hotel photography

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.

Laguna Beach House | Orange County Interior + Hospitality Photographer

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Orange County, Laguna Beach House offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This boutique hotel combines coastal charm with modern comfort, providing guests with a serene haven just steps away from the Pacific Ocean.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the laid-back vibe of Laguna Beach. The hotel's design features clean lines, natural materials, an excellent vintage collection in the lobby (complete with a signature scent!) and pops of coastal colors, creating a space that is both inviting and stylish. Surfer-chic is the overall vibe with kilim rugs, a rack of surfboards, and a shelf of kooky knick-knacks that will charm you.

Laguna Beach House has an old school motel vibe in an updated and fresh sense. Each room has a small shoppable area as well as snacks for purchase. The pool is a very welcome retreat if you wish for a quieter and less windy experience than the beach, which is just a block away.

What truly sets Laguna Beach House apart is its warm and attentive service. The staff is dedicated to making each guest's stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, offering personalized recommendations and assistance whenever needed. Whether you're looking for dining suggestions, planning a day of activities, or simply need extra towels for the beach, the team at Laguna Beach House is always on hand to help.

Laguna Beach House is ideally located for exploring all that Orange County has to offer. Just steps away from the beach, guests can spend their days soaking up the sun, swimming in the ocean, or exploring the nearby shops and galleries. The hotel also provides easy access to popular attractions such as Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and the stunning natural beauty of Crystal Cove State Park. With on-site parking, you can just walk down the street to get to the best Laguna Beach has to offer.

It was a pleasure to photograph this boutique hotel! Thank you for your generous hospitality, Laguna Beach House!

Westin Bellevue | Seattle Travel + Hospitality Photographer

Often when I travel for hospitality and destination photoshoots, not only am I photographing the space itself but also crafting lifestyle images that help to tell the story of the space. In this project with Westin Bellevue, I was able to debut the brand new suite design, and also to photograph the experience of the property. We highlighted in-room amenities like top-notch room service (always fun to flex my food photography muscle!). Westin also has a partnership with Peloton where they will bring one into your room, which we also had to capture. Making commercial photography feel candid and warm is always my goal. I love when brands drift from traditional stock photography goals and incorporate an elevated lifestyle and storytelling perspective into their marketing. This shoot also incorporated some UGC-style images for social media usage.

And yes, it’s me in the shots! I’ve devised a self-portrait system so that I can quickly hop into the frame to bring some human interaction into spaces. It’s a little song and dance but it works! For projects that don’t have extensive budgets for models, I’m happy to stand in.

Thanks for having me, Westin team!