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 Perfect Coastal Retreat 2 Hours from Seattle

Other than being famous for the Olympic Rainshadow, making it unusually sunny for a place in Western Washington, Sequim also might be the most idyllic landing spot for a soul looking for a quaint town and a little peace and quiet near the water.

Haus of Hygge has launched another magical property in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, a veritable dream of a beach house situated on five acres of estuary that heads out into into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A distant lighthouse glimmers over the peaceful water while an occasional ship sails by, amongst a constant flurry of birds dipping and soaring. While the house is a fully-stocked modern retreat, the true magic is in the view and the surroundings.

My friend Sydney and I headed out on a beautiful July weekend to photograph the property and take it in for ourselves, documenting our stay all the while. We traipsed through lavender fields, scored the jackpot of antiques and thrifts, dined al fresco, and cozied up to You’ve Got Mail to the distant tune of lapping waves. To say it was the restorative bliss a busy mother needs isn’t saying enough. You just have to experience it for yourself.

In the mornings we enjoyed fresh brewed coffee as the birds performed their dance. Mid-day we took in the quaint towns of Sequim and nearby Port Townsend. As the evening breeze took hold, we lit up the gas fireplace and enjoyed the combination of fresh sea air and warmth from the fire, fresh from the oversize shower after a hot tub dip.

Two hours from Seattle (either by driving or by ferry), Sequim is situated on the northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. It’s a great stopping point if you’re road tripping around to the coast, but is worth a stay all of its own. Surrounded by literal dozens of lavender fields, a stroll through the mesmerizing rows is necessary during full bloom. (We visited B&B Family Lavender Farm.) Port Townsend is a 45-minute drive along winding country roads, and offers a historical dip into a quaint seaside town. (If you’re looking for an excellent burger high up on a waterfront patio, hit Sirens pub!)

As an interiors and travel photographer, I’ve slowly built a lifestyle of traveling and capturing the unique beauty of spaces all over. For me, the best way to capture a travel destination is by immersing myself in the environment. I love observing how the light changes and brings rooms to life. As we cooked dinner the first night, the most perfect ray of sunlight fell across the countertop as my friend was cutting a red bell pepper. You just can’t plan that stuff! And it truly tells the story of the space beyond your typical interior photographs. It’s the combination of those clean editorial images plus the handheld lifestyle snaps that bring the whole story together, creating an immersive peek into such beautifully curated spaces.

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage is available now to book! More information and booking details here.

Airy Bellingham Airbnb | Vacation Rental Photography

Nestled in the picturesque city of Bellingham, where nature's beauty takes you away from the bustle of Seattle, lies a hidden gem—a short-term rental home exuding bright and airy vibes and adorned with whimsical decor. With lush greenery as its backdrop (it’s surrounded by nature preserve), this charming home invites guests to check out of the grind and into the imaginative state of being that an inspiring and restorative getaway is so good for. This was such a fun home to photograph and brings me to a few key points of a successful short term rental listing photos shoot:

• Embracing Natural Light:

Photographing a bright and airy home starts with harnessing the power of natural light. In Bellingham, sunlight filters through the dense foliage, lending a soft, ethereal glow to the surroundings. Maximize this vibe by opening curtains and blinds to allow ample light to flood the space. Notice the way that light naturally interacts with the space. Turn off the overhead lights and allow for nature’s light source to take the lead.

• Composing the Perfect Shot:

To showcase the whimsical decor and the seamless integration with the surrounding greenery, pay attention to composition. Frame the shot to capture the home's unique elements both in tight composition and in a pulled back shot that gives an idea of the full space. Preserve window views by bracketing exposures, especially when they help tell the story of the space.

• Colors and Textures:

The color palette and textures play a crucial role in the ambiance of this vacation home. Pay attention to the details that the designer painstakingly selected. This house has an amazing juxtaposition of glam and nature, and it’s done really well. I loved the combination of the mirror backsplash with the black marble countertops. In the dining area, an antler chandelier perfectly plays off of floral dining chairs next to yet another pattern in the subtle wallpaper. Incorporating a few of these relationships into a shot brings together the design vision.

