With Seattle real estate being so competitive and limited, home satisfaction is sometimes best achieved by a renovation approach. When it comes to designing for a kitchen renovation, function and form are key. Sometimes, to move forward with joy, we need to look to the past to take hints from traditional design elements, while tuning them to a modern flow. I loved the way that Reanna Channer of Design to Elevate approached this project.

While the kitchen maintains a mostly while palette, it’s anything but sterile. The layered textures come from the floor-to-ceiling tile, combined with the cabinetry, built-in banquette, and elevated hardware finishes. This layered neutral approach continues through the living space, where definition is create by detail and texture. A natural wood theme carries throughout these spaces, too, reminding us of the soaring pine trees surrounding this Edmonds home and the trademark of our beautiful Pacific Northwest region.

I photographed this project in natural light, allowing for the minute textures to shine through. Allowing natural light to dictate the highlights and shadows creates a natural, inviting, immersive experience while viewing. My greatest hope is to convey a feeling through my images, and my best partner in doing so is utilizing light. There are quite a few steps in the editing process to make this approach successful, but it’s so worth it! (Just remind me to sit up straighter as I’m curled over my monitor editing.).

The styling for this project really helped bring the photoshoot to life. Reanna’s team did a great job bringing enough materials to work with. Everything felt native to the kitchen, even if it was produced for the shoot. Between each and every shot, there’s a meticulous rearranging of prop elements. I have my image previews up on an iPad screen, so the styling is truly a team approach. This takes time as well, but creates the most beautiful stories within the photos.

Feeling grateful for a brand new year and all the beautiful spaces I have yet to see!

This project was a winner of the Seattle Design Center NW Design Awards. See more here!

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.