Suncadia Interiors & Lifestyle | Seattle Hospitality Photographer

Tucked into the rolling landscape of Washington’s Cascade Mountains, this Suncadia home was a dream to photograph. The light poured in, the palette was warm and grounding, and every room told a story — the kind of project that feels less like work and more like play.

Suncadia, a luxury vacation destination in the Pacific Northwest, hired me to photograph not only the interiors of this beautifully designed short-term rental home, but also the full vacation experience the resort has to offer — from food and beverage to the surrounding natural atmosphere. This was a full hospitality package, crafted to visually express the story of a stay at Suncadia through both space and experience.

I was originally brought on to capture the home for a rental listing, but as soon as I walked through the door, I knew this shoot would be more than just about showcasing amenities. The home had a soul — a feeling of welcome and wonder that’s hard to fake. My goal was to translate that through storytelling images that highlight not just what the home has, but how it feels to be there.

We leaned into a lifestyle-forward approach, capturing quiet moments and thoughtful vignettes: sunlight drifting across the dining table, a cozy reading corner, an open door inviting you out to the pines. There’s something about the scent of the forest air mixing with freshly brewed coffee that I can’t capture in a photo, but I hope you can sense it in the way the light dances through the windows.

This is what I love most about photographing short-term rentals and hospitality brands — the opportunity to elevate listings and marketing content by bringing in warmth, intention, and story. It’s not just about showing what’s available; it’s about helping guests picture themselves already there.

If you’re a homeowner, hospitality brand, or property manager looking to stand out in a saturated market, this kind of storytelling-first photography might be exactly what your space needs. I travel often for work and would love to help you create something beautiful that invites guests in from the very first image.

Location: Suncadia, WA
Photography + Styling: Emily Keeney
See more at emilykeeney.com

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.

Washington Coast Vacation Rental | Seattle Airbnb Photographer

I’ve been following Beachhousewa on Instagram for a while now. I’ve admired the beauty of the homes and the level of attention to detail. It finally worked out for me to stay with them and to photograph their newest cabin listing, the Lewis.

As expected, it was pretty remarkable. The house is not only beautiful, but they’ve truly thought of everything from having an extensively appointed kitchen to a range of media and games to instruments to play during your stay. Best of all, it’s walking distance to the Pacific Ocean.

It was such fun to photograph this space. The abundance of natural light made for light and airy photos, and the lines in all the woodwork were so pleasing — I kept gasping behind my camera. :)

The Lewis Cabin can be rented directly through Beachhousewa here.