lifestyle 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.

Asri Homes Launch Collection in Chicago | Commercial Interior Photography

Every so often, I get the chance to collaborate on a project that aligns perfectly with my passion for storytelling through photography and design. When Asri Homes reached out to photograph their launch collection, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Their vision of blending sustainable, modern luxury with timeless design resonates deeply with my approach to capturing interiors and lifestyle moments.

Though I’m based in Seattle, my commercial photography projects take me far and wide to capture the essence of brands and individuals. The project took me to my hometown, Chicago, a city known for its iconic architecture and vibrant creative scene. The excitement of boarding the flight wasn’t just about heading to my favorite city—it was about working with a company where sustainability and innovation in design takes center stage. Asri Homes embodies this spirit, creating spaces that are both aspirational and inviting. Asri partners with artisans with family-owned workshops to create their pieces, which you truly have to see to believe (throwing no shade to my own photography work here!).

Asri Homes is redefining the modern home experience in the sustainable space. Their launch collection is a stunning representation of thoughtful design, where every detail—from the textures and materials to the flow of the spaces—is meticulously crafted by hand. These pieces are not just pretty objects to live with; they are pieces that inspire, connect, and elevate everyday living.

The photoshoot itself was so much fun. Each piece told its own story, and my goal was to translate that narrative into imagery. The shoot was very much lifestyle-oriented, focusing on how these pieces invite elevated everyday living. The Asri team was so fabulous and the shoot felt like being with old friends.

With Asri, I styled vignettes to emphasize the aspirational yet attainable quality of the collection. From cozy reading nooks bathed in natural light to open-concept spaces designed for gathering, every shot aimed to highlight the personality and functionality of the collection. The Asri team was incredible to work with, and their attention to detail comes through not only in their collection, but in the production of the shoot environment. We captured this collection at Subtle Haus, a beautiful co-working space and creative studio downtown. The floor-to-ceiling windows made for such beautiful natural light.

This project was a true highlight of my year, and I’m excited to see how Asri Homes continues to shape the landscape of modern living. If you’re as inspired by their vision as I am, I encourage you to explore their collection here.

Thank you, Asri Homes, for trusting me to capture the heart of your launch collection. Here’s to more opportunities to tell the stories of extraordinary spaces!

Seattle Interior Photographer | Suncadia Modern Farmhouse

Are you ready for this one? I was so excited to capture the new and beautiful Suncadia Farmhouse, situated in the new Cabins at the Farm development in Suncadia Resort.

With a perfect balance of modernity and warmth, this home is situated on a nature preserve, giving incredibly peaceful views of a vast field backed by Cle Elum mountains.The combination of modern and bohemian styles creates an inviting atmosphere in this short term rental, with a design plan by Jessica Nelson. As an interior photographer, I strive to capture the unique character and charm of the home with the use of clean and natural light. I approach each room differently, bringing out the best features, both big and small.

When I’m able to combine listing photos with lifestyle, editorial photos I’m able to feature an effortless blend of modern travel vibes, making it look inviting and comfortable. It’s one thing to see a beautiful home through listing photos, and another to visually experience it through the lens of a lifestyle shoot inspired by magazine editorials and lifestyle blogs.

Don’t hesitate to check out this house for your next Suncadia visit on Roam.