Architectural Photographer Meets The Little Professor

Architectural Photographer Meets Little Professor Bookshop

It was months ago when I first drove by the new Little Professor bookshop location in Homewood. It was under construction but I could tell it was going to be really special. The three-pointed tips caught the eye immediately, and that was exactly what I saw on my way to get breakfast months back. I saw the bones of the yet to be remodeled, Little Professor Bookshop in Birmingham, Alabama. I knew I had to keep an eye out for whenever it was finally completed.

Cut to today, the week of Thanksgiving. I have been inside the store frequently, looking at it in different lighting conditions, studying the busy hours and the slow ones. I drank a lot of coffee (which is better than I expected it to be, seriously, go get some), and looked for compositions. As an architectural photographer, I learned to take my time. That's the good thing about good architecture. It usually gets to stick around for a while. I have an odd amount of excitement around this particular building. It symbolizes change in my community and, in a way, my life. 

I, like many, used to be a voracious reader, but lost touch with the hobby as I got older. Little Professor is definitely focused on reading, but it is more focused on fostering a community of readers. This is important because I can get back into reading with others looking to do the same. It can be awkward being excited about a new hobby and not having anyone to talk to about it in person. Reading (and architectural photography) is an inherently reclusive pastime. While that is part of the appeal for the more introverted among us, it can still get lonely. I have been a part of my fair share of book clubs, and most times I met with them, we didn't talk much about books.

Little Professor goes above and beyond simply holding a book club. They are keeping with the times by using different forms of media. As a younger architectural photographer, I try to keep track of evolving mediums, and this company apparently does so as well. Little Professor has their own podcast where they can grow their own community and start a conversation. I don't know of another shop that goes to that length to connect with their community. Little Professor also has their own app where you can purchase books, read reviews, and more. 

The Little Professor Bookshop shows that there are readers in Birmingham who can support two locations. A brick-and-mortar bookshop, opening in a prime location warms my heart. I wasn't sure it would happen unless it was a chain. While online shopping is great, there is something to be said about being able to walk inside a shop and see a familiar face. A face that seems to enjoy the company that comes through the shop.

This shop is different than a Barnes and Noble or Books-a-million store. The employees are very kind, and I have never felt as if I was imposing myself on them. This little bookstore is also surprisingly busy. It is very evident that through community events, the Little Professor has cemented itself as a pillar in the community of Birmingham. Architectural photography has made me a lot more aware of development in the city of Birmingham. I want this blog to catalog my experiences with new and old places in Birmingham through the medium of architectural photography.