JONATHAN SAGE is a British architect and award-winning architecture photographer based near Munich.
Though he no longer practices architecture, his passion for it firmly lives on. He aims to elevate his client's brands with meaningful professional photography. He builds a visual narrative from his emotional response to each architectural project he encounters, emphasising the unique poetic and pragmatic characteristics.
The beautiful Bavarian countryside is now home, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.
ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHER + FILMMAKER IN MUNICH
1984
Born in Bath, England
Studied Architecture in Portsmouth and London, UK. Graduated with distinction and worked as an architect in London and Munich.
Volunteered as an architectural consultant in Morocco for a community art centre.
2004-
2010
Backpacked Asia and South America. Co-founded CycleBavaria, offering and guiding road cycling trans-Alp tours.
2014-
2015
Established Jonathan Sage Photography in Munich.
2016
URBAN HABITAT: Book and a solo exhibition in Munich.
2019
Print Fundraiser for Ukraine
2022
TALK: “From Architect to Architectural Photographer” presentation at LBGO Architekten.
2023
PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZES + AWARDS
PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR, Munich & South Germany Prestige Awards.
2020
FINALIST for Architizer Architectural Photography Prize: Photos That Tell Powerful Stories About Architecture.
WINNER Architecture Masterprize – Shingle Lake House.
HONOURABLE MENTION Architecture Masterprize – Bundwerkstadel
2021
WINNER Architecture Masterprize – Farmyard Retreat.
2022
WINNER LOOP Design Awards - Revival/Revisit.
WINNER Architecture Masterprize Photography Award - Revival/Revisit.
WINNER Architecture Masterprize Photography Award - Rautenhaus in Residential Architecture category.
2023
TOP 10 FINALIST AP Almanac Architecture Photography Awards Over The Rooftops in Residential Project Of The Year category.
TOP 10 FINALIST AP Almanac Architecture Photography Awards Hotel Bergeblick in Non-Residential Project Of The Year category.
WINNER Architecture Masterprize – Spinnereihof (Public, Residential)
WINNER Architecture Masterprize – Wackersberg Retreat (Hospitality, Exterior Details)
WINNER Architecture Masterprize – Over The Rooftops (Residential Interior)
WINNER LOOP Design Awards - Spinnereihof (Exteriors)
WINNER LOOP Design Awards - Caplutta Sogn Benedetg (Architecture Fine Art).
WINNER LOOP Design Awards - Over The Rooftops (Interiors)
CITATION LOOP Design Awards - Wackersberg Retreat (Exteriors)
NEW TALENT AWARD - LOOP Design Awards - Awarded to creatives under 40 years old who have proven excellence in photography.
2024
CLIENTS
Architecture + Interior
Alexandra Kiendl Architektur
Ambros Holzbau
Baumschlager Hutter & Partners
Beham Architekten
Chybik + Kristof Architects
design.s
District 8 Interior Design
Domo Architektur
Donaubauer Holzbau
Euroboden Interior
fv2 architektur
f64 architekten
Glück + Partner
Hartmann Architekten
HHF Architects
HSU Architekten
Jacob & Spreng Architekten
Justin Howlett
Karolina Ćurić Architekten
Kienle Möbel
KPT Architekten
LBGO Architekten
Oskar Hoffmann Schreiner
malo architektur
PLANUNGSGESELLSCHAFT DITTRICH
Quest Baukultur
Raumtalent
Stadt Leinfelden-Echterdingen
Stadt München
SWECO Architektur
Thalmeier Einrichtungen
VOIT Schreinerei
werk33
WSM Architekten
Retail Stores + Commercial
Axel Arigato, Gothenburg
BioM Biotech, München
CELINE, Paris
FALKENBERG, München
GUTEX, Waldshut
H&M, Stockholm
KUTTER 1825, Stuttgart
M-Net, München
Off-White, Milan
Swiss Life, München
Zegna, Milan
Production Agencies
C41, Milan
Kitten Productions, Paris
OOSHOT, Paris
PRINT + ONLINE PUBLICATIONS
101 Traumhaäuser (2023)
AIT/XIA (2020/21/24)
A+U Japan (2019)
archdaily
All About Chalets (2023)
Architektouren (2016/19)
CUBE Magazin (18x + 3 covers)
designboom
Deutsche Architekturblatt (2024)
Digital Production (2022)
DIVISARE
edition:schwaben (2019)
ELLE DECOR Italia
HÄUSER (2020/22/24 + cover)
Häuser des Jahres (2017/21/23)
interior|fashion
Schöner Wohnen
STORE BOOK 2024
Solebich
Stylepark
Zeitlose Häuser (2019)
CONTACT
Documentation of architecture, interiors, joinery, the built environment, construction sites, and aerial photography (licensed UAV Operator / Drone Pilot with A1-A3 and A2 licenses within EU and UK).
