Columbus, Ohio-based architectural and commercial photographer Brad Feinknopf recently got involved in a documentary feature called If You Build It that’s currently traveling the country. Directed by Patrick Creadon, the film is about two people who went down to Bertie County, the poorest county in North Carolina, to teach design in schools with the hope of showing students that there are opportunities out there that they might not know about. The film follows the students and their path over the course of the school year, culminating in the building of a farmer’s market, a much-needed community resource.
Brad got involved with the project in a bit of a roundabout way, as he was watching an episode of “Character Approved,” which showcases various honorees in the arts community. This particular episode featured Emily Pilloton and Project H, who was also involved in the Farmer’s Market project in Bertie County. Her work piqued Brad’s interest, so he contacted her to offer assistance and ended up shooting the cover image for the film (it never hurts to reach out!)
Brad and his assistant appear briefly in the film and attended the Los Angeles premiere. Because there will be great interest in the film within the architectural community, this was a perfect opportunity for Brad to get involved and help promote the film.
I was never interested in photography in high school, but in college, my professor showed us that photography could be something deeper and more meaningful— a way of looking at and appreciating the world around you. Today, I feel I made the decision to appreciate architecture as opposed to being an architect. It’s funny as many of the architects with whom I work feel I made the right decision. – Brad Feinknopf