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!

Laguna Beach House | Orange County Interior + Hospitality Photographer

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Orange County, Laguna Beach House offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This boutique hotel combines coastal charm with modern comfort, providing guests with a serene haven just steps away from the Pacific Ocean.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the laid-back vibe of Laguna Beach. The hotel's design features clean lines, natural materials, an excellent vintage collection in the lobby (complete with a signature scent!) and pops of coastal colors, creating a space that is both inviting and stylish. Surfer-chic is the overall vibe with kilim rugs, a rack of surfboards, and a shelf of kooky knick-knacks that will charm you.

Laguna Beach House has an old school motel vibe in an updated and fresh sense. Each room has a small shoppable area as well as snacks for purchase. The pool is a very welcome retreat if you wish for a quieter and less windy experience than the beach, which is just a block away.

What truly sets Laguna Beach House apart is its warm and attentive service. The staff is dedicated to making each guest's stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, offering personalized recommendations and assistance whenever needed. Whether you're looking for dining suggestions, planning a day of activities, or simply need extra towels for the beach, the team at Laguna Beach House is always on hand to help.

Laguna Beach House is ideally located for exploring all that Orange County has to offer. Just steps away from the beach, guests can spend their days soaking up the sun, swimming in the ocean, or exploring the nearby shops and galleries. The hotel also provides easy access to popular attractions such as Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and the stunning natural beauty of Crystal Cove State Park. With on-site parking, you can just walk down the street to get to the best Laguna Beach has to offer.

It was a pleasure to photograph this boutique hotel! Thank you for your generous hospitality, Laguna Beach House!

Seattle Modern Real Estate Photography | Interior Commercial Photographer

For as long as I can remember, real estate photography has had a specific feel and target outcome. Show the spaces in the sense that makes them the largest and brightest possible, with the most idealized window views. It has worked for decades, but something is starting to shift in the real estate industry. Potential buyers are looking to buy into an experience, which changes the game with photography. When shopping, do we want to be served a routine view into our future residence, or do we want to be compelled with immersive editorial interior imagery to imagine our most elevated sense of living? It’s not surprising that real estate agents are beginning to turn to interior photographers to help their listings stand apart from the competition. Especially in competitive markets like Seattle where buyers are expecting a luxury experience, images with a storytelling, lifestyle vibe appeal to the millennial market.

It was so amazing to work with Michelle and Audrey of Studio Ami on this photoshoot. Each shot was intentionally styled and captured to maximize the lifestyle feel of each space. It’s a really beautiful house that just hit the market in Seattle.

Seattle Airbnb | Interior Commercial Photographer

The first thing I noticed walking into this absolutely perfect Airbnb rental home in Seattle was how well the original charm of the home was preserved in its modernization. We love crown molding AND updated heating!

The owner of this short term rental is a master of curation when it comes to vintage and antique items. Nothing is worse than walking into an Airbnb or VRBO and finding wall-to-wall fresh-out-of-the-box decor sourced exclusively from Amazon. It’s not to say that we don’t need convenience in our choices, but I love a collected space.

For one thing, it’s far more sustainable to repurpose items that are already in existence. There are so many good things already out there! Additionally, curating a space intentionally takes a lot of dedication to the overall balance of aesthetic. When we travel, we want to experience a place or a new city, and the place we stay can be just as meaningful as many of the other destinations and activities.

Think back to some of your favorite vacations and tell me if you can recall at least some details about the home you stayed in. In a world with Airbnbs available around every corner, spaces like this totally stand apart.

Of course, the icing on the cake is photographing it intentionally. In over ten years working with people and spaces, I’ve learned about approaching a space with a curious eye and informed skillset. Creating balanced compositions comes from a large background in art, and telling the story through a branding eye comes from many years of experience. I love the feedback I get from my clients when they tell me their space has rented at a higher rate and higher frequency because of their photography. My personal mission is to embody and inspire joy, and this kind of shoot brings me in such alignment with that purpose.

If you have a space you’ve designed I would love to hear about it! Get in touch via email: emily@emilykeeney.com.