seattle travel

Crafting Brand Authenticity: A Deep Dive into the Influence of Commercial Lifestyle Photography

The landscape of marketing and brand representation is constantly evolving, and visual content stands as a powerful tool for creating a lasting impact. Your brand’s digital visuals are the front door into your brand experience, and give your future customers and clients and sneak peek into their experience with you. It’s something I think about with my clients on a daily basis, and I’m feeling chatty today, so let’s chat commercial lifestyle photography and how it has the potential to elevate your brand aesthetics to unprecedented heights.

A Fresh Approach

We are inundated with images, standing out requires a fresh perspective. In order to participate fully in today’s digital consumer culture, you need marketing that spans high end photography and video and candid, user generated (UGC) content. As a commercial lifestyle photographer, I’m thinking about all of the media channels you use (or will use in the near future) when I’m working. It's more than just capturing perfectly crafted moments; it's about infusing your brand with a distinctive and human vibe that sets it apart in the market.

The Captivating Power of Visual Content

Human beings are inherently visual creatures, and the impact of striking visuals on brand perception cannot be overstated. My approach goes beyond the baseline – I aim to create an emotional connection between your brand and your audience. Through carefully curated imagery, we strive to evoke feelings, tell stories, and leave an impression with your customers.

Making a Lasting Impression

In the fast-paced digital age, attention spans are fleeting. To truly make an impact, your brand needs visuals that resonate instantly. In my decade of experience, I’ve learned what images are worth making and how to compose a shot that endures, shaping perceptions and fostering brand loyalty.

Tailoring Aesthetics to Your Brand Essence

One size does not fit all in the world of branding. Our team understands the nuances of your business, and our photography and content is a reflection of that understanding. Whether you're aiming for sleek and modern or warm and inviting, your brand is welcome. My skills and experience build to a place of getting to know your brand, and interpreting it visually.

Beyond the Ordinary: Creating Shareable Content

In the age of social media dominance, shareability is key. Our commercial lifestyle photography doesn't just stop at creating visually appealing content; it's about crafting shareable moments that resonate across platforms. I keep things in mind like taking shots in multiple orientations for optimized usage across all platforms, from Instagram to email. Elevate your social media presence with images that tell a story, engage your audience, and spark conversations. Your photos are delivered in a user-friendly digital gallery with no watermarks. No confusing back and forth.

Ready to Transform?

Talking brand imagery is my favorite, and even more, meeting my clients and building lasting relationships aligns with my highest values. I would love to connect with you about your business. The clients that I work with range from interiors and architecture to small business to Airbnb hosts, to travel and hospitality, to massage therapists and artists and beyond. Reach out by email at emily@emilykeeney.com anytime.

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!

A Brand New Seattle Beachfront Rental + 5 Tips for a Great Weekend Trip

A weekend getaway to a beach house in Seattle is the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. With our famous rugged coastline, abundant water, and access to a thriving city scene, a weekend trip has so much to offer. Before you go, here is a home tour of a stunning new Des Moines rental and some tips to get the most out of your trip!

  1. Plan Ahead and Book Early: Securing a beach house in Seattle can be competitive, especially during peak seasons. To avoid disappointment, start planning your weekend getaway well in advance. Research and book your beach house rental early to secure the best options. Consider factors such as location, amenities, and proximity to the beach to find the perfect spot that suits your preferences. There are many waterfront areas, some in more urban settings (including houseboats in Seattle!) and some are more remote (Whidbey Island, Vashon Island). This beach house in Des Moines offers a little bit of the best of both worlds. It’s pretty secluded but is a short drive to lots of restaurants and activities.

  2. Pack Accordingly: Seattle's weather can be unpredictable, so it's essential to pack clothing suitable for various conditions. Even during the summer, coastal areas can experience cooler temperatures, fog, and occasional rain showers. Layered clothing, including a light jacket or sweater, will ensure you're prepared for any changes in weather. Don't forget to bring comfortable footwear for beach walks and outdoor activities. And if you forget something, enjoy a visit to the downtown Nordstrom flagship!

  3. Explore Local Beaches and Parks: Seattle is packed with beautiful beaches and parks waiting to be explored. Take the time to discover some of the area's hidden gems. Alki Beach has a boardwalk that feels very west coast and has a strip of tons of restaurants, Golden Gardens Park is one of the only sand beaches in the area (and allows bonfires!), and Discovery Park is a sprawling park with beach access if you’re up for a little hike (or you can vie for the few parking spots available at the beachfront). This house is situated a little ways south of Seattle just next to the Des Moines Marina and beach, which is a beautiful place for walks and tossing rocks.

  4. Embrace Outdoor Activities: Seattle's beach towns offer a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy. Engage in water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or even take a scenic boat tour. This rental comes equipped with kayaks so you can launch straight from shore! If you're an adventure seeker, consider hiking along nearby trails or try your hand at beachcombing. Visit local marinas to rent equipment or join guided tours for a unique experience: Seattle by Pontoon is a great way to take in Seattle views and jump into the refreshing water! If you happen to catch a rainy weekend, the Seattle CityPass is a great way to get into some indoor-friendly activities!

  5. Indulge in Local Cuisine: Seattle is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, and a beach house weekend presents an excellent opportunity to savor local flavors. Treat yourself to fresh seafood and all kinds of snacks at Pike Place Market. Visit the Des Moines Farmers Market for a taste of the region's finest produce. Enjoy a sunset dinner with a view at Anthony’s or have a beachfront picnic on a budget.

Enjoy the home tour of this beautiful new Des Moines rental on Airbnb, and book a weekend trip!

Cle Elum Vacation Rental | Seattle Hospitality Photographer

When it comes to vacation rentals that have everything you need to travel comfortably as a family, Digs Co. has it down pat. We’ve been traveling with them since before our first was born and now as a family of four. In each of the many properties that they host, you can find a welcome basket full to the brim, high-quality finishes and decor, ultra-comfy beds, and luxury perks like hot tubs and game rooms. Having traveled to many Airbnbs and Vrbos over the years, you can always tell when a host goes above and beyond to create an experience, not just a side income.

We stayed in their Sun Country Digs house in November and had a great time. And honestly, that’s saying a lot when you’re traveling with young kids. The kids ran up and down the stairs from the open-plan kitchen/living room (decorated with the most beautiful pops of emerald green) to the upstairs kid-paradise hangout space, featuring oversized bean bag chairs they enjoyed diving into over and over. My husband and I enjoyed being able to see and hear them run a little wild while we relaxed. We spent long nights reading and enjoying the hot tub and going out to eat in the local Roslyn restaurants (Base Camp Books and The Brick are our faves).

Digs Co. properties are always in great locations. In this spot, we enjoyed being nestled into towering pines with only a few quiet cabins nearby. Remote with quick access to amenities, which is key for a traveling family.

I’ve partnered with Chelsea and Luke, the Digs Co. owners, for years, and have had the joy of photographing over ten of their properties. Each one has unique and beautiful interior design, and is so thoughtfully prepared. They set a standard for excellence in the business of short term rentals and make guest experience an art. Creating travel lifestyle content with them is such a joy, and staying with them is always a refreshing highlight that my whole family adores.

You can book Sun Country Digs and check out all of their amazing properties here!