Seattle Airbnb | Interior Commercial Photographer

The first thing I noticed walking into this absolutely perfect Airbnb rental home in Seattle was how well the original charm of the home was preserved in its modernization. We love crown molding AND updated heating!

The owner of this short term rental is a master of curation when it comes to vintage and antique items. Nothing is worse than walking into an Airbnb or VRBO and finding wall-to-wall fresh-out-of-the-box decor sourced exclusively from Amazon. It’s not to say that we don’t need convenience in our choices, but I love a collected space.

For one thing, it’s far more sustainable to repurpose items that are already in existence. There are so many good things already out there! Additionally, curating a space intentionally takes a lot of dedication to the overall balance of aesthetic. When we travel, we want to experience a place or a new city, and the place we stay can be just as meaningful as many of the other destinations and activities.

Think back to some of your favorite vacations and tell me if you can recall at least some details about the home you stayed in. In a world with Airbnbs available around every corner, spaces like this totally stand apart.

Of course, the icing on the cake is photographing it intentionally. In over ten years working with people and spaces, I’ve learned about approaching a space with a curious eye and informed skillset. Creating balanced compositions comes from a large background in art, and telling the story through a branding eye comes from many years of experience. I love the feedback I get from my clients when they tell me their space has rented at a higher rate and higher frequency because of their photography. My personal mission is to embody and inspire joy, and this kind of shoot brings me in such alignment with that purpose.

If you have a space you’ve designed I would love to hear about it! Get in touch via email: emily@emilykeeney.com.

Seattle Interior Photographer | Eclectic Architectural Renovation

Like many cities around the US, Seattle is full of amazing old properties that deliver big on charming tree-lined streets and character, and maybe not so much when it comes to square footage. With a competitive real estate market (and a knack for historical preservation), many homeowners are deciding to renovate older homes to create modern, inviting living spaces that cater to today’s needs. With many interior design and architectural firms in Seattle, homeowners can put a little vision into a set of very professional hands for optimal results. In this case, the owners entrusted Office of Ordinary, a women-owned and operated architecture firm to take a small and very divided Seattle home and transform it into a spacious retreat with vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan.

When I showed up to photograph this project, I was floored by the homeowner’s amazing antique collection, including bentwood Colonial chairs and historic French armoires collected over the years by the homeowner, having lived France for many years. As I picked my jaw up off the floor, Office of Ordinary’s founder, Sandy Wolf, explained to me that the space was actually designed to accommodate these pieces. To me, that effort of historical preservation and reverence for antiquity is noble, commendable, and just really super cool.

As an interior and architectural photographer in Seattle, I’ve learned to never rely on sunshine for beautiful photos. Sure enough, on shoot day it was pouring down rain and I opted for a single-trip gear haul, white-knuckling and hunched as I darted from my car to the cozy oasis of the house. By using a tripod and long exposure method, I’m able to ensure the interior photographs are bright, natural, and inviting. Dark days present a fun opportunity to share with my design clients the technical tricks to my work that make changing light conditions just another variable in creating beautiful images. The same rule applies when I’m photographing in the winter months in Chicago — even if the sky is full of clouds and snow, I’ll insist we turn off all the lights and use the powers of long exposures and bracketed images to achieve that natural glow look and feel.

Enjoy this beautiful home and check out Office of Ordinary for your renovation project!

Airy Bellingham Airbnb | Vacation Rental Photography

Nestled in the picturesque city of Bellingham, where nature's beauty takes you away from the bustle of Seattle, lies a hidden gem—a short-term rental home exuding bright and airy vibes and adorned with whimsical decor. With lush greenery as its backdrop (it’s surrounded by nature preserve), this charming home invites guests to check out of the grind and into the imaginative state of being that an inspiring and restorative getaway is so good for. This was such a fun home to photograph and brings me to a few key points of a successful short term rental listing photos shoot:

• Embracing Natural Light:

Photographing a bright and airy home starts with harnessing the power of natural light. In Bellingham, sunlight filters through the dense foliage, lending a soft, ethereal glow to the surroundings. Maximize this vibe by opening curtains and blinds to allow ample light to flood the space. Notice the way that light naturally interacts with the space. Turn off the overhead lights and allow for nature’s light source to take the lead.

• Composing the Perfect Shot:

To showcase the whimsical decor and the seamless integration with the surrounding greenery, pay attention to composition. Frame the shot to capture the home's unique elements both in tight composition and in a pulled back shot that gives an idea of the full space. Preserve window views by bracketing exposures, especially when they help tell the story of the space.

