Case Studies:
HAPS Agency’s Photojournalism for Landscape Architecture Magazine’s August 2024 Issue
Overview
Project: A Place In the Sun
Services Provided by HAPS Agency:
- Consulting
- Photography
Landscape Architecture Magazine (LAM) is the flagship publication of the American Society of Landscape Architects, known for its in-depth coverage of contemporary landscape architecture, urban design, and environmental sustainability. For their August 2024 issue, LAM sought a comprehensive visual narrative to accompany an article titled “A Place in the Sun,” which explored the transformative community projects in California’s Coachella Valley. HAPS Agency was selected to execute an immersive photojournalism project to visually document these landscapes.
Objectives
HAPS Agency was tasked with delivering a series of high-impact images that would complement and enhance the storytelling of the article. The key objectives included:
- Capturing the essence of the Coachella Valley’s landscapes: From community parks to the shores of the Salton Sea, the photographs needed to reflect the unique environmental and cultural context of the area.
- Showcasing community-driven projects: The imagery was to highlight the collaboration between local communities and designers in transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant public areas.
- Providing versatile content: The images were intended for both the print edition of the magazine and its online counterpart, requiring adaptability in visual style and composition.
Our Aproach
To meet the broad and nuanced requirements of the project, HAPS Agency deployed a multifaceted approach:
Research and Preparation
Before embarking on the photography project, HAPS Agency conducted extensive research to understand the historical, social, and environmental significance of the sites. This preparation involved:
- Consultations with the article’s author, Mimi Zeiger: Engaging in a detailed conversation to understand the narrative focus and the key elements to highlight in the visuals.
- Coordination with LAM’s art director, Chris McGee: Ensuring the photographic style and framing would align with the magazine’s aesthetic and layout needs.
- Site analysis and planning: Mapping out the locations and planning the best times of day to capture the desired lighting and atmosphere.
On-Site Execution
The photography process spanned three days, during which the HAPS team traveled from Salt Lake City to various locations across the Coachella Valley. The key locations included:
North Shore Community Park
A new community space in Mecca, CA, designed to provide recreational and gathering areas for local residents.
Oasis del Desierto Park
A park in Thermal, CA, designed to serve as a green oasis amidst the arid landscape, providing much-needed recreational space.
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
An ongoing restoration project aimed at mitigating the environmental issues of the Salton Sea, where upcoming work promises to reveal more about the area’s potential.
Creative Approach
The creative vision was to produce imagery that was not only visually stunning but also deeply evocative of the themes of renewal, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Key elements of the approach included:
Focus on natural light
Utilizing the region’s abundant sunlight to highlight the textures and colors of the desert landscapes.
Dynamic compositions
Incorporating wide-angle shots to show the vastness of the landscapes, as well as close-ups to emphasize details and craftsmanship in the design.
Community interactions
Capturing moments of community members engaging with the spaces to convey the human impact of the projects.
Collaboration and Feedback
Throughout the process, HAPS Agency maintained close communication with LAM’s editorial and art teams. After the initial shoot, a selection of images was presented for feedback. The collaboration led to:
Selection of the cover image
One of the photographs captured at North Shore Community Park was chosen for the magazine’s cover, symbolizing the success of the project.
Customized online content
Curated image spread
A total of 22 pages within the magazine featured HAPS Agency’s images, with layouts designed to maximize visual impact and complement the written content:
Outcome and Impact
The August 2024 issue of Landscape Architecture Magazine was met with widespread acclaim, with HAPS Agency’s photography playing a central role in the storytelling. Key outcomes included:
- Enhanced narrative depth: The images provided a visual context that deepened readers’ understanding of the transformative projects in Coachella Valley.
- Increased reader engagement: The compelling visual content contributed to higher reader engagement both in print and online.
- Strengthened professional relationships: The successful collaboration with LAM has positioned HAPS Agency as a go-to provider for high-quality visual storytelling in the field of landscape architecture.
Conclusion
The photojournalism project for Landscape Architecture Magazine’s August 2024 issue exemplifies HAPS Agency’s commitment to delivering immersive, high-quality visual content that enhances storytelling. By combining thorough research, creative vision, and close collaboration with clients, HAPS Agency successfully captured the spirit of community-driven landscape architecture projects in the Coachella Valley, leaving a lasting impact on both the magazine’s readership and the broader design community.