you’d highly benefit from visiting their antique store, Bobby Todd Antiques, located at 305 N. Main St., Sweetwater. They are a real pleasure! And in the image below right is the team; they were very kind, knowledgable & hospitable.

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They thought of everything… delicious food was around every corner.

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Downstairs is the home home of Todd Richesin Interiors, housing the design studio, his personal office, & his assistant’s office. Walking toward Todd’s office (L). A rich but vibrant blue on the walls of his office (R).

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The design studio. The variety is astounding.

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The stairs leading to the “Upstairs” store area.

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The “Upstairs” entrance view.

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Be ready for scores of incredible details.

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Thanks again Todd; congrats friend! What a pleasure to photograph such a beautiful space.

AACC Dept. of Tourism {Guide Design}

Ben Finch — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:34:14 +0000

I’ve been eager to show this brochure I’ve been working on for the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce’s Department of Tourism. The Chamber approached me in 2010 to plan for the upcoming 2011 launch of the Athens Area Dept. of Tourism. We decided to develop a promotional brochure highlighting some of the area’s attractions. It was a pleasure to provide the design work, photography, & some copywriting. I think this will be an excellent opportunity to bring awareness to our wonderful town. Athens is nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains & Cherokee National Forest, resting just between Chattanooga & Knoxville. If you’re heading toward the East TN Valley, you should definitely consider stopping here for a few days. When you head this way, feel free to give me a ring & I’ll show you around. Or, the Dept. of Tourism is now located off Exit #49 of I-75 in one of the incredible gallery homes of Tennessee Log Homes. They’d love for you to stop by.

Check out the brochure & let me know what you think:

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2011 Knoxville Addy Awards

Ben Finch — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:03:54 +0000

In what would prove a generous night for many, Saturday night I was humbled & honored to sit beside & among some of the most talented designers, writers, developers, innovators (& more) in our region. Collectively, we enjoyed great food & drinks, a killer band, appropriate banter (& sometimes not… ha!) & the occasional mischief by a few. It was the 2011 Knoxville Addy Awards, hosted at the Crowne Plaza, an evening of recognizing the most outstanding work in advertising. And for some reason, they let me come!

Saturday night marked another milestone for me personally & professionally. To be proud of the work you produce is a worthy goal in itself & is only trumped when a thrilled client raves about your service or product. Yet to be recognized by peers & those more seasoned, inspires confidence & excitement. This year I was privileged to receive 4 Silver & 2 Bronze Addys for both photography & design work. I was grateful to have my beautiful wife, Joy, by my side. Below is a highlight of those projects.

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The University of Mobile Website Design & Development {Silver Addy}
Credits: Ben Finch, Creative & Design Lead, Photographer; David Poindexter, Project Manager & Lead Developer, Nvisionative; Ansel Brown, Designer & Marketing Consultant, Nvisionative; Lesa Moore, Director of Marketing, University of Mobile; Brian Boyle, Vice President for Development, University of Mobile.

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The University of Mobile Photography {Silver Addy}
Credits: Ben Finch, Photographer

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Ben Finch Photography Self-Promo Collateral {Silver Addy}
Credits: Ben Finch, Photographer & Designer

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Athens Area Council for the Arts: 2010-11 Arts Guide {Silver & Bronze Addy}
Credits: Ben Finch, Creative & Design Lead; Ellen Kimball, AACA Executive Director; Pat Armstrong, AACA Program Director

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At Home TN Magazine Photography {Bronze Addy}
Credits: Ben Finch, Photographer; Nikki Aviotti Hodum, Creative Director; Lindsey Phillips, Managing Director; Adrienne Z. King, Interior Designer

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As you can see, it was a wonderful evening. I’m thankful for the honors received & left inspired by the work that was showcased. Further, I’d like to congratulate a few friends for their incredible work. Our dear friends at Hornsby Brand Design had a hat-trick of Gold Addys as well as a Silver Addy for their work for KAT (Knoxville Area Transit). And the Pyxl crew won several Addys (1 Gold, 4 silver, & 5 bronze) as they keep “upping the ante” with their expertise in online marketing campaigns. Susie Norris of Orange Apple Branding Boutique received the 2011 President’s Award plus 2 Silver & 2 Bronze Addys. Additionally, Brian Potter, Clay Prewitt, Amanda Lewis & the many others at The Tombras Group who lead our region with outstanding creative excellence (they won too many awards to count!). And, congrats to Donna Hundley of UT School of Music for a Silver & Bronze Addy. Last, special thanks to my friend Meg Prewitt for organizing Ben Finch Photography as a Door Prize Sponsor. There are many others Agencies & Businesses whose work I thoroughly enjoyed… congrats to you & I hope to meet soon!

