Tacoma Kitchen Remodel | Seattle Interior Photographer

So excited to feature this beautiful home at the Ruston Waterfront in Tacoma. My client, Benchmark Custom Cabinets, installed custom cabinetry throughout the kitchen with sweeping Puget Sound views, as well as other built-in storage solutions in the hallway and library, and bathrooms. I love the juxtaposition of the light and airy kitchen with white marble countertops and gleaming white wooden cabinetry compared to the dark and moody library in black floor-to-ceiling shelves.

I typically do all my photoshoots in totally natural light, but when there are lighting features that create an architectural point of interest in can be worth it to capture in photos. In this case, the cabinet under lighting creates a bit of modern drama in this otherwise classic kitchen.

I really love when there is a feeling of texture and imperfection in client spaces. The library has the homeowner’s impressive book collection as the only source of color, and the almost dizzying effect of the floor to ceiling shelves filled with the collection is stunning. When interior photoshoots capture a bit of life as it really is it makes me really happy. That lifestyle element creates a warmth and relatability to a gallery and makes for a more authentic portfolio.

Enjoy this beautiful project!

Client: Benchmark Custom Cabinets

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

The Lazy Way to Look Put Together

I love a good shortcut. Especially when it comes to getting dressed, I love it when I can feel pulled together quickly and it’s not a giant chore or force of creativity. Some days it’s just function! I still like to feel elevated even if I only spent 30 seconds choosing out my outfit, though, which is where the power of monochromatic dressing comes in really handy.

Pick a color, any color! Today I chose white because a have a zillion white tops, and I’ve just added a pair of white jeans that I like to my wardrobe. Not only will this outfit take me through a video shoot I have later today, but as I sit here at my desk getting work done, I feel a lot more powerful than if I had simply left on my pajamas.

When going monochromatic, having a few good accessories helps to punctuate the look and add some visual interest. I love this new woven raffia bag. I decided to carry the black into my shoes for some nice contrast. I added a few statement jewelry pieces and that’s it! I will say that having a shorter hair style also makes my outfits feel a little more put together. Add that to the long list of reasons to get a bob!

Shirt: Everlane

Jeans: Levis (size up)

Shoes: Sezane

Bag: Quince