The Moment It Clicked: What 8 Years of Photography Finally Taught Me
A defining moment in my career—and what it taught me about shooting hotels professionally
From sun-drenched beaches to charming cityscapes, I travel all over the world capturing love and connection in breathtaking destinations. Check out some of my favorite couples' lifestyle photos from incredible shoots across the globe!
In Nashville's vibrant energy, I conducted an exciting photoshoot at Hilton BNA Airport, blending modern architecture with the city's dynamic spirit.
In December 2024, I photographed the Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk, an IHG Hotel. It is located along the DuPage River in downtown Naperville. Its central location provides easy access to Naperville’s Riverwalk and nearby dining and shopping options.
In December 2017, I photographed the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel in Tokyo for VRX Studios. The blend of modern elegance and traditional design offered a perfect backdrop, and the resulting images showcase the hotel's timeless beauty and the vibrant energy of the city.
Photographing AWE Ranch was an extraordinary experience, as this 7,500 sq. ft. property nestled within 358 acres of California’s mountains and desert is as much a work of art as it is a destination. Just minutes from Joshua Tree, the ranch’s innovative design—crafted for artists, creators, and visionaries—challenged me to capture its harmony with the surrounding landscape and its ethos of sustainable, off-the-grid living. From the interplay of light across its modern architecture to the vast, inspiring views, every frame was an opportunity to showcase a property that truly embodies creativity and connection with nature.
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach through a captivating architectural photoshoot. Immerse yourself in a tranquil atmosphere and witness a unique combination of natural landscape and design.
Photoshoot for Core Spaces to produce photographs, videos, and social media content for the Hub Coliseum on the USC Campus in Los Angeles.
Experience the stunning beauty of the Miramonte Indian Wells as captured by renowned photographer Nick Tortajada in this stunning photoshoot. Experience all that the majestic landscape has to offer and create beautiful memories to last a lifetime.
I was privileged to execute a photoshoot for HUB Tampa, which was commissioned by Core Spaces. The shoot aimed to generate both architectural and lifestyle images and videos.
I recently had the opportunity to photograph Oliv Auburn, a luxury student housing development located on the Auburn University Campus by Core Spaces. This unique development provides both off-campus living and on-campus convenience. The beautifully-landscaped grounds provided an amazing backdrop to the luxurious apartments and inviting amenities, like an infinity pool, hot tubs, a fitness center, and plenty of space for outdoor activities. With large, modern interiors and beautiful, contemporary furnishings, it's easy to see why Oliv Auburn has become the premier housing option for Auburn students. I was excited to capture the luxurious amenities, sleek style, and sense of community at Oliv Auburn, and was amazed by the outcome of the photoshoot.
As an architectural photographer, I recently had the opportunity to capture the vibrant energy and beauty of Seattle, Washington in a series of photoshoots. As I explored the city, I found myself inspired by the amazing architecture and the unique lifestyle of its people. From the gorgeous views of the iconic Space Needle to the bustling streets of the downtown area, my lens was able to capture the distinct atmosphere of the city in a way that words could never do justice. In this blog post, I will take you on a journey through my recent photoshoot in Seattle and share with you the unique vibe of the city.
Core Spaces tasked my team to produce photographs, videos, and social media content for the Hub Coliseum Student Housing Development at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. The assignment involved capturing both architectural and engaging lifestyle imagery and video content.
Photography and Video Production for Core Spaces of the second phase of Hub Blacksburg Student Housing Development no the Virginia Tech Campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. The team created architectural and lifestyle photos, videos, and social media content.
Located in Liubei District—40- and 18-minute drives to Liuzhou Bailian Airport and Liuzhou Railway Station, respectively—Hyatt Place Liuzhou resides in a landmark building on the bank of Liujiang River enjoying beautiful waterside views.
A stunning all-inclusive beachfront resort on the most beautiful strip of Punta Cancun, framed by the Caribbean Sea, Hyatt Ziva Cancun is a playful family escape on Mexico’s Yucatan Coast. Experience the Evolution of All Inclusive luxury, where you are inspired to live in the moment. Find your bliss on white sand beaches, and play in the clear-blue waters of the sea. Relax in luxurious suites with balconies and breathtaking ocean views. Indulge your senses at 8 unique restaurants and 3 lounges, featuring local and international cuisines. If you prefer your tastings in a more spirited form, there are 6 bars on property, including a microbrewery! Spend a day to rejuvenate body and soul at the oceanfront spa, with optional massages, holistic body treatments and a hydrotherapy circuit.
Overlooking the sapphire waters of Monterey Bay on Cannery Row, the InterContinental The Clement Monterey waterfront hotel, resort and spa is where beauty and luxury indulge your senses. Whether you are planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or special event, The Clement Monterey is an inspiring Monterey Bay hotel with urban energy, modern luxury, and coastal charm. Escape to the California Coast and feel the spirit of Monterey.
Whether you're traveling with family or friends or flying solo, Hyatt Regency Guam puts you in the heart of the action for your island adventure. Experience the fun and excitement by simply walking around the garden to enjoy the 120 species of tropical plants, feeding the koi fish, lounging around the swimming pool and watching the sunset, or partaking in the many marine activities available at the beach.