Here is the link to the red-carpet pics: http://bopp.tennesseepics.com/Q/Proofs.aspx?GroupID=15888

Here is the Knox Sentinels write-up of the night: http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/feb/27/tombras-group-wins-big-at-addy-awards/

Julie & Jansen’s Album Design

Ben Finch — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:43:57 +0000

How could I have overlooked this for so long?! It recently occurred to me that I don’t usually post my album designs on the blog. How could that be? “No more” I say! From now on, following weddings I’ll be showing you the wedding album design. Albums are wonderful keepsakes that last well beyond our lifetimes. Thankfully, the majority of my clients purchase an album… just one of the reasons I have the best clients! It’s wonderful to have all your images but there’s nothing quite like having a custom album that tells the story of your big day! Here’s Julie & Jansen’s album:

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{music provided by the incredible Nathan Wesley Smith}

Mayfield Farm & Nursery {Website Design}

Ben Finch — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:42:17 +0000

In design news, I (The Visible Group) was recently hired by the incredible folks at Mayfield Farm & Nursery to redesign & develop their web presence. You may be familiar with the family due to their incomparable excellence in Mayfield dairy products. But, you’d miss out if you didn’t speak to the fan base they’ve been able to draw in the Farm & Nursery field. You’d be hard pressed to find a better place to find produce & the atmosphere is perfect for the family. While still a family run business, Michael Mayfield is responsible for most of the growing, picking, and sales of the produce and fruit. Lisa Mayfield, his mother, is involved with the marketing and advertising, and also helps organize the market. Mariah Mayfield helps keep up with all the signage used in the market. Scottie Mayfield is involved in the advertising, helps with the design and construction of our new building displays, and helps with many other odd jobs.

Michael approached me with the tall order to design & develop a web presence that would maintain the integrity of the company & better represent their family friendly atmosphere. I decided to give the new design a bit of a whimsical/folksy feel with retro textures; it seemed fitting given their incredible logo (designed by the excellent designers at SouthSide Creative). From the pumpkin patch to the corn maze, to tractor rides & the annual “Mater Fight”, Mayfield Farm & Nursery is a destination our family frequents several times a year. As an Athenian, I love how they add value to our community!

Here’s a snapshot of the new website. A special thanks to Rina, our front end developer! Click on the image to check out the site & let me know what you think… better yet, go visit & tell them I sent you! You won’t be disappointed!

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Design | AACA 2010-2011 Arts Guide

Ben Finch — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:36:37 +0000

For the second year in a row I was privileged to design the Arts Guide for the Athens Area Council for the Arts. Last year I began my design relationship with the Arts Center & we had such a fun year rockin’ out projects . I was honored to receive an Addy Award for the 2009-2010 Arts Guide so this year I had to step up my game even more. And, in my opinion, this year’s guide is a huge step forward. I’ve been itching to share this year’s design on my blog & since they were mailed out this week I am finally able to do so. I decided to focus this year’s work on designing a brochure that appeals to families & is somewhat humorous. And since I enjoy all things vintage, there are retro televisions on just about every page… and polaroids… what’s not to love about polaroids! Love it! So, if you love it too, leave me a comment & let me know what you think!

And by the way, if you’ve yet to attend an event at the Arts Center, you are missing out on some seriously fun times with great peeps. I will definitely see you there. Oh, & in case you didn’t know it, when working on design projects I work under my code-name “The Visible Group.” It’s kind of like my nom de plume or pen name. It’s my way of keeping people guessing… ha!

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