Whether with emerging talent or established firms, I look to make the process fun, professional and collaborative.
Based in Southern Germany and available for assignments within the D-A-CH region, UK and beyond.
SWITZERLAND, 2009
During my architectural studies and to support my thesis, I travelled to the Swiss Alps. I went to get under the skin of architect Peter Zumthor’s work. Among sketches and notes, I also photographed to document my encounter, a medium that instantly resonated a childhood-like joy within me. The images are of my first architectural photoshoot and remain today to have significant personal meaning and laid those first stones of my creative path.
Read more & view images
NETWORK
Dave Pelham, Portrait Photographer, NL
Jutta Geisenhofer, Communication Design, DE
Mexambiente, Mexican Ware, DE
Tobias Meier, Photographic Artist, DE
Robert Kann, Illustrator/Architect, UK
Rouven Zietz, Journalist/Copywriter, DE
NOTEBOOK
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05.2024 | APAlmanac Top 10 Finalist - Hotel Bergeblick
I am honoured to have had a second photo documentation awarded TOP TEN FINALIST in the Non-Residential Project Of The Year at the APAlmanac Architectural Photography Awards 2023. HOTEL BERGEBLICK was designed by BEHAM Architekten.
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05.2024 | APALMANAC TOP 10 FINALIST – OVER THE ROOFTOPS
I am pleased to announce that my photo documentation was awarded TOP TEN FINALIST in the Residential Project Of The Year at the APAlmanac Architectural Photography Awards 2023. Over The Rooftops was designed by design.s, Justin Howlett and Jonas Jonasson.
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04.2024 | Haus WIDD in CUBE
5-page article on HAUS WIDD in München in the latest edition of CUBE Magazin. I photographed in 2022 for Jacob und Spreng Architekten in Munich.
Published in CUBE München 01 | 24. Visit the online version of the article here. -
03.2024 | KUTTER 1825 Published
Two double spreads in the STORE BOOK 2024, a publication of store design by Deutscher Ladenbau Verband—architecture by Karolina Ćurić Architekten, photographed in Stuttgart in 2023.
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03.2024 | Deutsche Architekturblatt
Deutsche Archtekturblatt (DAB) recently published Möglhof, located on Lake Chiemsee. The project was Designed by architect Vinzenz Mayer. I photographed the completed project one super early summer morning with mountain views over the lake. The article is titled Tradition and Innovation. The existing building is a Bunwerkstadel, which is the traditional architecture of the rural Bavarian region. The refurbishment retained much of the existing structure yet completely modernised the building, fit for its new tenant, Sports Innovated.
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01.2024 | DIVISARE PUBLICATIONS
Six Munich projects by Jacob & Spreng Architekten that I have photographed over the past few years are published on Divisare. Visit page.
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12.2023 | YEAR IN REVIEW
The annual roundup of my favourite images. Preview the email sent to subscribers.
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12.2023 | DOUBLE WIN AT ARCHITECTURE MASTERPRIZE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
Rautenhaus by KPT Architekten won the photography award in the Residential Architecture category and Revisit/Revival, a personal project, designed by Mies van der Rohe and refurbished by David Chipperfield Architects won the photography prize in the Cultural Architecture category.
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11.2023 | TO THE SKIES!
I am now a licensed operator after successful examinations of the A1-A3 (EU and UK) and A2 (EU) sub-categories licenses.
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10.2023 | HÄUSER DES JAHRES 2023
Haus WIDD in München by Jacob & Spreng Architekten has been published in this years Häuser des Jahres, featuring the 50 best houses in the German-speaking countries.
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09.2023 | PHOTOGRAPHY WINNER
My photo documentation “Revival/Revisit” is a winner in the prestigious LOOP Design Awards.
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09.2023 | BUNDWERKSTADEL IN PRINT
New publication of a book about chalets. LBGO Architekten’s Bundwerkstadel was featured.
