Cook It Like A Native is a book I have been working on over the summer of 2008 and is produced by 'The Villagers', a community organization that has spearheaded many important Historic Preservation efforts in Miami-Dade County for the last 40 years. It is a cookbook with a very unique take; The photographs are all of Historic Preservation projects that The Villagers have worked on over the last 40 years, rather than food photos, and I was fortunate enough to photograph more than 30 projects ranging from James Deering's beautiful estate at Vizcaya to the mini train at Virginia Key Beach. The only food photo is the front cover which was shot at The Deering Estate in Cutler Ridge. Please click here for a slide show of more of the photos.
http://www.photoshopshowcase.com/ViewFlashMedia.aspx?AID=189042&AT=3
The book is priced at $22, plus $8 for shipping and handling and makes for an ideal Holiday gift. All proceeds benefit 'The Villagers'...(a non profit organization) toward future preservation efforts.
You can order a copy either from us here at Robin Hill Photography (if you would like it mailed to you) or pick one up in person from Kathleen Kauffman at kkauff@miamidade.gov
This saturday I will be at the Merrick House in Coral Gables (also featured in the book), where the Villagers will be selling the book. Please come along between 2 and 6 pm. I will be there to say hello from 2-3 pm.
Top Left: Miami Courthouse recently refurbished housed many well known cases including the prosecution of Al Capone. Spectacular refurbishment with authentic detailing and excellent workmanship.Top Right: The Deering Estate with Rainbow. I did the 'Tiger Woods' previsualization exercise on this photo. Tiger is well known for pre visualizing his shots before he plays them. I had gone to bed the night before with the resolve and intention to photograph the Deering Estate with a rainbow colliding into the roof. I awoke very early the next morning and arrived at around 5.30 am...It was raining softly, but I had to wait several hours for the weather to change sufficiiently for rainbow operations to commence. Luckily I had my hat with me which sheltered my precious Canon 5D from the rain whilst making this photo.
Bottom Left: Villa Serena. What a lovely spot. The overwhelming feeling I got from shooting this whole book was the quality of the land and the elegance of the vegetation. The early Architecure in Miami was able to blend in well with the environment. Frank Lloyd Wright would have approved of such a building philosophy, though his tastes in design were somewhat more modern.
Bottom Right: Vizcaya...rightly on the National Register of Historic Places. I've photographed here many times for different publications and I'm still awed by its presence. I love the view through the cuppola to the main house beyond.
Its been a great joy photographing this book, which combined together my passions for Architecure and Preservation. Many thanks to Kathleen Kauffmann for making this a reality.
