Westlake Center | Commercial Architectural Photography

Here’s something a little different! While I’m so passionate to photograph beautiful homes and interiors, I was excited to have the opportunity to photograph Westlake Center, a landmark shopping location in Seattle. What makes this location so special is the monorail ends at its top floor for boarding and departures. Photographing this space was a true exercise in immersing myself into the environment to capture the everyday experience of the property. It was a challenge to compose with people in the moment as they passed. My favorite part was near sunset as the city lights started to glow and the buildings lit up. Catching light trails from cars under the moody skies was a great way to wrap up this shoot.

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.

The Coziest Mt. Rainier A-Frame 90 Minutes from Seattle | Seattle Airbnb Photographer

A few days before my 33rd birthday, my friend Katherine and I took to the mountains for a quick girlfriend’s getway weekend to a super cozy cabin near Mt. Rainier. When the owners reached out for new listing photos I jumped at the chance to get out into the fresh air and get in some quality time with my friend (which can be so hard when you have a young family at home!). Along with photos, I like to offer lifestyle photos of short term rental properties. It really helps to bring the space to life and the creative opportunities are endless. It ends up being a ton of work (thinking of making each moment a beautiful photo) but it’s a lot of fun, and it’s rare that I can stay in that level of artistic flow for such an amount of time. Luckily, my friend Katherine is a producer and enjoyed helping and generously doing more than just keeping me company!

I loved having a few different outdoor “zones” to hang out and work in. The grill/picnic area is on one side of the house, and the fire pit and chairs are on another. Behind the chairs is just… wilderness! We even had a little family of curious raccoons peep their heads out of the bushes, but quickly lost interest when they found no chance of being fed s’mores from our stash.

Katherine and I also relaxed and caught up a ton during this trip which I really treasure. After I put my camera gear away we sat in the chairs and talked for HOURS until the mosquitoes made feast of us. You know those great late night looooong conversations with a good friend? GOLDEN — especially in my 30s when life is super busy with family and work. It was a great reminder that your friends see you through so much life and so many changes, and that they’re worth their weight in gold and more.

If you’d like to take a trip yourself you can find the Airbnb listing here!