interiors

Staying at The Wayback Austin: A Lifestyle Photographer’s Dream in Hill Country

Tucked just outside the buzz of downtown, The Wayback Austin is the kind of boutique hotel that feels like a secret — quiet, warm, and intentionally designed. I came for a weekend away, but it ended up feeling like more than just a stay. As a lifestyle photographer, I’m always drawn to places that evoke a certain feeling, where light and texture come together to tell a story. The Wayback did exactly that.

Set in the rolling hills of Austin’s west side, the property feels like a retreat from the world. The collection of cottages, each painted in soft earth tones and surrounded by oak trees, creates a sense of calm the moment you arrive. It’s a place where time slows down and small details begin to stand out — the way sunlight pours through cafe windows in the morning, the sound of wind in the trees during golden hour, the simplicity of a linen-covered bed in a quiet, sunlit room.

Photography-wise, it was a dream. Every corner of The Wayback Austin felt intentionally designed for connection — not just visually, but emotionally. From the interior styling to the way natural light moved through the space, I found myself reaching for my camera constantly. There’s something about the way light hits white brick walls and bounces off reclaimed wood that makes it easy to fall in love with photographing a place. For a lifestyle photographer, this boutique Hill Country stay offers a perfect balance of softness and soul.

Mornings started at the on-site café with a matcha or espresso, usually taken outside among olive trees and worn wooden tables. I captured a few frames of my coffee in that perfect, diffused morning light — the kind you can’t fake, no matter how good your presets are. Afternoons were for the pool, quiet walks, or catching up on journaling, always with my camera nearby. The golden hour here is unreal. I spent one evening wandering the edge of the property, photographing the way the light filtered through tall grasses and danced across stone paths. It was one of those moments that reminded me why I fell in love with lifestyle photography in the first place.

There’s a comfort in staying somewhere that understands aesthetics without feeling overdesigned. The Wayback is cozy, not curated to the point of being untouchable. It invites you to settle in, breathe a little deeper, and maybe see the world a little differently for a few days. It’s perfect for couples, solo travelers, or creatives looking for inspiration. If you’re ever in search of a boutique hotel in Austin with heart, style, and soul, I can’t recommend it enough.

Places like this have a way of lingering long after you leave. I came home with a full camera roll, a slower heart rate, and a renewed sense of clarity — all the things I didn’t know I was looking for when I booked the stay.

Queen Anne Modern Tudor | Seattle Interior Photography

The very first neighborhood my husband and I lived in when we moved to Seattle was Queen Anne. Known for its stunning historic homes, we often enjoyed long walks through the neighborhood to take in the charm. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing one of these beauties and am so excited to share it with you.

Keeping with the classic style of the home, Laura Libby of Edition 82 spearheaded the design on this project. She managed to maintain the original spirit while working in pops of design that surprise and delight (see: that hallway wallpaper). This project really came to life through attention to detail in every aspect. From the custom woodworking to the light fixtures and hardware, everything tells a story and invites further inquiry.

We photographed this project on a moody autumn morning using natural light wherever possible. Even on the darkest of days, it’s very possible to achieve well-lit images through an HDR-driven approach. Most images in my portfolio are actually composites, where many images are layered together and blended to achieve the final look. This ensures the lighting is well-balanced, ambient, and inviting.

Enjoy this beautiful space!

Design: Edition 82

Build: Archer Smith

Cabinetry: Benchmark Custom Cabinets

Edmonds Traditional | Seattle Interior Photographer

With Seattle real estate being so competitive and limited, home satisfaction is sometimes best achieved by a renovation approach. When it comes to designing for a kitchen renovation, function and form are key. Sometimes, to move forward with joy, we need to look to the past to take hints from traditional design elements, while tuning them to a modern flow. I loved the way that Reanna Channer of Design to Elevate approached this project.

While the kitchen maintains a mostly while palette, it’s anything but sterile. The layered textures come from the floor-to-ceiling tile, combined with the cabinetry, built-in banquette, and elevated hardware finishes. This layered neutral approach continues through the living space, where definition is create by detail and texture. A natural wood theme carries throughout these spaces, too, reminding us of the soaring pine trees surrounding this Edmonds home and the trademark of our beautiful Pacific Northwest region.

I photographed this project in natural light, allowing for the minute textures to shine through. Allowing natural light to dictate the highlights and shadows creates a natural, inviting, immersive experience while viewing. My greatest hope is to convey a feeling through my images, and my best partner in doing so is utilizing light. There are quite a few steps in the editing process to make this approach successful, but it’s so worth it! (Just remind me to sit up straighter as I’m curled over my monitor editing.).

The styling for this project really helped bring the photoshoot to life. Reanna’s team did a great job bringing enough materials to work with. Everything felt native to the kitchen, even if it was produced for the shoot. Between each and every shot, there’s a meticulous rearranging of prop elements. I have my image previews up on an iPad screen, so the styling is truly a team approach. This takes time as well, but creates the most beautiful stories within the photos.

Feeling grateful for a brand new year and all the beautiful spaces I have yet to see!

This project was a winner of the Seattle Design Center NW Design Awards. See more here!

Seattle Commercial Architectural Photographer | MacPherson Remodel

Newport Haven: A Modern Retreat by MacPherson Construction

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph Newport Haven, one of MacPherson Construction’s standout projects. Located on the Eastside of Seattle, this home is a stunning blend of modern elegance and functionality, embodying the essence of luxurious city living.

Newport Haven was designed with a focus on seamless indoor-outdoor living. The architectural elements, from expansive glass walls to the carefully curated material palette, create a harmonious connection between the home and its dynamic urban surroundings. Every detail, from the open-concept living spaces to the spa-like bathrooms, reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.

My goal for this project was to capture the feeling of this dramatic and sweeping space. Each image was composed to highlight the property’s unique features, such as its sleek modern kitchen, unique bathroom, incredible vaulted ceiling and bespoke light fixtures. The natural light pouring into the home played a starring role in the shoot, accentuating the clean lines and high-end finishes that define MacPherson Construction’s work.

What sets Newport Haven apart is its ability to balance luxury with a sense of home. Whether it’s the serene primary suite, the Batman-inspired office, or the entertainment-ready outdoor spaces, this property is designed to elevate everyday living while making a bold architectural statement. Collaborating with MacPherson Construction was an inspiring experience—their dedication to excellence is evident in every corner of this home.

Newport Haven isn’t just a house; it’s a lifestyle. Photographing this masterpiece was a privilege, and I’m thrilled to have contributed to showcasing its beauty and craftsmanship. If you’re as excited by this project as I am, be sure to explore more of MacPherson Construction’s exceptional work at their website.