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.

Seattle Airbnb Photographer | The Cabin at Mt. Baker

As a Seattle-based interiors and lifestyle photographer, my work revolves around creating spaces that feel as though they’re alive—authentic, inviting, and true to the personalities they’re designed for. Recently, I had the privilege of working on a project that truly allowed me to do just that: photographing The Cabin at Mt. Baker. Nestled in the stunning landscape near Mt. Baker, this new Airbnb cabin offered the perfect opportunity to combine natural beauty with intentional design.

Working alongside my clients on this project was such a rewarding experience. Together, we worked to craft images that captured not just the look of the space, but the feeling of it—something I always strive for in my work. The goal was to create a set of images that would resonate with the adventurous couples who are sure to visit this mountain retreat, giving them a glimpse into what their stay could feel like: cozy, peaceful, and filled with the promise of exploration. We definitely ate the props. :)

A core part of my approach to interiors photography is harnessing natural light to tell a story. For this project, I was especially excited to work in a cabin setting, where the natural surroundings and light sources played such a big role in the mood of each room. The windows in each living space framed cozy views of the forest, and I used that to my advantage to create photos that were both serene and dynamic. Instead of achieving the brightest possible look to each room, I like to lean into the natural patterns of light so that you can see highlight and shadow in equal measure.

Throughout the shoot, we took time to adjust the light and play with shadows to evoke a sense of warmth and tranquility. I focused on how the daylight shifted throughout the day, casting different tones and reflections across the wood finishes, textiles, and unique design elements. It was important for me to ensure that the photos not only showcased the space but also reflected the feeling of being there.

One of the things I love most about lifestyle photography is how it allows for a collaboration between photographer and client. This project was no exception. We spent time carefully selecting props and details that would bring the space to life—items that felt authentic and in line with the spirit of the cabin. It gets to be such a deep dive of partnership and we honestly had so much fun.

We placed cozy throw blankets, pastries, coffee, and other curated pieces that would make guests feel like they were stepping into a space designed for comfort and relaxation. Each vignette told a story, whether it was the firepit vignettes or the board game compositions. These small touches made a big difference, helping to transform the space from just a cabin into a true retreat.

Along with the still images, I also created a mood video to capture the essence of the cabin. In today’s digital world, motion can add a layer of immersion that static images can’t always achieve. For this video, I focused on the little details: the crackle of a fire, the rustling of leaves outside the window, the ritualistic movement of feeding the fire. It’s amazing to see how moving images contribute to the overall visuals.

Collaborating with my clients on this project was a true highlight of the experience. From discussing the vision behind the cabin to choosing the final props, there was a shared sense of excitement and purpose. We all wanted the same outcome: images that felt as genuine as the space itself, reflecting the adventurous spirit of the couples who would come to stay. It was a partnership that allowed us to bring the cabin’s unique atmosphere to life in a way that feels natural and effortless.

The Cabin at Mt. Baker isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a place to experience the PNW cabin lifestyle in all its glory. My goal was to ensure that the photos—and the mood video—gave a true sense of what it would be like to spend a weekend there. Through careful attention to light, details, and collaboration, we were able to create something that feels as welcoming and inspiring as the cabin itself.

If you’re looking for a space that blends the comfort of home with the thrill of the outdoors, I can’t recommend The Cabin at Mt. Baker enough. And if you’re in need of photography and video that captures not just a space, but the feeling behind it, I’d love to help bring your vision to life, too.

Interested in seeing more of my work? Follow me on Instagram @emilyannekeeney for updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and more.

North Bend Airbnb | Seattle Interior Photography

When I think of a quintessential PNW cabin on a rushing river in the mountains this will now and forever come to mind. North Zen is a cozy respite quite close to Seattle in actuality but really far removed in feeling. The riverfront tranquility is unmatched!

I love how the owners adapted this space to create a restful retreat for Airbnb guests. My absolute favorite feature were the glass sliding doors that separated the cozy living room from the airy bedroom with views of the river. For being a relatively small building the feeling is open and airy. Surrounded by lush greenery, the light inside tends to glow.

I photographed this lovely space in all natural lighting, creating a lifestyle feeling that draws in potential guests. When the interior photographs feel more like a magazine editorial than a real estate listing it’s a good thing! In all of my shoots, Airbnb or interior design based, I love to lean into all the details and create vignettes that strike the viewer and create an emotional response.

You can book North Zen right here!

Seattle Interior Photographer | Whidbey Airbnb

If you’ve ever been to Whidbey Island, you’ll know how magical it is to experience a summer week just across the water from busy Seattle in a whole world of its own. With pastoral views, quaint little towns like Langley and Coupeville, and views of the Puget Sound all around, it’s an idyllic place to get some rest and relaxation.

This Airbnb, sweetly named The Kingfisher, is about 20 minutes from the ferry terminal and down a long private road where you end up in this serene setting right on the waterfront. The tide comes in and out dramatically offering a walkable beach at times, and a refreshing plunge from the seawall at others. It’s a great place to launch a kayak or paddleboard for a quiet moment out on the water.

The interiors of this home were so wonderful to capture! Between the open beamwork and the nearly floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows offering insane water views, there was quite literally no bad angle. The homeowners prepared for this shoot so well by supplying fresh cut (but not too precious!) flowers and plenty of charcuterie supplies and pastries. Orange juice is kind of a magical secret for vibrant photos — the color! Leaning into the styling of these shoots really helps to set the images apart from more traditional looking real estate photos. The goals couldn’t be more different. A lifestyle shoot like this takes time — like a full day! And it’s so worth it to capture the changing light and many beautiful styled scenes in addition to listing photos that show full spaces in full natural light.

I approach most every single shoot with all natural light. We were lucky to have a sunny day for this shoot, but I do the majority of my shoots in the midst of some kind of weather (we are in Seattle after all!). Whether its a hazy marine layer morning or full-on January gloom, bright light is not necessary for stunning interior images because of the technical approach that I use. It’s been tested over many years of photographing throughout the Pacific Northwest (and as far over as the East Coast!) in less than ideal weather conditions. Anything goes!

You can book the Kingfisher right here!