seattle lifestyle photographer

Seattle Airbnb Photographer | The Cabin at Mt. Baker

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.

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!

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

Phinney Modern Tudor | Seattle Interior Photographer

This modern Tudor in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge neighborhood is a spectacular example of what happens when a good design and build team put their minds together to create an entirely new space. I couldn’t believe the way they changed the layout of this residence in every single way, still preserving the historical Tudor aesthetic of the home, but making it a way better place to live for the modern era. I don’t think I could pick a favorite spot, but how gorgeous is that entry?! The wallpaper and painted paneling make it such a great way to enter the home every day, and especially when greeted by sweet Nelson (spot her?).

The design was created by Kallan Nelson of Kallan Interiors. Kallan is highly experienced in residential design and it was fun to pick her brain about her process on this project:

"When our clients came to us needing help remodeling their charming 1929 Tudor home, it was clear it needed quite the overhaul but we wanted to make sure it didn't lose its character. We did this by adding archways in the entry and kitchen, selecting timeless finishes like the entry wallpaper and white oak hardwood floors, and keeping with an overall neutral color palette with the occasional pop of color. The guest bathroom being the exception as we saw this as being a fun area to go a little crazy and add mauve tile wainscoting as this was one the clients favorite colors."

The build was done by RW Anderson Homes, and left no detail untended to. The craftsmanship in this home is top notch.

I was really inspired by the arched doorways when photographing this space. Architectural details like this help delineate spaces and create natural opportunities for photo vignettes. These details create visual frames, making glimpses from room to room an actual picture. In my natural light approach to interior photography, one of the challenges is representing the light of a space accurately as it appears to the eye. This involves some technical footwork in capturing many exposures of the same composition and blending them together in my editing software. This creates a true-to-life impression of the space and honors the way the design intended for light to enter the home.

Hope you enjoy this beautiful project!

Design: Kallan Interiors

Build: RW Anderson Homes