“If ever there was an instance in which an image has the power to transport the viewer into another time, it occurs in Firenze,” says photographer Michael Hart, who’s recent photo shoots there have left him in awe of the place so coated with art and history. For his most recent shoot, Michael was asked by Herring Design in Houston to head to Europa to document the Palazzo Corso Tornabuoni—a centuries-old building that Herring Design will be using to create luxury time-shares in the heart of Florence.
In Florence, many things are reborn and redefined. Not the least of which is the rescue and renovation of a centuries-long slice of Italian history—the Palazzo Corso Tornabuoni.
The project was a dream assignment for Michael from the start. He would meet with Jerry Herring of Herring Design—covering the location, renovation plan, goal of the project—several times before heading out. Then, it was up to him to capture the Palazzo Corso Tornabuoni with all its artwork, architecture, and intricate detail, but also to capture the surrounding area that people using the timeshare would be experiencing. Michael had to explore the area himself, getting record of the streets, surrounding buildings, people, and art that surrounds the palazzo.
I could feel the vibrant rhythms the moment I set foot on the sidewalk. The entire quarter hummed with activity and excitement. Every experience, every impression was tinged with quality and style, history and culture.
Photographing this modern-day renovation gave Michael a true feeling of the power of Renaissance. “I began to understand the true uniqueness of that age—the Renaissance,” he says. Photographing around the debris and construction in some parts of the palazzo was hardly a hindrance, as there was already so much beauty amidst the areas of reconstruction.
In between soaking up all the art and history of the place, Michael also made sure to make time each day for a Caprese salad… always at a different restaurant from the last.
Michael’s images went over wonderfully well with the client and with others who have come in contact with them.
To view more work by Michael, visit hartphoto.com!