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08.2023 | 3X NOMINATED FOR AWARDS
Three projects: Shingle Lake House (Jacob & Spreng Architekten), Revival/Revisit (Neue Nationalgalerie) and Rautenhaus (KPT Architekten) have all been nominated for the People’s Choice award in the architectural photography category at the LOOP Design Awards.
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04.2023 | COVER SHOT
Another cube cover image for the collection. Marble House by Jacob & Spreng Architketen had a 5-page feature on their project I photographed in 2021.
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03.2023 | PRIZE FOR PFERDESTALL
Pferdestall by FV2 Architektur has received the Fassadenpreis (Facade prize). I photographed the hidden brick building during various phases of the renovation. Congratulations to FV2.
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03.2023 | Haus WIDD on ARCHITONIC
Pur Natur, the flooring company featured in an article on ARCHITONIC. House designed by Jacob & Spreng Architekten and Stephanie Thatenhorst. Visit article
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03.2023 | 101 TRAUMHÄUSER
A favourite from 2021, Double House in Karlsfeld, has been published today. Designed and photographed for Jacob & Spreng Architekten.
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02.2023 | INVITED TO GIVE A TALK
It was a pleasure to share a bit about architectural photography and my journey so far. Thanks a ton to LBGO Architekten for the invite. It gave me a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect and learn.
Photo: Christian Goldbach. -
01.2023 | SOX06 in Architektouren 2023
Last year I teamed up with FV2 Architektur to photograph their remodelling and refurbishment of a 70s duplex in Munich
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10.2022 | WINNER! Architecture Master Photography Prize
Today it was announced that my ‘Farmyard Retreat’ set of images has won the 2022 Exterior Architecture Photography Award.
Thanks to the Jury at Architecture Masterprize.
Design: nbundm architekten
Build: Donaubauer Holzbau. -
09.2022 | Möglhof on Baunetz
Photography of a renovated cowshed named Möglhof at Chiemsee Lake was featured in article on Baunetz. Architecture by Vinzenz Mayer. Visit article
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05.2022 | Häuser Magazine
Recent profile write-up on Jacob & Spreng Architekten, featuring House at the lake and Marble house, which I photographed in 2020 and 2021.
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04.2022 | Viz vs. Photo
Interesting article in Digital Production magazine featuring Sammlung Klee, who creates some awesome architectural renderings. The article shows a double-page comparison of a project by Jacob & Spreng Architekten, with one side visualisation and the other side my photograph.
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04.2022 | Print Fundraiser for Ukraine: UPDATE
Over 30 prints were sold, generating €1.167,46 from profits that were donated to Caritas. A massive thanks to everyone who participated in the sale. It was also a lot of fun to do!
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03.2022 | Urban Habitat: Print Fundraiser for Ukraine
In response to the current situation in Ukraine, I am running a print fundraiser for a limited time (27th March - 2nd April). The sale of the prints will support the Ukrainian people who are affected by the current Russian invasion. Twenty photographs from my exhibition Urban Habitat (2019, Munich), all priced at €50. All net proceeds will be donated to Caritas Ukraine Appeal.
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03.2022 | A Print For Ukraine - Mass Collective
Mass Collective is currently running a print fundraiser (17th - 27th March 2022). There’s a great selection of prints available and proceeds are donated to British Red Cross. I am a contributing photographer with my ‘Pastel Blue’ print, but there are lots of great images to choose from. Visit Mass Collective Shop for further details.
Read more -
12.2021 | Bundwerkstadel in AIT Magazine
Only a couple of weeks since being awarded an honourable mention for my images of Bundwerkstadel, the stunning conversion by LBGO Architekten has been published in AIT Magazine this month.
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11.2021 | 1st Prize at the Architecture Masterprize Photography Award
I am thrilled to be a winner of the photography award at the 2021 @architecturemasterprize. My images of ‘Shingle Lake House’ designed by @jacobundspreng won the ‘Residential Exterior’ award and my images of ‘Bundwerkstadel’ designed by @lbgoarchitekten received an honorable mention in the same award. Thanks to both talented architects I collaborate with, the jury, and congratulations to my fellow photographers who also won awards.
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09.2021 | Double House published in Häuser de Jahres 2021
A recent publication of ’Double House’ in Karlsfeld. The project by Jacob & Spreng Architekten was featured in Callwey Verlag’s Häuser des Jahres 2021 (Houses of the year), the shortlist of the 50 best houses.
