Serene Lakeview Seattle Remodel | Interior Photography by Emily Keeney

Some homes just feel calm the moment you walk in—and Serene Lakeview was exactly that. Designed by Seattle-based architecture firm Atelier Drome and brought to life by the expert team at BrightWork Builders, this full-house remodel was a seamless blend of vision and craftsmanship. Photographing this project as a Seattle interior photographer was a quiet kind of joy—the kind of space that invites you to slow down and really unwind.

As someone who specializes in interior and architectural photography, I’m always drawn to spaces that are both intentional and livable. From the first moment I walked in, it was clear this home was designed with restraint and clarity, allowing light, texture, and proportion to do the talking. The natural palette, soft transitions, and thoughtful material choices all created a visual rhythm I wanted to preserve in every frame.

The collaboration between Atelier Drome and BrightWork Builders was evident in every detail—from the clean lines of the millwork to the way natural light moved through the space throughout the day. The kitchen was a standout for me: quiet, grounded, and effortlessly functional, with warm tones and refined finishes that feel timeless. Hidden storage keeps the sightlines clean and functional.

Photographing homes like this is where my commercial photography work truly overlaps with my love for storytelling. There was no need to overly style or stage—just a deep appreciation for how the architecture and build quality came together to create something serene and lasting. This kind of project is a dream for any architectural photographer in Seattle or beyond.

You can view the full Serene Lakeview remodel on Atelier Drome’s website and in the portfolio of BrightWork Builders. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to capture such a thoughtful collaboration between designer and builder, and to contribute imagery that reflects the calm beauty of this home.

Staying at The Wayback Austin: A Lifestyle Photographer’s Dream in Hill Country

Tucked just outside the buzz of downtown, The Wayback Austin is the kind of boutique hotel that feels like a secret — quiet, warm, and intentionally designed. I came for a weekend away, but it ended up feeling like more than just a stay. As a lifestyle photographer, I’m always drawn to places that evoke a certain feeling, where light and texture come together to tell a story. The Wayback did exactly that.

Set in the rolling hills of Austin’s west side, the property feels like a retreat from the world. The collection of cottages, each painted in soft earth tones and surrounded by oak trees, creates a sense of calm the moment you arrive. It’s a place where time slows down and small details begin to stand out — the way sunlight pours through cafe windows in the morning, the sound of wind in the trees during golden hour, the simplicity of a linen-covered bed in a quiet, sunlit room.

Photography-wise, it was a dream. Every corner of The Wayback Austin felt intentionally designed for connection — not just visually, but emotionally. From the interior styling to the way natural light moved through the space, I found myself reaching for my camera constantly. There’s something about the way light hits white brick walls and bounces off reclaimed wood that makes it easy to fall in love with photographing a place. For a lifestyle photographer, this boutique Hill Country stay offers a perfect balance of softness and soul.

Mornings started at the on-site café with a matcha or espresso, usually taken outside among olive trees and worn wooden tables. I captured a few frames of my coffee in that perfect, diffused morning light — the kind you can’t fake, no matter how good your presets are. Afternoons were for the pool, quiet walks, or catching up on journaling, always with my camera nearby. The golden hour here is unreal. I spent one evening wandering the edge of the property, photographing the way the light filtered through tall grasses and danced across stone paths. It was one of those moments that reminded me why I fell in love with lifestyle photography in the first place.

There’s a comfort in staying somewhere that understands aesthetics without feeling overdesigned. The Wayback is cozy, not curated to the point of being untouchable. It invites you to settle in, breathe a little deeper, and maybe see the world a little differently for a few days. It’s perfect for couples, solo travelers, or creatives looking for inspiration. If you’re ever in search of a boutique hotel in Austin with heart, style, and soul, I can’t recommend it enough.

Places like this have a way of lingering long after you leave. I came home with a full camera roll, a slower heart rate, and a renewed sense of clarity — all the things I didn’t know I was looking for when I booked the stay.