While there's lots of off campus housing near University of Arizona, there's only one Hub Speedway, the most upgraded and exclusive Hub ever! Come see for yourself. The new furnishings and resort-style amenities are the best in town and just steps from the U of A campus.
In a stately Parisian building, WeWork La Fayette is six floors of 9th Arrondissement coworking space that’s home to a vibrant community. Nestled just off the Grands Boulevards only a few blocks from Gare Saint-Lazare and the Opera Garnier, companies both small and large from a range of industries come together here to collaborate and create. This was part of a large project across multiple countries to help solidify the brand identity through photos.
Bringing modern Southern hospitality to life through the lens of Wilmington’s past and present, Hotel Ballast is a fresh take on a beloved riverfront gem. The city’s rich maritime history is felt throughout, balanced by new guest experiences, including dining at the riverfront Board and Barrel Coastal Kitchen, lingering over locally roasted coffee at Buffalo Bayou, and savoring stunning waterfront and skyline views from 272 newly upgraded guest rooms and suites.
We worked with the wonderful staff and local talent to produce an uplifted and elevated set of imagery to help reinvigorate the look and feel of the Spa.
Surrounded by rolling fields and rooted in rich history, Lititz is a treasure spot in the heart of Lancaster county. The Wilbur Lititz is located next to trendy eateries, one-of-a-kind bakeries, and the Wilbur Chocolate Museum.
Behind the scenes of a photoshoot for the presidential suite at Hyatt Ziva Cancun. The property wanted to showcase their incredibly vast and beautiful Presidential Suite. It had 3 bedrooms and a master suite, a gorgeous balcony with a hot tub, dining room area, full kitchen, and a private elevator entrance. All this topped off with a butler service!!
Adventure Blog
This is the true beast hike of the Superstitions. If you think Flatiron is a toughy, give this a whirl! You will be poked, prodded, slapped, smacked, jolted, tripped and stabbed the entire way, but rewarded with arguably the finest sights the valley of the sun has to offer: the entire Superstition Ridgeline, Flatiron and the sprawling city to your west, Gold Canyon and Hieroglyphics to the South, the rugged landscape of the Supes to the East, and both Weavers Needle and Four Peaks to the North among many, many other features.
Banjo Bill Picnic Area is a lush, beautiful location with a flowing ribbon of water that blends in with the neighboring Oak Creek Canyon rocks and buttes. You could spend an entire day hopping from one activity to the next on the grounds since they are so varied. Bring a hammock, read a book, bring the taco kit and cerveza; do anything you want in one of Arizona's most beautiful places.
Hiking through a natural environment is more effective than simply taking a stroll through the city. While any sort of walking certainly has physical health benefits, walking through nature has the addition of mental health benefits. Hiking in a countryside environment offers increased mental benefits over walking through built-up areas. In addition, hiking seems to reduce the effect of the part of your brain that brings about bad moods.
Cookstove Trail is a 1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Sedona, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until November. It is a less-traveled short jaunt up a gorgeous, but steep trail with sick views down Oak Creek Canyon looking towards Sedona offering a rare solitude in this area.
In partnership with Vuori, our team put some of the favorite clothing pieces to the test on the famous Phoenix Valley favorite hiking destination: Camelback Mountain. On the summit, there was a mini yoga session that commenced while we waited for the sun to set.
In partnership with NEMO EQUIPMENT, we went to the infamous small island just off the coast of Southern California: Catalina Island. On our adventure, we put their new gear to the test on the varying terrain (while avoiding the ever-growing population of bison).
In partnership with TOAD AND CO., we headed to the beautiful red rocks of Sedona to play its part as the backdrop for the Fall 2017 lineup. The setting played a huge role in balancing the colors of this years wardrobe and the pooch played her role balancing out all of the worries of the world.
In partnership with FORSAKE, we hit the incredibly scenic Boulder Canyon Trail near Canyon Lake that cuts its’ way into the rugged Superstition Mountains located about 45 minutes east of Phoenix, Arizona. Our lucky starts aligned and we set up just in time to catch a killer sunset and woke to an equally ambitious sunrise.
Boast to your friends that you hiked the Tallest mountain in the world, and did it in sandals while getting a tan!Mount Lamlam is 1,332 ft above sea level at its highest point, but, since it rises from the Mariana Trench, it is technically the highest mountain on Earth.
Weavers Needle is one of the most iconic pieces of stone that can be seen from many corners of the Superstitions - now climb it! Loaded with folklore and dangerous tales of gold, this two-piece spire offers the quintessential Sonoran desert adventure.
If you're looking for a great workout with beautiful views, the Cholla Trail is for you. Cholla gains about 1250 feet over 1.42 miles and may not be for you if your'e afraid of heights and look out for the loose gravel. The round trip hike will take approximately 2-3 hours but really depends on your fitness level and how many times you stop to take pictures.
Oliv Hetzel photography and videography project for Core Spaces, completed in late 2024 for Core Spaces. Creative Team: Nick Tortajada and Kevin Kaminski.