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09,.2021 | VOIT concrete kitchen in CUBE
A recent publication of a kitchen that I photographed for VOIT Schreinerei a few years back. It was my first collaboration with the joiners.
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04.2021 | Finalist on Architizer
I am honoured to be shortlisted amongst such talent. ‘Pastel Blue’, which I shot in Rajasthan has been selected as a finalist for Architizer’s Architectural Photography Prize: Photos That Tell Powerful Stories About Architecture.
Read more here -
03.2021 | East House makes CUBE cover
East House near Munich by DOMO Architektur, was published in CUBE Magazin and also featured on the cover.
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03.2021 | Pferdestall in CUBE
Publication of Pferdestall in CUBE by FV2 Architektur.
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09.2020 | Cover story: Traumhaus im Schidellook
The cover story in CUBE Magazin this month. Stunning house to photograph at Lake Ammersee designed by Jacob & Spreng Architekten.
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09.2020 | Weyarn Supermarket in AIT
A mindful and sensitive design for a supermarket in Weyarn designed by LBGO Architekten. Published this month in AIT magazine.
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08.2020 | Interviewed by Prestige Awards
As part of my award earlier this year, I was interviewed for the accompanying magazine.
Read more -
06.2020 | VOIT published
VOIT joinery and interior planners were published in CUBE Magazin with a house in Bavaria.
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06.2020 | Rosenheimer Holzbau Preis
Bundwerkstadel by LBGO Architekten competition entry.
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04.2020 | Professional Architectural Photography
This week, Homify published an article in their magazine: ”So wichtig sind professionelle Fotos von Architekturfotografie-Experten“ (Professional photos by architectural photographers experts is important). Features Haus H, designed by HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten. Visit article
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04.2020 | Donaubauer Holzbau Portfolio
New prospectus of timber-framed houses by Donaubauer Holzbau. Brochure design by Jutta Geisenhofer.
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04.2020 | Cut, Fold, Stack
Article on Arch Daily: German Homes Built for Precision. Features House H by HH Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten. Read article
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03.2020 | Bundwerkstadel by LBGO on ArchDaily
Covid-19 has impacted every aspect of our daily lives. The media coverage of the virus is inescapable. I needed a positive boost and today when I opened ArchDaily for my daily browse, it made me smile. I was proud to see my images of Bundwerkstadel in Aubenhausen on the front page. It was a wonderfully fun project to photograph, designed by one of my regular clients, Leupold Brown Goldbach Architekten. Visit article
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01.2020 | Photographer of the Year
Won the Photographer of the year award. Thanks to whoever put me forward for nomination for the Munich & South Germany Prestige Awards.
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01.2020 | "Traumhaus" on TV
I had the pleasure of photographing this insanely beautiful house near Munich towards the end of last year. The architects, DOMO Architektur, feature in “Traumhäuser” on Bayerischen Rundfunks tonight at 22.30. It will also be available on their Mediathek if you miss it the first time around.
Watch here on BR Mediathek. -
01.2020 | Häuser Magazine - Klare Linie
Article about Jacob & Spreng Architekten, featuring photography of Haus H and Haus CK2
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12.2019 | Urban Habitat Book
Following on from my exhibition earlier this year, I have catalogued the images into a book.
Read more here -
11.2019 | LBGO Architekten Models
A late afternoon chat, espresso and photoshoot of LBGO’s vast and impressive collection of architectural models.
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11.2019 | Three Cubes House
Another project photographed for Jacob & Spreng Architekten was published in architecture and design magazine CUBE.
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09.2019 | Sketch Published
It may be a few years since I completed my architectural studies, however, my tutor reached out to me to ask if she could use a charcoal sketch I did for a book titled Representational Techniques in Architecture.
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07.2019 | Urban Camouflage Print
Sometime after my exhibition – Urban Habitat – I had a request for one of the images to be printed in a much format on acrylic. Here it is, as modelled in my own apartment!
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06.2019 | Architektouren 2019
I had the pleasure of photographing LBGO’s masterplan in Weyarn. The Supermarket features in this year’s Architektouren.
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06.2019 | edition:schwaben publication
Photographed as a joint commission for the joiner, Oskar Hoffmann, and the architects, f64 architekten, Wohnhaus A2 was published in edition:schwaben.
