SPACE CAPTURED | GR Studio Park from Above

Some projects are about more than simply photographing a space—they’re about waiting for the right light, finding the right perspective, and showing a familiar part of Grand Rapids in a way you may not have seen it before.

Ayden and I recently spent the evening at GR Studio Park, photographing this incredible residence at 144 Oakes Street SW #1903, currently listed for sale by Kate Bylsma.

Being high above downtown already gives this property a pretty spectacular perspective, but we wanted the photography and film to show more than just the interiors. We wanted to capture what it actually feels like to be here—the height, the city surrounding you, the changing evening light, and the relationship between the residence, Studio Park, and downtown Grand Rapids.

So we planned this one around the light.

While I worked inside photographing the architecture, finishes, details, and views from the residence, Ayden took Herbie into the sky. We spent the evening watching the light change over the city and timing our aerial work to capture the building and surrounding downtown from above as daylight softened into evening.

And Herbie does NOT disappoint.

Having Ayden there to capture the property from the air completely changes the way we're able to tell the story of a space. My photographs can show you what it feels like to stand inside and look out over Grand Rapids; his aerial work pulls you outside of it and shows exactly where you are within the city.

Together, those perspectives give a much fuller sense of place.

It’s also why we don't rush projects like this. Light matters. Direction matters. The view matters. And sometimes getting the photograph or piece of footage we want means spending an evening watching, waiting, moving, and adjusting until everything comes together.

This one certainly did.

The interiors, those expansive windows, downtown stretching out below, and GR Studio Park illuminated as evening settled over the city made this such a fun property for the two of us to capture together.

And now, it could be yours.

The residence is currently listed by Kate Bylsma, and you can see the full property details, pricing, and listing information here:

VIEW THE LISTING — 144 OAKES STREET SW #1903

I'll let the photographs—and especially Herbie's view from above—do the rest of the talking. 🚁

The MittenTog × Earth To Herbie
Interior + architectural photography from the ground up.