Heights House Raleigh: Interior & Lifestyle Photography for a Historic Boutique Hotel

I recently had the chance to photograph Heights House in Raleigh—a historic 1858 Italianate-style mansion turned boutique hotel. From the moment I walked in, it was clear this space is something special. It’s elegant without being overdone, and it feels both elevated and comfortable at the same time.

I was brought on to photograph interiors and lifestyle moments, and to create a short mood video that captured the overall feel of the property. The goal was to show not just what the space looks like, but how it feels to be there.

Design-wise, every detail at Heights House is thoughtfully chosen. The original architecture is stunning—arched doorways, tall ceilings, huge windows—and it’s been paired with timeless furniture, art, and textures that add a sense of calm and warmth. The color palette is soft and neutral, which made it easy to let the natural light and shadows do their thing.

For the lifestyle portion, I wanted to show those quiet, in-between moments: coffee in the parlor, sunlight moving across the floor, a breeze through the open windows. The kind of details that make a stay memorable.

This project was a true favorite—beautiful interiors, a team that really cares about the experience they’re creating, and a space that feels like a hidden gem in the middle of Raleigh.

Luxury Hotel Photography in San Diego | Kona Kai Resort by Emily Keeney

Working with the team at Kona Kai Resort in San Diego was such a great experience. I was brought on to photograph and film their refreshed guest experience — highlighting everything from the suites and spa to their waterfront dining and beachside lounging areas. The goal was to create elevated, lifestyle-driven visuals that reflected the relaxed luxury of the property, and gave future guests a sense of what a stay truly feels like.

I often work with boutique and luxury hotels that are looking for a blend of editorial storytelling and clean, high-end imagery for their marketing libraries. For Kona Kai, we focused on capturing both the design of the spaces and the emotional tone of the experience — sun-washed rooms, cocktails by the fire, slow mornings on the marina. We styled each setup to feel effortless but intentional, knowing these assets would be used across web, social, and paid campaigns.

Alongside the stills, I created a brand video that wove together short lifestyle scenes with ambient resort footage to help convey the rhythm of a day at Kona Kai. Video can be such a powerful tool in the hospitality space — giving a sense of atmosphere, movement, and the overall experience in a way that complements still imagery without repeating it.

You can view the final video here: Kona Kai Resort Brand Film

Projects like this are always a favorite — blending thoughtful styling, intentional pacing, and a strong visual narrative to help a property stand out without feeling overproduced.

West Seattle Interior Photography with McKith Interiors | Seattle Interior Photographer

Spending the day in West Seattle shooting with Haley, the founder of McKith Interiors, was such a reminder of why I love working so closely with designers. We approached every shot together, carefully styling and adjusting the spaces to create a relaxed, lifestyle-driven feel that stayed true to McKith’s clean, timeless aesthetic.

Haley’s vision for interiors is so thoughtful—layered, neutral, and elevated without ever feeling too perfect—and it made styling each corner such an intuitive process. We’d tweak a throw here, adjust a table setting there, constantly looking for that balance between polished and approachable. The natural light pouring into this West Seattle home was a dream to work with, highlighting the beautiful textures and calm palette that McKith Interiors is known for.

As a Seattle interior photographer, these collaborative projects are some of my favorites—where the final gallery doesn’t just document a space but really brings it to life. I’m so excited to share a few of my favorite images from this shoot with Haley and McKith Interiors. You can learn more about their design work at mckithinteriors.com.

Seattle Interior Photography | Traditional Sunlit Kitchen Design

Photographing this Traditional Sunlit Kitchen, designed by Board & Vellum, was such a rewarding experience. The space is filled with natural light and balances traditional detailing with a fresh, livable feel. Every element — from the soft white cabinetry to the warm wood accents — was chosen to create a kitchen that feels timeless without being too formal.

The design layers classic features like detailed millwork, a custom range hood, and subtle marble textures with a layout that feels open and connected. The darker island grounds the space while the lighter countertops and backsplash keep it bright and easygoing. It’s the kind of kitchen that feels welcoming from the first step in — elegant but approachable, with thoughtful touches everywhere you look.

Triple Bottom Line Construction, a Seattle-based builder I've worked with many times, brought the design to life with beautiful craftsmanship and attention to every detail. Their work consistently makes a space feel solid and intentional, which always comes through in the final photographs.

As a Seattle interior photographer, I’m always drawn to projects like this — where great design, natural materials, and quality construction come together to create spaces that feel both beautiful and lived in. It was a joy to capture the way the light moved through this kitchen and the sense of calm the design naturally brings.

You can see more about this project, the Traditional Sunlit Kitchen, on Board & Vellum’s portfolio.