Seattle Interior Photographer | Whidbey Airbnb

If you’ve ever been to Whidbey Island, you’ll know how magical it is to experience a summer week just across the water from busy Seattle in a whole world of its own. With pastoral views, quaint little towns like Langley and Coupeville, and views of the Puget Sound all around, it’s an idyllic place to get some rest and relaxation.

This Airbnb, sweetly named The Kingfisher, is about 20 minutes from the ferry terminal and down a long private road where you end up in this serene setting right on the waterfront. The tide comes in and out dramatically offering a walkable beach at times, and a refreshing plunge from the seawall at others. It’s a great place to launch a kayak or paddleboard for a quiet moment out on the water.

The interiors of this home were so wonderful to capture! Between the open beamwork and the nearly floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows offering insane water views, there was quite literally no bad angle. The homeowners prepared for this shoot so well by supplying fresh cut (but not too precious!) flowers and plenty of charcuterie supplies and pastries. Orange juice is kind of a magical secret for vibrant photos — the color! Leaning into the styling of these shoots really helps to set the images apart from more traditional looking real estate photos. The goals couldn’t be more different. A lifestyle shoot like this takes time — like a full day! And it’s so worth it to capture the changing light and many beautiful styled scenes in addition to listing photos that show full spaces in full natural light.

I approach most every single shoot with all natural light. We were lucky to have a sunny day for this shoot, but I do the majority of my shoots in the midst of some kind of weather (we are in Seattle after all!). Whether its a hazy marine layer morning or full-on January gloom, bright light is not necessary for stunning interior images because of the technical approach that I use. It’s been tested over many years of photographing throughout the Pacific Northwest (and as far over as the East Coast!) in less than ideal weather conditions. Anything goes!

You can book the Kingfisher right here!

Seattle Modern Real Estate Photography | Interior Commercial Photographer

For as long as I can remember, real estate photography has had a specific feel and target outcome. Show the spaces in the sense that makes them the largest and brightest possible, with the most idealized window views. It has worked for decades, but something is starting to shift in the real estate industry. Potential buyers are looking to buy into an experience, which changes the game with photography. When shopping, do we want to be served a routine view into our future residence, or do we want to be compelled with immersive editorial interior imagery to imagine our most elevated sense of living? It’s not surprising that real estate agents are beginning to turn to interior photographers to help their listings stand apart from the competition. Especially in competitive markets like Seattle where buyers are expecting a luxury experience, images with a storytelling, lifestyle vibe appeal to the millennial market.

It was so amazing to work with Michelle and Audrey of Studio Ami on this photoshoot. Each shot was intentionally styled and captured to maximize the lifestyle feel of each space. It’s a really beautiful house that just hit the market in Seattle.

Seattle Airbnb | Interior Commercial Photographer

The first thing I noticed walking into this absolutely perfect Airbnb rental home in Seattle was how well the original charm of the home was preserved in its modernization. We love crown molding AND updated heating!

The owner of this short term rental is a master of curation when it comes to vintage and antique items. Nothing is worse than walking into an Airbnb or VRBO and finding wall-to-wall fresh-out-of-the-box decor sourced exclusively from Amazon. It’s not to say that we don’t need convenience in our choices, but I love a collected space.

For one thing, it’s far more sustainable to repurpose items that are already in existence. There are so many good things already out there! Additionally, curating a space intentionally takes a lot of dedication to the overall balance of aesthetic. When we travel, we want to experience a place or a new city, and the place we stay can be just as meaningful as many of the other destinations and activities.

Think back to some of your favorite vacations and tell me if you can recall at least some details about the home you stayed in. In a world with Airbnbs available around every corner, spaces like this totally stand apart.

Of course, the icing on the cake is photographing it intentionally. In over ten years working with people and spaces, I’ve learned about approaching a space with a curious eye and informed skillset. Creating balanced compositions comes from a large background in art, and telling the story through a branding eye comes from many years of experience. I love the feedback I get from my clients when they tell me their space has rented at a higher rate and higher frequency because of their photography. My personal mission is to embody and inspire joy, and this kind of shoot brings me in such alignment with that purpose.

If you have a space you’ve designed I would love to hear about it! Get in touch via email: emily@emilykeeney.com.

A Desert Oasis in Vantage | Seattle Interior Photographer

Sometimes a little change of scenery is the key to refreshing your whole outlook. It’s easy to feel far away when you head east over the pass to Vantage, WA. Home to The Gorge, many wineries (including Cave B), and stunning desert scenery, you can take in desert sun and colors without traveling southwest.

This new vacation rental, The Wild Horse, is perched on the shore of the Columbia River with sweeping views in all directions from the rooftop deck. The sky is so open. It’s easy to forget you’re so close to Seattle with these vast landscapes.

The desert color palette is brought indoors throughout this bright short term rental home. With tall ceilings and abundant natural light, each room brings its own vibe of desert oasis (and its own attached bathroom!). The black accent walls in two of the rooms make for striking backdrops to the bright accent pillows and cow skull decor. Most unexpected is the family rec room with wall-to-wall window views of the surroundings. From this room, head upstairs to the rooftop sunset deck to take in the changing sky as the sun sinks over the mountain behind the house.

Traveling kids and adults alike will enjoy the party garage with ping pong and other games and a projector for movie nights next to the custom mural. There are musical posters all over the house with special nods to Tom Petty, Neil Young, and other musical pillars of rock.

Perhaps the coolest feature of the entire house is the custom crochet hat wall in the dining area. Made to be interacted with, you can pop out a chic hat for all your desert vibing, or just enjoy for a quick group selfie.

You can book this spot on Airbnb now!