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06.2019 | Urban Habitat Exhibition Vernissage
What a lot of fun the opening Vernissage was. 5% of proceeds went to the Railway Children, a charity helping children living on the streets in India. Event photography by Tobias Meier. Read more here.
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05.2019 | Urban Habitat - Solo Exhibition
Today I formally invited everyone to my first solo exhibition. The exhibition will be open at FV2 Architektur in Glöckenbachviertel in München on 6.6.2019. Read more here..
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05.2019 | Villa Anno published
Project by Jacob und Spreng Architekten. House is situated in Munich and featured over several pages in CUBE this quarter.
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04.2019 | Zeitlose Häuser Book Publication
The recent publication of House H by HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten.
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03.2019 | Architecture & Urbanism Magazine
A recent publication in A+U Magazine from Japan - has written a piece on Emerging Swiss Architects.
Last autumn I photographed ‘House H’ at Lake Starnberg in Bavaria. The architecture (by HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten) has been exquisitely thought out and executed. It was also a bonus to be lakeside for some post-shoot ice cream in the sunshine!
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03.2019 | Sommer Shoots
Donaubauer Holzbau, a regular client, has published a booklet to share with their clients that features a collection of images I took last summer. My friend Jutta Geisenhofer co-directed the shoots and put together the beautiful booklet.
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01.2019 | Baunetz article on Haus H
Online publication of Haus H in Starnberg by HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architeklten
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12.2018 | Haus H on Designboom
Another online publication of Haus H this week. This time on DESIGNBOOM. Designed and photographed for HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten. Visit page
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12.2018 | Elle Decor Italia
Elle Decor Italia published an article on Haus H in Starnberg by HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten. Visit Article
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12.2018 | ArchDaily Haus H
Haus H by HHF Architects and Jacob & Spreng Architekten featured today on Archdaily.
Visit article -
12.2018 | Haus H on urdesign
Haus H by HHF Architects (Switzerland) and Jacob & Spreng Architekten (Germany) featured in urdesign this week. Visit article
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09.2018 | Cover Project in CUBE
Published this week in CUBE Magazin, making the front cover. Great to see it on the magazine shelves! Photographed for DOMO Architektur, Munich.
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06.2018 | House HANF in CUBE
Haus HANF by Jacob & Spreng Architekten was published in CUBE this quarter.
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10.2017 | Häuser des Jahres 2017 Book
House HANF by Jacob & Spreng Architekten was featured as one of the best 50 houses in 2017.
TESTIMONIALS
"Wir waren lange auf der Suche nach einem Fotografen für unsere Projekte. Dann sind wir auf Jonathans Portfolio gestoßen, welches uns sehr angesprochen hat.
Uns ist es sehr wichtig, dass unsere Liebe zum Detail in den Bildern erkannt und wiedergegeben wird.
Jonathan hat unsere Erwartungen mit jedem neuen Projekt übertroffen und wir empfehlen hier absolut weiter. Sein Auge für Details der Architektur und Innenarchitektur ist einzigartig.
Vielen Dank für die professionelle und schöne Zusammenarbeit!"
– district8
"Wir haben nun schon mehrmals mit Herrn Sage bei den verschiedensten Projekten zusammengearbeitet und sind absolut begeistert.
Die Qualität der Aufnahmen, das professionelle Vorgehen bei den Shootings und auch die Nachbearbeitung der Fotos haben uns von Beginn an überzeugt.
Wir können Herrn Sage nur jedem weiterempfehlen, der professionelle und hochwertige Aufnahmen von Küchen, Inneneinrichtungen und anderen Arbeiten benötigt.
Jederzeit gerne wieder."
– VOIT
"Jonathan Sage fotografiert seit vielen Jahren unsere Holzhaus-Projekte . Absolut professionell und mit einem sicheren Blick für die Architektur der Gebäude sorgt Jonathan dafür, dass die Einzigartigkeit jedes Projektes bestens zur Geltung kommt.
Geschickt bewegt er sich auch in den Innenräumen der Gebäude und versteht es perfekt, unterschiedlichste Wohn- und Lebensstile darzustellen.
Seine lockere Art , durch die er eine ungezwungene Atmosphäre schafft, wissen wir sehr zu schätzen. Wir freuen uns auf noch viele spannende Fotoprojekte mit ihm."
– Donaubauer Holzbau