History and Philosophy

ABOUT ME

I’m a full-time cabin and STR photographer based in the Smoky Mountains, with more than 15 years of experience photographing everything from small one-bedroom retreats to high-end luxury lodges.
I live here, work here, and understand exactly what owners, guests, and rental companies need to see in order to feel confident in a property.

My photography is defined by one core idea:
Clean, accurate, inviting images that feel true to the space.

I blend controlled flash with natural ambient light to create a polished look without losing the warmth or character of the cabin. No harsh HDR, no fake lighting effects, and no unrealistic edits. Just real spaces — presented in their best possible light.

My Approach: Real Spaces, Real Light, Real Trust

Cabins aren’t studio sets. They’re places where families gather, couples reconnect, and people make memories.
That’s why I focus on photography that feels natural, believable, and honest.

✔ Clean, controlled flash lighting

Soft, balanced, and consistent from room to room.

✔ Natural color

Wood tones, textiles, and décor are represented accurately — not shifted by filters or presets.

✔ Real window views

If your cabin has a view, it deserves to be shown as it truly appears, not replaced with a fake sky or artificial background.

✔ Full coverage with no photo limits

If it matters to the guest, I shoot it: living areas, bedrooms, game rooms, decks, hot tubs, porches, lofts, pools — everything.

✔ Staging that enhances, not misleads

Basic staging is included: straightening bedding, adjusting furniture, cleaning up surfaces, turning on lamps, and setting the table if dishes match.
For extra polish, I offer 3- and 6-vignette styling packages that add emotional, curated “moments” without over-systemizing your décor.

My goal is always the same — make your space feel welcoming and elevated, but still real.

A Thoughtful, Realistic Approach to AI

AI is becoming a massive part of modern photography. It’s powerful, but I believe it has to be used responsibly.

I do use AI for:

  • Minor touchups
  • Fill-in fixes
  • Fireplace inserts
  • Removing small distractions

These are things that improve clarity without changing the truth of the scene.

I don’t use AI for:

  • Fake window views
  • Sky replacements
  • Dramatic color distortions
  • Artificial scenery
  • Unrealistic lighting

As social media becomes saturated with AI-generated images, viewers are becoming more skeptical — and more sensitive to anything that feels fake.
I believe that long-term success in STR photography will come from trust and realism, not shortcuts.

My philosophy is simple:
Use every tool available to polish the image — but never mislead the viewer.

My Goals as a Photographer

1. Build trust between you and your guests

Accurate photos reduce surprises, improve reviews, and create long-term loyalty.

2. Elevate the visual standard of STR photography in the Smokies

There’s too much rushed, overly edited work out there. I want to set a higher bar.

3. Support rental companies and owners with reliable, consistent media

I want to be a partner, not just a vendor — someone you can depend on year after year.

4. Offer a premium look without artificial tricks

Luxury isn’t about filters — it’s about clarity, lighting, consistency, and restraint.

5. Capture the story of the space

From wide architectural shots to styled details, I want every image to feel intentional and inviting.

How I Got Here

I started photography through real estate work in the early 2010s and gradually realized how much I enjoyed lighting interiors, capturing details, and working with cabin owners. That led me into the STR industry long before it exploded across the Smokies.

Over the years, I’ve developed a lighting approach that blends natural ambience with controlled flash — giving my work a clean, polished, premium feel without ever crossing into the artificial or exaggerated.

After thousands of shoots, I still enjoy the craft. I enjoy the problem-solving, the staging, the lighting, the consistency, and the creative challenge of bringing out the best in each unique cabin.

I’m laid-back, approachable, and easy to work with — but very serious about delivering photography you can rely on.

Let’s Work Together

f you value clean, natural, trustworthy cabin photography that stands out without looking artificial, I’d love to help.