interior design photographer

Laurelhurst Renovation | Seattle Interior Photographer

I’m so excited to share this renovation with you today! In one of the historic neighborhoods of Seattle, this home got a full lower level refresh with a new kitchen, living room and dining room. It’s beautifully designed for its resident, a baker (who graced us with scones on the shoot day — they were props and then became our snacks!). I worked with the Seattle interior design team Corr & Steele on this shoot day. A wonderful pair, we collaborated on making each shot just perfect.

My approach to photography is all about collaboration and creativity. I focus on maintaining consistency in my work through careful composition, natural lighting, and elevated styling. The best shoots happen when both my client and I enjoy the process of capturing beautiful spaces. I'm passionate about what I do, and shoot days are always enjoyable. By shooting tethered to a screen, we can make small adjustments to styling and composition, resulting in inviting, editorial-quality images. When it comes to editing, I prefer a clean and natural style, with minimal use of Photoshop tricks. I achieve a bright and natural light look without the use of flash, which I feel makes for a flattened image.

I’m based in Seattle but take projects all over! I was recently in Orange County and Atlanta, and often take photography projects in my hometown of Chicago. The best thing about traveling for interior photography work is seeing how architecture and design styles vary depending on the location.

Design: Corr & Steele

Construction: Darren Patt Construction

Bainbridge New Construction | Seattle Interior Design Photography

Capturing the essence of a custom-designed home on Bainbridge Island is an interior photographer's dream. When the design brilliance of Noble Interiors meets the staging finesse of McKith Interiors, we get this — a stunning and unique space that feels anything but builder-grade. As a photographer, stepping into such a thoughtfully designed space means there are few tough angles, and my job is just to compose beautiful images based on light and texture. McKith Interiors reached out to photograph this home in an editorial style. It’s hitting the MLS but real estate photos often display a home in a really specific way, and they wanted their work to be shown in a more lifestyle, natural style. This is my specialty, and I love it when I can show a space in detail with artful compositions. I get even more excited when my clients get excited about this process!

One of the most captivating aspects of photographing this home is the seamless dance between the hard finishes and thoughtful staging. Noble Interiors' design ethos, often rooted in embracing natural elements, ensures that the spaces work with natural light in a tonal quality. This not only highlights the architectural details but also creates an inviting feeling that translates through photographs. At that point McKith Interiors caught the baton and paired the space with artfully crafted furnishings and decor that highlighted the natural beauty of the home, keeping in mind its peaceful PNW setting.

The best part about when the design and furnishings are a perfect match? Editorial-worthy photographs that effortlessly blend the warmth of natural light with the sophistication of a well-staged interior. Each image not only showcases the beauty of the space but also evokes a sense of lifestyle and aspiration. From the soft glow of afternoon light filtering through the windows into the cozy great room to the dramatic interplay of the office through the striking arched glass doors, every moment captured reflects this excellent mashup of light and design.

It was so much fun to photograph this project! Haley McKinley, the owner of McKith Interiors, shadowed me on this shoot holding the “client iPad” where you can see images as I’m taking them. It’s the best way to go about a shoot like this where details really matter and small adjustments to composition make a big difference. With her brilliant eye, we were able to rotate things just a bit or nudge a chair this way or that to create visually balanced editorial images that feel different from traditional real estate photos.

Interior Design: Noble Interiors

Staging: McKith Interiors

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.