For fashion photographer Steve Shaw, empty Venice lot holds promise of an exuberant live-work space
Steve Shaw bought a large lot on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice in 2005. The fashion photographer -- known for his sexy yet timeless photos of Hilary Swank, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Alba and other glitterati -- envisioned a place to live and work, with a gallery to showcase his art and that of other photographers.
He sketched out floor plans. First floor: gallery/office, bathroom, three-car garage. Second floor: master bedroom suite, two guest bedrooms, photo office. Third floor: sunken living room/movie theater, kitchen, dining room, rooftop terrace, pool. (Liz Baylen/Los Angeles Times)
Giant glass doors on the third floor slide open to create one large indoor-outdoor room. On rainy days, a sensor in the pool opens a valve to drain excess water. (Liz Baylen/Los Angeles Times)
Steve Shaw, far right, during a photography shoot in his home. Shaw’s plan was to earn a little extra by renting the place as a location. In addition, he could save the $3,000- to $4,000-a-day fee he paid for his own location rentals. The idea of no commute also appealed. “I just fall out of bed and I’m there,” he says. (Liz Baylen/Los Angeles Times)
The sunken living room has a built-in leather sofa and a projection screen for viewing movies. The dining table is Vladimir Kagan, the leather chairs are vintage Pace Collection. (Liz Baylen/Los Angeles Times)
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Shaw recites a litany of people who have rented his home since he moved in: an advertising campaign for Vogue sunglasses, an Emmy party, New Line Cinema’s upcoming movie “Four Christmases” starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn. “I like creative people and projects,” he says, “but every once in a while it’s nice to have the house to myself.” (Liz Baylen/Los Angeles Times)
