The Razor House at twilight, showcasing its signature curved architecture and seamless integration with the La Jolla landscape.
The Razor House is one of the most architecturally stunning homes I’ve had the privilege to photograph. Designed by Wallace Cunningham, this modernist masterpiece perches dramatically on the cliffs of La Jolla, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With its sweeping lines, floor-to-ceiling glass, and white concrete structure, the home blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, making it a dream subject for architectural photography.
The Opportunity
Being contacted by The Altman Brothers to photograph this home was an incredible opportunity. It came through a word-of-mouth referral, proving once again the power of connections in this industry. Given the prestige of the Razor House, I knew this shoot had the potential to gain significant attention. With its architectural brilliance and high-profile status, I had to ensure every detail was captured flawlessly. My efforts became part of a huge purchase by none other than Alicia Keys, adding yet another chapter to the story of this iconic home.
The Architecture and Interior Design
Designed by renowned architect Wallace Cunningham, the Razor House is a masterclass in modernist design, blending sculptural aesthetics with a deep connection to the surrounding environment. The home’s defining features include its curvilinear forms, cantilevered concrete slabs, and expansive use of glass, allowing for unobstructed panoramic views of the Pacific. The way the architecture embraces its clifftop setting makes it feel as if the structure is floating between sky and sea.
Inside, the home carries the same seamless design philosophy. The open floor plan, with its fluid transitions between living spaces, reinforces the idea that the Razor House is an extension of the landscape. The interplay of natural materials—concrete, glass, and stainless steel—creates a balance between warmth and modernity. While Alicia Keys has since made changes to the furniture and décor, the original interior design choices still hold a timeless, almost futuristic appeal. Elements such as the spiral staircase, built-in seating, and recessed lighting add layers of visual interest, making the space feel organic yet structured.
A seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, where curved concrete and glass define the home's aesthetic.
The Challenges of Shooting the Razor House
The home’s design presents unique challenges for a photographer. The extensive use of glass, while breathtaking, creates a multitude of reflections and glare. The stark white concrete and sleek metallic finishes demand careful exposure balance to retain detail without overexposing highlights.
I approached the shoot with more of a design workflow and methodology. While real estate photography often relies on filling shadows to create an even exposure, my design workflow embraces a more artistic approach—using flash to shape light and shadows instead of eliminating them. This technique takes more time but results in a more dynamic, visually striking look that enhances the depth and drama of the space.
Sunlight dances across the Razor House’s architecture, emphasizing its bold lines and material contrasts.
To combat reflections and glare, I relied on a mix of natural light and strategically placed flash to maintain a natural yet controlled look. While I initially considered using a circular polarizer to reduce reflections, I quickly found that it introduced unwanted artifacts and moiré patterns, which required painstaking corrections in post-processing. Instead, I carefully positioned my angles and adjusted exposure settings to achieve the desired clarity and depth.
The setting sun enhances the Razor House’s sculptural form, casting bold contrasts of light and shadow.
Showcasing the Design
Every architectural shoot tells a story, and with the Razor House, the goal was to highlight its seamless integration with its surroundings. The way the home interacts with the light, the ocean, and the sky makes it feel like an extension of the landscape rather than just a structure sitting on a cliff. I focused on capturing the reflections, angles, and depth to emphasize this interplay.
Glass and concrete converge in perfect harmony, framing breathtaking views and allowing light to shape the space.
Waiting for the sun to hit the right angles was a fun and rewarding part of the shoot. The way the light played off the sharp edges of the architecture and refracted through the glass created striking compositions throughout the day. Instead of rushing through the shoot, I took time to observe how the light moved across different surfaces, allowing for more intentional and dramatic image-making.
Streaks of natural light filter into the Razor House’s bedroom, accentuating its serene design and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
Another fascinating element of the shoot was the presence of paragliders from the nearby La Jolla Gliderport. I waited for opportune moments when they would glide into frame, adding an unexpected and dynamic element to the images. Their presence not only gave a sense of scale to the Razor House but also tied it beautifully to its surroundings, showing the energy and life that exists around this architectural marvel.
A paraglider drifts past the Razor House, emphasizing the home's breathtaking location on the cliffs of La Jolla.
One of my favorite shots was capturing the house during twilight. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the glass walls reflected the deep blues and oranges of the ocean and sky, creating a surreal, almost ethereal effect. The home’s internal lighting contrasted beautifully with the natural tones of dusk, making for an image that truly embodies the home’s elegance and modernity.
As night falls, the Razor House glows against the Pacific backdrop, a beacon of modern architectural brilliance.
Takeaways from the Shoot
This project reinforced the importance of preparation and adaptability. While technical precision is crucial, so is the ability to read the light, make adjustments on the fly, and find the best angles to showcase a structure’s unique character.
Shooting a home of this caliber was both an honor and an incredible learning experience. It pushed my skills in managing complex lighting scenarios and capturing a space in a way that does justice to the architect’s vision.
The Razor House stands timeless against the cliffs, a testament to modern architecture’s ability to harmonize with nature.
Final Thoughts
The Razor House is more than just a home; it’s a work of art. Capturing its grandeur required both technical skill and artistic vision, making it one of the most rewarding shoots of my career. This experience further fueled my passion for architectural photography, and I look forward to more opportunities to work with extraordinary properties and clients.
-Gary Kasl
If you're an architect, designer, or real estate professional looking for high-end architectural photography, let’s connect. I’d love to help bring your vision to life through imagery that captures the true essence of your work.
🔗 Explore More
📌 Architect & Listing Agents
• Wallace Cunningham – Architectural Portfolio
• The Altman Brothers – Luxury Real Estate
📌 Razor House Feature
• Alicia Keys Purchases the Razor House – Architectural Digest
📌 Local Landmarks & Surroundings