When I started my photography career in 2011 my first real job was shooting listings for Airbnb. I had never photographed a home or interior, but I have always had a love for architecture and interior design… so it felt like a perfect fit. I wasn’t making a lot of money at Airbnb and they put me in the Malibu market which is 40-60 minutes away from my home, but at that time… any money was good money. I learned shooting for Airbnb by trial an error, there was no real training. There was a pdf guide and a lot of direction by the Airbnb photography team. I have since learned a lot and I have developed my own style which seems to be working! I no longer work directly for Airbnb, but most of my clients are short-term rental clients. Non of the photos on this blog were shot directly for Airbnb.
Santa Monica
I have now created a large clients list of short-term rental companies that I shoot for, mostly small independent and individuals, except for The Plum Guide which I just starting shooting for. They are a high-end rental company out of London that has expanded to L.A. and N.Y.
Shooting interiors definitely has it’s challenges, actually every home I enter is unique and who knows what type of light or direction of light you are going to get. I like the challenge, it keeps me on my toes and keeps me learning new ways of shooting. The new style I’m gravitating towards is more of an editorial style, like the photo above. All natural light, soft and lightly staged. This style is what magazines like Dwell, Architectural Digest and Luxe are looking for. I hope to shoot for them soon.
Beverly Hills
I also shoot for real estate agents, remodeling companies and interior designers, every shoot is different. A home being sold for a real estate agent is shot differently than an interior design home and short term rental is shot differently than both. The best shoots are the ones that have been properly styled and are camera ready. Those are the shoots that I can really get creative with, I’m like a kid in a candy store on those shoots!
Lake Hollywood
Like any business there are ups and downs and they all depend on the market. If the real estate market is down so is my business, if it’s off season and no-one is renting their home than it’s slow in that area of my business.
Los Feliz
One perk in shooting homes is traveling! Any time I get a chance to go out to Palm Springs, I’m happy! I also travel to San Diego often. The more traveling the better! I recently was hired to design, stage and photograph ten units in Seattle, that was a challenge and a lot of fun too. The goal is to travel the world by taking photos. You can view my home photography website here
Malibu