• Accessorizing the Scene:

In order to fully immerse the viewer in the home, a few key accessories help to bring the vision together. Adding in a few small lifestyle elements really makes the difference between photos that feel real estate vs. luxury travel and hospitality. A glass next to a book signifies a relaxing place to read. A blanket over an adirondack near the firepit suggests a cozy bonfire.

• Outdoor Oasis:

The beauty of this rental home lies not only indoors but also in the enchanting outdoor spaces. Bellingham's greenery provides an idyllic backdrop, so venture outside to capture the magic of the surrounding nature. Photograph a hammock nestled among the trees, the large lawn perfect for active kids and great privacy from neighbors. Incorporating these outdoor shots into your collection will complete the story of this serene retreat.

This is really just the tip of the iceberg of what goes through my head during a shoot, but it gives a solid starting point to plan a successful shoot! Get in touch if you’d like to bring your property to life through engaging, vivid, bright photography.

This house is offered by Gather Vacations.

Contractor: Bellingham Bay Builders

Design: Andrea Zakharoff

You can book this beauty on Airbnb here.

Captivating the Essence of Spaces: Modern Bright Airbnb Photography

In the world of vacation rentals, Airbnb has revolutionized the way people experience travel and hospitality. From cozy apartments to luxurious villas, Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodation options for travelers seeking unique and memorable experiences. To stand out in this competitive market, hosts and property owners are increasingly turning to professional photographers to capture the essence of their spaces. Over the years, I’ve been working to create modern, bright Airbnb photography that beautifully highlights eclectic design and unique living spaces.

Getting it right starts with the client. Infusing a space with good details are the first step in creating brilliant imagery. The charm of eclectic world decor lies in its ability to infuse spaces with a sense of adventure, culture, and personal storytelling. Each carefully curated piece has a unique story to tell, reflecting the owner's travels, interests, and aesthetic sensibilities. I understand the importance of capturing these stories within the frame, ensuring that this effort and personalization takes center stage in the photography. Whether it's an intricately woven Moroccan rug, a collection of hand-painted ceramics from Mexico, or a display of antique Asian artifacts, the expertise lies in highlighting these treasures while maintaining a cohesive visual narrative.

My signature style revolves around creating modern bright imagery that radiates warmth and positivity. Through skillful use of lighting techniques and post-processing, I enhance the natural light in each space, allowing it to fill the frame with a welcoming glow. This approach not only elevates the visual appeal of the decor but also showcases the unique character and atmosphere of the Airbnb listing. Whether it's a sun-drenched living room, a vibrant patio with lush greenery, or a cozy bedroom bathed in soft light, the photographs breathe life into the spaces, inviting potential guests to envision themselves within these immersive environments.

Beyond the lighting and colors is the power of composition and attention to detail in capturing the spirit of eclectic world decor. Each photograph is meticulously crafted, taking into account the placement of objects, angles, and perspectives that best showcase the personality of the space. By focusing on intricate details such as textures, patterns, and unique design elements, we artfully tells stories through the lens, evoking a sense of wanderlust and cultural appreciation.

Working closely with Airbnb hosts and property owners, I prioritize collaboration and understanding the vision they have for their spaces. We engage in open communication to ensure that their aspirations are captured in the photography. By truly comprehending their design intentions and the target audience of their listings, I deliver photographs that align with their expectations and objectives. This collaborative approach has earned a reputation for not only producing visually stunning imagery but also for creating a positive and satisfying experience for clients.

Airbnb photography has witnessed a transformation in recent years, with hosts recognizing the power of compelling visuals in attracting guests. As an editorial Seattle commercial photographer, it’s my goal to bring a fresh and vibrant perspective to this arena, excelling at capturing the allure of eclectic design and unique spaces. Through modern, bright photography, I create visually striking images that celebrate the unique character and charm of each space. By balancing composition, lighting, and attention to detail, I transform Airbnb listings into immersive experiences that ignite the imagination of potential guests. With a keen eye and commitment to client satisfaction, it’s my goal to elevate the world of modern interior photography, leaving a lasting impression on both hosts and travelers alike.