• Colors and Textures:

The color palette and textures play a crucial role in the ambiance of this vacation home. Pay attention to the details that the designer painstakingly selected. This house has an amazing juxtaposition of glam and nature, and it’s done really well. I loved the combination of the mirror backsplash with the black marble countertops. In the dining area, an antler chandelier perfectly plays off of floral dining chairs next to yet another pattern in the subtle wallpaper. Incorporating a few of these relationships into a shot brings together the design vision.

• Accessorizing the Scene:

In order to fully immerse the viewer in the home, a few key accessories help to bring the vision together. Adding in a few small lifestyle elements really makes the difference between photos that feel real estate vs. luxury travel and hospitality. A glass next to a book signifies a relaxing place to read. A blanket over an adirondack near the firepit suggests a cozy bonfire.

• Outdoor Oasis:

The beauty of this rental home lies not only indoors but also in the enchanting outdoor spaces. Bellingham's greenery provides an idyllic backdrop, so venture outside to capture the magic of the surrounding nature. Photograph a hammock nestled among the trees, the large lawn perfect for active kids and great privacy from neighbors. Incorporating these outdoor shots into your collection will complete the story of this serene retreat.

This is really just the tip of the iceberg of what goes through my head during a shoot, but it gives a solid starting point to plan a successful shoot! Get in touch if you’d like to bring your property to life through engaging, vivid, bright photography.

This house is offered by Gather Vacations.

Contractor: Bellingham Bay Builders

Design: Andrea Zakharoff

You can book this beauty on Airbnb here.

Captivating the Essence of Spaces: Modern Bright Airbnb Photography

In the world of vacation rentals, Airbnb has revolutionized the way people experience travel and hospitality. From cozy apartments to luxurious villas, Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodation options for travelers seeking unique and memorable experiences. To stand out in this competitive market, hosts and property owners are increasingly turning to professional photographers to capture the essence of their spaces. Over the years, I’ve been working to create modern, bright Airbnb photography that beautifully highlights eclectic design and unique living spaces.

Getting it right starts with the client. Infusing a space with good details are the first step in creating brilliant imagery. The charm of eclectic world decor lies in its ability to infuse spaces with a sense of adventure, culture, and personal storytelling. Each carefully curated piece has a unique story to tell, reflecting the owner's travels, interests, and aesthetic sensibilities. I understand the importance of capturing these stories within the frame, ensuring that this effort and personalization takes center stage in the photography. Whether it's an intricately woven Moroccan rug, a collection of hand-painted ceramics from Mexico, or a display of antique Asian artifacts, the expertise lies in highlighting these treasures while maintaining a cohesive visual narrative.

My signature style revolves around creating modern bright imagery that radiates warmth and positivity. Through skillful use of lighting techniques and post-processing, I enhance the natural light in each space, allowing it to fill the frame with a welcoming glow. This approach not only elevates the visual appeal of the decor but also showcases the unique character and atmosphere of the Airbnb listing. Whether it's a sun-drenched living room, a vibrant patio with lush greenery, or a cozy bedroom bathed in soft light, the photographs breathe life into the spaces, inviting potential guests to envision themselves within these immersive environments.

Beyond the lighting and colors is the power of composition and attention to detail in capturing the spirit of eclectic world decor. Each photograph is meticulously crafted, taking into account the placement of objects, angles, and perspectives that best showcase the personality of the space. By focusing on intricate details such as textures, patterns, and unique design elements, we artfully tells stories through the lens, evoking a sense of wanderlust and cultural appreciation.

Working closely with Airbnb hosts and property owners, I prioritize collaboration and understanding the vision they have for their spaces. We engage in open communication to ensure that their aspirations are captured in the photography. By truly comprehending their design intentions and the target audience of their listings, I deliver photographs that align with their expectations and objectives. This collaborative approach has earned a reputation for not only producing visually stunning imagery but also for creating a positive and satisfying experience for clients.

Airbnb photography has witnessed a transformation in recent years, with hosts recognizing the power of compelling visuals in attracting guests. As an editorial Seattle commercial photographer, it’s my goal to bring a fresh and vibrant perspective to this arena, excelling at capturing the allure of eclectic design and unique spaces. Through modern, bright photography, I create visually striking images that celebrate the unique character and charm of each space. By balancing composition, lighting, and attention to detail, I transform Airbnb listings into immersive experiences that ignite the imagination of potential guests. With a keen eye and commitment to client satisfaction, it’s my goal to elevate the world of modern interior photography, leaving a lasting impression on both hosts and travelers alike.